Project Chimps Blog

By Morgan Kelly Project Chimps is the newest chimpanzee sanctuary in the United States. Read more to learn about one of the many ways you can support our efforts to provide lifelong care to chimpanzees retired from research.  Make a Difference with Project Chimps  Project Chimps currently houses, feeds, and cares for over 90 chimpanzees…

By Morgan Kelly When you hear “Project Chimps,” you probably don’t think of bees, right? Or geese? You think of chimpanzees. But chimps aren’t the only critters here at the sanctuary!  If you’re ever on a hike here in Morganton, Georgia, you might see deer, wild turkeys, or even a bear. Chimps are obviously the…

By Morgan Kelly This year, Project Chimps is getting both a new garden installation and a cozy kitchen makeover! We’ll be relocating (and upgrading) our walk-in cooler and freezer in order to add more space for meal prep. What do chimps eat? If you’ve ever cooked your own meal or baked a cake, you know…

On April 12, 2025, Duncan Lawrence’s Eagle Scout project came to fruition at the enrichment building at Project Chimps. 17-year-old Duncan is with Troop 101 of Blairsville, Georgia, and was the brains behind creating a display of enrichment items. The Scouts mounted this display on the enrichment building between the garage doors. It included examples…

By Morgan Kelly At Project Chimps, teamwork makes the dream work. On Saturday, April 19th, we held our annual Volunteer Luncheon, where we celebrated the hard work of our amazing volunteers. We also recognized those who really went above and beyond this year with awards for most chimp care, kitchen, and vet care hours. We…

By Morgan Kelly The chimpanzees (and humans) here at Project Chimps are getting a new interactive garden installation! Just like humans, chimps love fresh vegetables, roots, and fruits. Well, most chimps do (Kirk might show you otherwise). But most of us here at the sanctuary are super excited for the property’s newest addition! Thanks to…

By Morgan Kelly Brave New Bo  Bo is one of the bravest chimps here at the sanctuary. He’s the alpha of the Cedar Tree Villa, which means he’s the big guy in charge. But with great power comes great responsibility. As the alpha, Bo has to settle arguments in his group and chimps settle arguments…

By James Oatis At Project Chimps, giving former research chimpanzees a comfortable and enjoyable retirement is not just our mission, it’s our passion. While much can be said about the chimps themselves, it’s the support and love from staff and volunteers that is the foundation of Project Chimps. Chimpanzee care is a very intensive and…

By James Oatis Have you heard about a chimpanzee painter? Chimpanzees are the closest animals to humans as they share 98% of our DNA. Because of this similarity, and their obvious intelligence, anthropologists and scientists became curious if chimpanzees had a sense of artistry. The answer to this question is very complex and can be…

By James Oatis Chimpanzee intelligence is not in question here. In scientific circles, a common fascination comes from the intelligence of animals. From elephants to dolphins, scientists have found many animals that have gained a reputation for being wise or smart. It is important, however, to distinguish human and animal intelligence as most of the…

Every sponsor has a story, and we’re grateful to each person who opens their heart to a former research chimp. Today, we’re honored to introduce Reia, who’s sponsored chimp Amy for almost six years.

By Morgan Kelly What better way to celebrate the coming of spring than with an Easter egg hunt? Maybe with an egg hunt at a chimpanzee sanctuary!  On April 12th, we held our first annual Easter Egg Hunt at Project Chimps. Visitors spent the morning joining in on some spring-related fun, learning about the sanctuary…

By Morgan Kelly On April 25, 2025, Project Chimps resident Rusty turns 40! As the oldest chimp at the sanctuary, Rusty holds a special place in our hearts. But rest assured, he’s no dinosaur—even though he sounds like one with his iconic “Rusty Roar”! We’ll celebrate Rusty’s birthday with a special dinosaur birthday party.   A…

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a chimpanzee and wondered what stories they hold? At Project Chimps, a sanctuary nestled in the mountains of Morganton, Georgia, you can visit and find out!

Just like people, chimpanzees’ friendships are important as they care for each other, as seen by behaviors and time spent together.