The Center for Great Apes (centerforgreatapes.org) offers a permanent sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees that have been retired from entertainment or research work, or are no longer wanted as pets. The heavily wooded habitat near the small community of Wauchula in south-central Florida has grown to more than 100 acres since it was established, in 1993. There, 45 great apes, many of which would not have been accepted by zoos because they were raised around people, live in a dozen large, domed enclosures with running room and space for climbing and swinging. A unique system of elevated tunnels lets different ape groups circulate through the compound, which also features a special-needs habitat for handicapped and older apes.
Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which ranks not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest ranking.
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