Volunteer of The Year – 2024

By Lena Kozubek

The Chimps May be Strong, but the Volunteers are the Backbone!

Volunteers serve as the foundation of our efforts. So many empathetic human beings take their time to serve a mission that may be bigger than themselves. We acknowledge our volunteers’ efforts by honoring them at our annual Volunteer Luncheon, where we provide awards and recognition for those that go above-and-beyond. This lunch also allows the volunteers to get together.

It is very difficult to pick out award recipients. All of our volunteers work very hard! Yet we also need to recognize those that have devoted parts of their lives for the chimps. Kathryn Durham (our wonderful Volunteer Coordinator) beamed when presenting the awards and bragged about the Volunteer of the Year (VOY) who took initiative to train new volunteers, embraced various roles, and had committed over 800 hours last year.

Our VOY Award for this year was granted to Catharine Dunlap, who was completely shocked! To honor her experience, we asked Catharine some questions about her time here.

Project Chimps Gives Catharine Full Bragging Rights!

Q: How long have you been volunteering at Project Chimps, and how often do you volunteer?
A: “I started in 2020, so approximately four years ago. I started because I went to Discovery Days and ever since then I was hooked. I go in every Thursday, and if I could go in an extra day or two I do so.”

Her empathetic heart made her shy away from volunteering at other animal sanctuaries as she would always want to take them home! Here, she knew she couldn’t take the chimps with her, and so Catharine was excited to come in and be part of the team.

Chimps Have Family Groups and the Volunteers are also Family!

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
A: “Just being there and helping take care of the chimps and team. The work I do allows the staff to do other work for the chimps.”

It is not only the chimps that have family groups. It is clear that the volunteers have become close as Catharine excitedly spoke about the team. “They are fabulous…all they talk about is the chimps… they live and breathe chimps.” The dedication and love that the volunteers have for one another, and the animals is undeniable!

Q: What has been the biggest challenge volunteering?
A: “Not having more hours to do it! I would be there 24/7 if I lived closer.”

We Have Something for Everyone!

Q: If you could offer any words of encouragement or tips to those looking to volunteer, what would they be?
A: “To volunteer, but be prepared for the hard work.”

Despite the diligent care that is required to take care of the chimps, Catharine emphasizes how volunteering is worth it. Project Chimps has something for everyone, from the kitchen to the gift shop, and to other types of enrichment and opportunity! Catharine appreciates how you can “find your strength and find an area where you can thrive” when volunteering.

Embracing the Moment

Q: Volunteering allows us to help the chimps. But how have the chimps helped you?
A: “Everything around me comes to a standstill when I volunteer, and my focus is on them. They keep me grounded and I learn how fortunate I am to spend time with them.”

In an age where focusing on one thing can be a bit difficult, Catharine embraces the beauty of the chimps’ simple life, and how she is part of the mission in helping continue the chimps’ fortunate journey to relaxation and retirement.

Q: How do you feel about earning this reward?
A: “I was floored. There are so many amazing volunteers, and getting the reward is truly an honor. It inspires me to volunteer harder.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the community that is reading this blog?
A: “Donate! Anything you can contribute, either through our Amazon Wishlist, becoming a sponsor, or donating funds directly allows us to provide care. Educate yourself on chimps and be involved if you can.”

Get Involved

As a volunteer, you receive a ton of perks that range from free tours, discounts in our gift shop, and to be a part of a community that cares for chimpanzees. We welcome all skills and any hours that you can contribute.

Would you like to serve the greater mission and help chimpanzees? Apply here!