Project Chimps Blog

As an animal lover and avid traveler, my TikTok feed is filled with dreamy eco-lodges—from giraffe-viewing suites in Kenya to kangaroo encounters in Australia. But did you know you can have a similar experience right here in the U.S.? Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Project Chimps offers a one-of-a-kind Airbnb stay inside a chimpanzee sanctuary. That’s right—you can sleep just steps away from 101 rescued chimps. I came for the primates, but I left with a deep love for Blue Ridge.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In the same vein, it takes a village of deeply passionate and dedicated individuals to run Project Chimps. Two of those individuals are Dawn and Jim Greenway, a couple who made the leap from part-time to full-time volunteers in 2025.

By Alyssa Burlison Looking for a vacation that’s educational, fun, and environmentally conscious? Project Chimps offers all that and more with their immersive chimpcation experience. This one-of-a-kind getaway lets you spend a week volunteering at a chimpanzee sanctuary nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. During your chimpcation, you’ll engage in meaningful conservation…

Every day at a chimpanzee sanctuary begins with the same question: How do we help these incredibly intelligent animals live full, engaging lives? At Project Chimps, enrichment is a core part of our mission. We work to ensure that every chimp is stimulated socially, cognitively, and physically.

Project Chimps’ Chimp Challenge course is an exciting new way to test your climbing, problem-solving solving and teamwork skills while making a difference.

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.