Volunteer Program
Project Chimps is currently recruiting volunteers who can commit to a consistent schedule of 4-hour shifts twice a month.
We encourage you to register today. Our volunteer shifts generally fall between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In the following areas:
- Chimpanzee Care
- Chimpanzee Enrichment
- Administration
- Fundraising
- Communications/Marketing
- Photography/Videography
- Events/Outreach
- Facilities/Maintenance
- Landscaping/Gardening
"Volunteering at Project Chimps has been an amazing life changing experience for me. As many volunteers often say "it's our happy place". I myself enjoy giving educational tours, preparing chimp meals/enrichments, working public events and the "creme de la creme" ...assisting the caregivers with cleaning the villas. This "life changing experience" is knowing I truly make a difference for these grand primates who have given so much of themselves for humans. All of our chimps have a piece of my heart."
DEBRA BARTON
Volunteer since 2018
Volunteer Program Levels
Project Chimps currently has a three-level volunteer program based on experience and interest. Level 1 or “red shirt” volunteers assist with all duties except chimpanzee care.
After 100 hours of experience, volunteers are invited to promote to Level 2 or “yellow shirt” status, which allows them to assist caregivers in cleaning the chimpanzee villas and providing food and enrichment for the chimpanzees.
With 250 hours of experience, volunteers may pursue Level 3 or "purple shirt" status. These volunteers will specialize in one area of the sanctuary and will be the Volunteer Leaders responsible for training new volunteers and supervising other volunteers in their department.
Please note that neither volunteers nor staff have direct physical contact with the chimpanzees.
Step 1: Apply Today
Submit your online application today! New volunteers are required to attend an orientation session as outlined below. There is no cost to apply.
Step 2: Attend a Volunteer Orientation
New volunteers are required to attend a half-day orientation session at or near Project Chimps. The orientation fee is $25 which includes a red Project Chimps Volunteer t-shirt, a name badge, and access to our online training programs. The orientation fee may be discounted or waived on a case-by-case basis, upon request.
2024 Volunteer Orientation Dates:
- Thursday, March 14
- Tuesday, May 7
- Monday, July 8
- Tuesday, August 27
- Tuesday, September 17
- Saturday, November 9
- Tuesday, December 10
Note: You must have an application on file to attend an orientation session and dates are subject to change. Applicants will receive the time and details from our Volunteer Coordinator via email. Registration for orientation sessions are first-come, first-served and space is limited, so please RSVP early.
Volunteer Groups
Project Chimps welcomes volunteer groups for half-day and full-day projects. Corporate and non-profit groups of 6 to 30 individuals may assist our team with facilities maintenance, gardening, chimpanzee enrichment, and special events. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to arrange a date and activity.
Visiting Volunteers
Project Chimps offers week-long Volunteer Vacations! Programs include Chimpcation for adults and Spring Brachiate for college students.
Questions
If you have additional questions, please email us today.
Won't You Help?
This project would not be possible without our many generous individual supporters and volunteers. We rely on donations to fulfill our mission, including caring for our existing residents and expanding the sanctuary to accommodate those chimpanzees still waiting in the lab.
Won’t you help us bring the remaining chimps to sanctuary by supporting Project Chimps today? Please donate today because...