A Head for Figures, A Heart for Animals

Project Chimps volunteer Sandi Boone has always been an animal lover; and while she has a background in accounting, she may have never calculated that her love for chimps would multiply exponentially.

It’s difficult to not fall in love with all 59 residents of Project Chimps, but one former research chimp in particular is extra special to Sandi.

Inspired by Noel

“Noel has my heart. She’s so enthralled with children. [She is] very happy and very personable,” said Sandi.

Twelve-year-old Noel has been retired at the sanctuary for just over one year. Her caregivers describe her as playful, energetic, and the peacemaker of her group of nine females. Sandi recounts that on one particularly eventful tour of the sanctuary, during the fall Chimp or Treat open house, Noel gave a curious group of kids an experience they will never forget.

As the three young human primates pressed their noses to the viewing window into the chimps’ forested habitat, Noel playfully displayed with a swift kick to the window. The children intuitively understood that it was a playful gesture. As one of the experienced Project Chimps tour guides, Sandi most enjoys sharing these special and exciting moments with children.

Counting Bananas

Sandi began volunteering at Project Chimps in 2017 by preparing meals and enrichment. She has always had a heart for animals and previously worked in finance at a wildlife conservation organization as well as Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida. During her time crunching numbers at the zoo, Sandi helped to care for two young Coatimundis (South American raccoon) named Scout and Lolly, but she had never been close to a chimpanzee.

“I didn’t know a lot about chimpanzees,” said Sandi. “The reason I wanted to get involved was because I loved what [Project Chimps] is doing for them. With my non-profit background, I wanted to be able to help. I know non-profits are always stretched thin.”

Helping People Help Chimps

As her love for chimpanzees grew, so did Sandi’s involvement in the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary. In addition to counting fruit, she also takes board meeting minutes, does data entry, calls donors to thank them for their support, and updates medical records for the veterinarian department.

Sandi’s experience in zoo administration gives her a clear understanding of the amount of work that goes into running an establishment such as the sanctuary. “I wanted to do something to help special people who are passionate about what they do. I know they are overworked and I wanted to help them,” said Sandi.

A Love of Animals

During her time at the zoo, Sandi had the opportunity to travel to Africa. She led Photography Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana to promote conservation in the areas visited. While there, she went on safaris during which she experienced the beauty and diversity of the savannas. Her favorite animal from those trips is the now-endangered African Painted Dog.

Back at home, she found a passion for another species – horses. After volunteering at Wild Horse Rescue in Mims, FL, Sandi ended up with two horses of her own. “I was 55 and had never owned a horse. Now I have two,” said Sandi. She currently has a rescued mustang named Cherokee and a quarter horse named Sammy.

When she started as a volunteer at Project Chimps nearly two years ago, Sandi knew she had to do something to help the passionate staff. “I’ve been enthralled with Project Chimps and knowing that we’re taking in these lab chimps and providing a forever home. I get very emotional when I read their stories,” said Sandi.

Sandi has a husband named Rob, two grown children named Jason and Bryan, and two grandkids.

Project Chimps is always seeking new volunteers and interns and, occasionally, a staff position opens up for a chimpanzee caregiver or caregiver aide. You can also become a sponsor for a chimp like Sandi’s personal favorite, Noel.  A chimpanzee sponsorship makes a meaningful and memorable gift for a friend, loved one or for you!