Project Chimps Blog

By Lauren Vogel At Project Chimps, every space tells a story. Care, creativity, and the people who show up for our organization shape each one. One of those stories belongs to Jack Stowers, an Eagle Scout whose dedication and problem‑solving skills brought a unique new addition to our sanctuary. For his Eagle Scout project, Jack…

As winter rolls in, we humans bundle up in coats, hats, and scarves to fight off the chill. Many mammals do something similar—though in their own way.

June 10, 2025, Kelly McDonald from Oakland Zoo in California visited Project Chimps and went on a tour with Holly Lickteig, Manager of Husbandry. Kelly has been working with chimps since about 1981 and has experience working at both Yerkes National Primate Research Center (now the Emory National Primate Research Center) and the Oakland Zoo. The…

Many former research chimps don’t experience their first time outside until arriving in sanctuary. But why do some choose to stay inside?

This past summer, I met Arrow Swearingen, a dedicated Scout working on her Gold Award at the Project Chimps Remembrance Garden. The Gold Award is the highest honor in Girl Scouting, recognizing girls who complete a project that makes a lasting positive impact on their community. Arrow created an arbor, benches and informative signs for…

By Alyssa Burlison Is trekking with chimpanzees in Africa on your bucket list? Or are you searching for a meaningful weekend getaway in the U.S.? The Project Chimps hiking trails in Blue Ridge, Georgia, offer a rewarding experience for animal lovers, eco-tourists, and nature enthusiasts alike. These scenic trails have a requested $2 donation for…

On a quiet evening in early October, the forested grounds of Project Chimps glowed with candlelight as staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to honor the life of Dr. Jane Goodall.

By Alyssa Burlison The thoughts racing through my mind felt like hundreds of tight, tiny knots before my visit to Project Chimps. As I stepped onto the plane to Chattanooga, I carried the weight of a recent loss. My dog had just been diagnosed with cancer, and potential changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act…

Meet Dr. Jenny Jaffe—Project Chimp’s new Veterinary Medical Director, and learn about how she is shaping the medical program at the sanctuary. 

Are you interested in experiencing wildlife uniquely and excitingly? Project Chimps has just the thing for you—the brand-new Banana Bus! You and your friends now have the opportunity to hop on for a special tour of the sanctuary nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Chimpanzees like to grub on a variety of foods. Some groups of chimpanzees eat up to 200 kinds of different foods. Like us humans, chimps are known to be omnivores.

By Morgan Kelly At Project Chimps, Kirk has the chance to live long and prosper. We’re looking forward to celebrating his 40th birthday on July 27th!  Project Chimps’ Captain Kirk  Kirk is the alpha of the Chimps Ahoy villa. That’s why we call him Captain Kirk! But he’s not exactly like the dramatic, headstrong captain…

By Morgan Kelly Chimps may be cute, but they’re also strong. It’s dangerous to keep them as pets or house them without proper safety measures. We’re committed to keeping both the chimps and their caregivers safe. That’s why we have so many safety protocols during feeding time, positive reinforcement training, check-ups, and all around the…

IT’S WORLD CHIMPANZEE DAY… AND WE’RE CELEBRATING WITH SOME BIG NEWS!!! This past week, we welcomed six new chimps to sanctuary! That’s right! Our transport team made the trek to the lab in Louisiana for an overnight transport (to travel in the cooler evening temperatures). Project Chimps now welcomes Johnny, Roy, Tony, Orpheus, Adam and…

By Rachel Dragas Meet Sheila Botton, the artist behind Project Chimps’ Remembrance Garden Sculpture, and learn about its inception, design, and future installation. Meet the Artist Sheila Botton fondly recalls a childhood book about endangered species, gifted by her parents in the late ’70s. Filled with drawings and facts about these animals, it sparked her…