Project Chimps’ Chimp Trails Annual Pass
If you enjoy hiking and want to support former research chimpanzees at the same time, you should know about the Project Chimps’ Chimp Trails Annual Pass.
Project Chimps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for former research chimpanzees in need while educating and inspiring humanity. The Chimp Trails are a network of four hiking trails located at the Project Chimps Sanctuary. The Chimp Trails Annual Pass is a new, more convenient way for hikers to support Project Chimps.
Where to buy and how to use the Chimp Trails Annual Pass
You can order the pass online or pick it up onsite at the gift shop for $25. It’s a cling on decal that goes on the window of your car. It’s not a sticker, so it’s easy to put on and remove. Once you have the decal, you can park your car in the main hiking trail lot and walk up onto the hiking trails. The Chimp Trails Annual Pass is good for a full calendar year from the day of purchase, so you’re guaranteed the same length of time regardless of whether you’re purchasing the pass in January or December.
There are many benefits to purchasing the Chimp Trails Annual Pass. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorites to help you determine if the annual pass is right for you.
For your convenience as a regular hiker
For daily visitors, Project Chimps requests a suggested donation amount of $2 per hiker to help support the chimpanzees’ care and ongoing maintenance of the trails. If you buy the Chimp Trails Annual Pass, that means you don’t have to drop a donation every time you come to hike the trails. It’s an easy one-time payment for those who are frequent visitors or who would like to bring family or friends.
To practice hiking more (and maybe see chimps)
If you’re trying to get outside more, buying the annual pass is the perfect way to motivate yourself. And the more you hike the Chimp Trails, the more you support Project Chimps, and the more likely you are to see chimps in the Peachtree Habitat from the overlook! If this is your goal, the best time to see them is most likely in the winter around lunchtime.
The trees and bushes typically block the view into the Peachtree Habitat for most of the year. But if you bring binoculars, there’s always the chance to see some chimps from Cedar Tree villa crossing Skylar’s Bridge that leads into the Annex. The best time to see them crossing the bridge would be right around 10:30 am through lunchtime.
To support Project Chimps
As a non-government funded nonprofit, every dollar we raise goes directly towards supporting the chimps we care for. It costs roughly $39,000 a year to take care of just one chimp, and right now over 100 of them live in the sanctuary. Buying from or donating to Project Chimps helps us fulfill our mission to provide exemplary care to chimpanzees in need while educating and inspiring humanity.
How hiking supports the sanctuary
In addition to helping provide crucial funds needed to support the chimps and their care through donations, hikers who visit the Chimp Trails also help spread the word about the sanctuary and our mission at Project Chimps.
The more people who visit the trails or talk about it to their friends, the more people will learn about our sanctuary and the work we do here to care for these chimps. And if more people learn about the chimps, then our hope is that more people will feel inspired to give and help support these chimps who have been through so much.
Other ways to support the sanctuary
If you aren’t a hiker or live too far to make regular use of the Chimp Trails but still want to help, one of the most powerful ways you can support the sanctuary and the chimps who live here is by making a donation or sponsoring a chimp. Another option is to support the sanctuary with a tribute gift or naming opportunity! There are several different opportunities you can choose from, including mural panels, picnic tables, viewing windows, and benches, including some on the Chimp Trails!
Finally, another way you can help is by helping spread the word. Word of mouth is by far the most effective way to advertise that we are here, we need donations to care for the chimps, and to come visit us.
Hit the Trails, Help the Chimps
Hiking the Chimp Trails is a great way to support Project Chimps while enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You should consider buying the Chimp Trails Annual Pass if you are a frequent visitor looking for a more convenient way to support the chimpanzees.
