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Chimpcation Weeks

Come to Project Chimps and spend a week at the chimpanzee sanctuary. Whether you come with a friend, in a group, or by yourself, we welcome you! Our volunteers come from all walks of life and from all around the world.

There are a wide variety of activities on each trip, and there is always something for everyone to do. If you are a college student, explore our Spring Brachiate vacation.

Review the FAQs here.

Volunteer and Vacation

You’ll volunteer for four days at Project Chimps 230+ acre sanctuary in Morganton, Georgia, near the scenic town of Blue Ridge and stay at a nearby hotel, motel or cabin of your choosing. On your free day, evenings and optional weekends, you’ll have time to explore, hike, kayak, shop and dine in the beautiful mountain areas that surround the sanctuary.

The Experience

Most trips last five (5) weekdays with weekends used for additional vacation time or travel. Volunteer experience days start at 9 AM and end at 4 PM with lunch provided onsite. Your five-day Chimpcation experience includes:

  • Keepsake volunteer bandana and a backpack;
  • Vegan lunches on each work day;
  • Exclusive one-hour Chimp Chat with our chimpanzee experts;
  • Participation in Project Chimps special events;
  • One “free day” for off-site activities of your choice;
  • Access to online training courses (two will be required before arrival);
  • Tools, safety equipment, training and supervision; and
  • Trip planning guidance (link to airport, train, bus, lodging, etc.).

Chimpcation registration is $1,150 per person and include all on-site activities, transportation, and some meals.

Chimpcation crews are responsible for paying for travel to and from the project location and for food not otherwise listed above. Registration fees are the same for every service week offered.  Registration fees are due one month before the start of your trip. See information below about reserving your desired week. Project Chimps is a non-profit organization. The registration fee helps offset the costs associated with coordinating our volunteer vacation trips and ensures that we can provide quality programs while also providing quality care for the chimpanzees.

The registration fee and travel associated with your volunteer trip may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

Many companies will provide paid time off for volunteer work, match your volunteer registration fee, and even match travel expenses incurred to volunteer.  See if your company has a Matching Program.

Chimpcation groups are limited to six (6) participants per trip. You’ll make new friends and work side-by-side with members of our staff and experienced volunteers.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are welcome, with prior approval, if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children will require adult supervision at all times while on sanctuary grounds. Please inquire before registering.

No Experience Required

Never worked with chimpanzees or at an animal sanctuary before? We welcome you! Volunteer vacations do not require any prior experience, just a good attitude and a willingness to get a little dirty!

Tools, training, and supervision are all provided by Project Chimps. And while you’ll see chimpanzees in their outdoor habitat during your visit, there is no direct contact with the chimps for their safety and yours.

Guest Requirements

  • Individual participants must be at least 18 years old. Children between 12 and 18 are welcome by prior arrangement if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • All participants must be able to show proof of a current tetanus, covid, and flu vaccinations, and provide proof of a negative TB test within 12 months before their service week. Individuals who cannot provide proof of these medical requirements may still participate in the service week but will not be permitted in certain locations and/or activities due to the zoonotic risk for the chimpanzees.
  • Most activities will be outdoors and require moderate levels of physical activity. Please let us know if you or anyone in your group requires special accommodations.

Lodging and Transportation Options

Project Chimps is located approximately two hours north of Atlanta, Georgia, and two hours southeast of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The sanctuary sits on 236 forest acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.

Air Travel: If you’re traveling by air, you’ll find many flight options via Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Chattanooga Airport (CHA) is another option, though flights are limited.

Lodging: There are many convenient and attractive lodging options here! Choose the accommodations that suit your preferences and budget. There are a wide variety of hotels, resorts, motels, private cabins, and camping sites to choose from in the area. Here are a few we recommend:

  • There are three ways you can register for Volunteer Vacations:

    1. Online: Select your preferred week and follow the link to register today.
    2. Mail: Download the application form and mail with a check made payable to Project Chimps, PO Box 2140, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
    3. Phone: Call (706) 374-3675 to register by phone.

Now that you’ve signed up for a Volunteer Vacation, view our Trip Resources information to plan your trip, get answers to common questions, and get ready for fun

Amy spent her first nine years in a research facility. She now has a forever home at Project Chimps.
Amy spent her first nine years in a research facility. She now has a forever home at Project Chimps.

This project would not be possible without our many generous individual supporters and volunteers. We rely on donations to fulfill our mission, including caring for our existing residents and expanding the sanctuary to accommodate those chimpanzees still waiting in the lab.

Won’t you help us bring the remaining chimps to sanctuary by supporting Project Chimps today? Please donate today because...

It's Their Time To Live

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