2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

SAVE THE CHIMPS

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animals, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Mission: To provide and build support for permanent sanctuary for the lifelong care of chimpanzees rescued from medical research, entertainment and the pet trade.

Community Stories

53 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

cheryllee Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2024

Save the Chimps is an amazing organization with a single focus - the well being of the Chimps in their care. The Chimps are healthy and happy living on their islands.

medtechwi Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2024

This is a fabulous organization. They take outstanding care of the chimps. They are well organized, take wonderful care of the facilities, have great personnel and volunteers and have great communication with everyone. They have fantastic training for volunteers and have many tasks a volunteer can perform. They love their chimps and have many activities they can perform to challenge them, keep them entertained and content. Wonderful organization. Their medical care of the chimps is also outstanding.
Debby Schoengarth, volunteer

narmatas2024 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/26/2024

I am a volunteer at Save the Chimps so I get to see how well this organization is run from the inside.

Keby Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2024

I have recently had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer at Save the Chimps Sanctuary. Previously, I had worked at other pet shelters and wildlife rescues in various capacities.

My experience at Save the Chimps was the most interesting and exciting, by far.

I am amazed at the history of the sanctuary and how it has evolved to meticulously care for approximately 225 chimpanzees who are all now living their best lives. The efforts of the management, veterinarians, staff and volunteers provide daily quality loving care and necessary enrichment to all the resident chimps. I most enjoy observing the chimps in their natural habitat and witnessing their facial expressions and joyful behaviors. It's better than people watching at the airport!

I love this organization and it's mission!

Kathy E.








megarterburn Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/24/2024

I have been volunteering at Save The Chimps for 1 year. The care takers are amazing caring people. They give the chimps the ultimate care each day. The chimps are all finally living their well deserved best life thanks to Save The Chimps Santuary.

susanaarrass Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/26/2024

It is wonderful to be able to support such a valuable nonprofit that is making a wonderful difference to the lives of the chimps that they have rescued.

pezz9413 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/21/2024

Wonderful place that provides great care to chimpanzees. Caring for over 200 chimps that were abused isn’t easy. Save the chimps does a remarkable job. I’m glad places like this exist to help save and protect those without a voice. Its an awesome organization and I will always support STC they are earth angels

aubreyboyle Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/20/2024

I love the mission of this organization as an animal lover and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to these animals that historically gave so much to humans.

tom1nys Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/16/2024

Just a wonderful sanctuary that lets the chimpanzees live out their life with respect and dignity. The staff there is very kind and wonderful. I started volunteering there last year to help out there wonderful cause.

plas22 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/15/2024

When I volunteer at Save the Chimps, I, like all employees and volunteers, are connected by the two-way radios we carry. As I listen to the calls asking questions or for assistance, I am struck by the cooperation and caring shared by all. Not only have the chimps found families, those who work and volunteer at Save the Chimps have formed a family. Their love for the chimps in their care is all too evident.

kleverserica Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/15/2024

Volunteering at Save the Chimps has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The care and attention given to these chimps is remarkable and the story behind this organization is heart warming. Knowing that my time directly contributes to such a worthy cause fills me with joy and purpose. I feel so fortunate to have such a cool and interesting place to volunteer right in my own community. It's a privileged to give back and make a meaningful impact where it's truly needed.

emirell11 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/15/2024

I have been working at STC as a volunteer for a few years now and it is so great to be involved with such a great sanctuary with such great people that are totally dedicated to the chimps and their physical and psychological well being . The chimps are living their best lives after some difficult and even horrible pasts. I do work for shelters around the country and this is one of the best hands down.

Previous Stories
1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2023

As a long time animal lover, I was looking for a good way to volunteer my time. I had previously volunteered at a local zoo but I was looking for something more when I discovered Save The Chimps. Having worked with Rescue groups for many years, I was especially impressed with their mission statement, and once I started volunteering, I was even more impressed with the staff of hard-working, dedicated lovers of chimpanzees as well as the facilities, the history, and the residents , and how well they seem to do . As a sanctuary they provide a final forever home , excellent, veterinary care and enrichment , and every opportunity to integrate with other chimps and other chimp families, truly a great place to volunteer, and for donations that actually do things for the intended animals

lsmartin Donor

Rating: 5

07/12/2024

I have taken a tour of this worthy charity. 100% care is given to these chimps.. from basic care, medical care, to enrichment activities. The chimps look very happy and well adjusted

1

marathoner824 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/17/2023

I have been volunteering at Save the Chimps for just over a year. I feel privileged to be a part of this outstanding organization. The care and love that goes into each and every chimpanzee is bar none. I am so happy to know I help in some way as the staff works extremely hard to make sure the chimpanzees get the highest level of care. Save the Chimps Sanctuary is truly a beautiful place for the chimpanzees who are rescued from very horrific circumstances. Their lives are turned around and now they have a chance to be in as natural an environment as possible with plenty of space to roam and communicate, play, groom, etc with other chimps!

1

juliaeisiminger Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2023

They staff have an eye for detail and extreme care for the chimps.

1

Donnalenchuk Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2023

Save The Chimps is a wonderful organization. The care and love the staff gives to these rescued chimpanzees is incredible! As a volunteer, it's been an amazing experience. The vet techs in particular, are so warm and makes you feel like you are part of the team. The volunteer orientation is so organized and thorough. It's a great place to volunteer!

1

lhuff Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2023

I am very grateful to be a volunteer at save the chimps. The employees are very professional and hard working. A very special place. Save the Chimps is excellent in every way!

1

skycopcp Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2023

When I first heard of this nonprofit, I attended a members day. That was all I needed to be hooked.Since then, I have been volunteering on a regular basis doing everything I can to assist these chimps in their final journey where they are free to roam and live a stress free life.

Staff works very hard to keep their lives fulfilled with health foods, enriching devices and toys to keep them occupied. I encourage folks to attend a members day, or visit the website. As they exist strictly off donations, its vital to send what you can.

1

Ruby1970 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2023

Save the Chimps is a fabulous organization, that provides sanctuary to over 200 chimpanzee's that were at one time either used in medical experiments or were privately owned. This organization provides beautiful islands for the chimps to live on along with the care they require and deserve. I proudly support this organization and their mission.

1

sreed39 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2023

Save the Chimps is one of the most amazing rescues I've ever had the pleasure of being affiliated with. Every staff member and volunteer I've met and seen interact with the chimps, genuinely care about their happiness and wellbeing. The organization strives to create a natural, stimulating (both mentally and physically), home-like environment free from abuse and neglect.
I've been a rescuer for more than 20 years with countless organizations but this one stands above all with the care they demand for the chimps safety.

1

dinnimae Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2023

My heart has always been with the animals. Being retired, I wanted to give some of my time to help an organization that worked to save and improve the lives of animals. Save the Chimps fits that description in a way that makes me want to contribute to the wonderful program for these deserving chimps.

1

rossetro Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2023

I love volunteering at Save the Chimps! The chimps are so well cared for and it's clear the keepers really love them. Every Sunday, while I hang laundry, I see different enrichment devices in their backyards. There's always a few chimps having fun with their enrichments. I even had the privilege of making enrichment toys (pom poms) for the chimps. What a thrill to see the chimps enjoying them. I also love watching the chimps and discovering their personalities. I think everyone knows how smart they are, but when you see them figuring out something for themselves in person, it's so special! Not only is it rewarding to volunteer here, it's great exercise. Oh, and I must mention, the keepers are always so appreciative of my help. That warms my heart.

2

ruthmccarty Donor

Rating: 5

01/31/2023

these are beautiful creatures and they deserve sanctuaries from labs and poor living conditions

2

Veggiegirl1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/07/2022

A real privilege to volunteer at save the chimps. Learning their stories, the hard work that goes into their care. How lucky the chimps are to live in paradise. Kudos to them for doing such a great job.

1

lmkalb123 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/07/2022

I have the rewarding opportunity to be a volunteer. This has been a dream of mine come true. To see firsthand the new loving safe place, they have to live at Save the Chimps. Each chimp had a difficult start in life. But to see the kindness of the staff, volunteers, and all the thoughtful donations their future is bright. My experience is one that will always be in my thoughts and heart.

MDMitchell Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2022

I am proud to say that I have worked as a volunteer for Save the Chimps for almost five years. I have witnessed changes along the way but always with continued advancement toward improving the care and wellbeing of its resident chimpanzees.

The dedication, commitment, and hard work of everyone involved with Save the Chimps is exceptional. Everyone from the caregivers, to the highly-skilled veterinary team, to the professional kitchen staff, to those who ensure the physical safety of the chimps and staff, and those in administration – these individuals care about what they do and how they do it. It is an understatement to say they are passionate about the contributions they make to Save the Chimps. It is also a testament to Save the Chimps to have such dedicated employees and volunteers but also companies and organizations outside the sanctuary who step up to help.

Employees and volunteers are continually looking for even better ways to provide a rich and safe environment that enhances each chimp’s way of life. Individuals from different departments consult with specialists and other sanctuaries to build on Save the Chimps’ systems and practices. There is always a quest to continually improve the lives of each and every chimpanzee!

1

dmartin3176 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2022

Save The Chimps is such a great organization! The staff always puts the care of the chimps at the forefront and treats everyone with kindness. I volunteer and the staff, whether I've helped them or not, always thanks me for my time and effort. It's a tough job to care for 220+ Chimps, but everyone knows the mission and works very hard to see it through. This sanctuary is top notch

1

Tacie Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I have been a donor and volunteer for over 10 years. Save the Chimps is an outstanding organization providing world class care and sanctuary for hundreds of rescued chimpanzees. Being involved with STC has been a personal pleasure and honor. It has had a huge impact on my life.

1

dougieFresh13 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

Save the Chimps is very special place. It is near and dear to my heart. I volunteer there 2 days a week and any other tasks they might have that come up. The staff is amazing and the care they give the Chimps is second to none. I feel Blessed to be a small part of their world.

1

TshirtCathy Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I first heard of this amazing organization in 2019 when I was looking for a local hands-on nonprofit organization to support at a concert I produced. I was totally impressed with the Save the Chimps mission and the people involved with making it work. I have recently become a volunteer there to help pay back a debt I feel we owe these cousins of ours. Their goals continue to remain steady, to create life-long sanctuary with a high quality of life and excellent care for this community of chimpanzees. I am forever changed for the better by this experience. Thank you, Save the Chimps! Keep up the good work!

marathoner69 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

Save the Chimps is such a wonderful organization as it provides a nurturing, caring environment for over 200 chimpanzees. These beautiful creatures are rescued from having been used for research, pets, and the entertainment industry, all very cruel and inhumane practices. Now these chimps have a second chance of life on 150 acres of land, and the environment is similar to what they would have in the wild. The staff and volunteers are all so caring and give these special animals lots of love and care!!

Wildles Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

This Sanctuary is Platinum standard! The chimpanzees, and staff and volunteers, safety, care, health and security are top priority! I have been volunteering at Save The Chimps since 2007. It has been a wonderful experience and I feel lucky to be a part of it! I met Bobby in New Mexico, he was waiting for his turn to take the chimp migration to Florida. (They could only take 10 chimps at a time) He was depressed, confused, self mutilating and traumatized from his past abuse as a "research subject". We were preparing meals for the chimps and they wanted Bobby to "feel better" so he stayed in the kitchen with us in his transport cage. Well, He came to Florida and he is thriving! He enjoys other chimps and does not harm himself anymore! This is where I learned and came to understand the meaning of a True Sanctuary!

flalarry Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

Watching the chimps in their new beautiful home as compared to the previous home where they were subjected to cruel testing and horrid living conditions. You can see how happy they are in their new home and how they have developed new families. It just puts a smile on your face. and theirs too.

Traciw1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I’ve been a volunteer since 2013 after having witnessed a migration in 2006 as we were relocating to FL … driving the interstate near Ft Pierce we looked up and saw the migration truck with chimps visible through windows! ❤️ We were curious and investigated what we saw & learned about the sanctuary. Eventually I volunteered & over time I managed to set up a produce donation with a Target that I was affiliated with and also went into the community schools and businesses to speak out for them . It’s been a gratifying experience to spend time learning about the San yams their chimp residents. I encourage anyone to consider donating or volunteering if you haven’t yet. It’s been one of the most life changing experiences ever comparable to my long marriage and having a child ❤️.

JimDillon Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I am a fortunate person in that I spent more than 30 years working with great professionals and more years than that volunteering for numerous worthy Not For Profits. I can honestly say my time at STC has given back to me more than any other volunteer group I’ve been a part of.

rogeragau Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I have been volunteering at Save the Chimps for approx. 6 months. The the dedication to the mission from the staff is amazing. Everyone is engaged in providing the chimps with the best standard of care available. The best aspect is to see how happy the chimps are, and how much they enjoy their bonds with the other chimps and the staff as well.

jreed12 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

I started as a volunteer at Save the Chimps a month ago. This is a tremendous non-profit that has helped rescue nearly 230 chimpanzees that had been used and misused in biomedical research, military research, pet trade, and entertainment industry. Some were captured as infants in Africa; most were kept isolated in small cages. Now at Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, they run and play free on outdoor inlands. The staff and volunteers are amazing; taking on the incredible care, feeding, cleaning, and medical treatment of these rescue chimps. I hope to help as a volunteer for a long time. Prof. John Reed

dreamer01 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

Save the Chimps provides an awesome environment and high-level care to more than 220 resident chimpanzees, many of whom are elderly, with multiple medical issues. Some chimps have "special needs" as a result of horrendous mistreatment from labs. Save the Chimps caters to them as well. I'm impressed with the natural environment that was created for these chimpanzees as a place to live out their lives and the additional enrichment structures and activities that are provided. As a result, the chimpanzees are thriving.

I volunteer for several other organizations, but Save the Chimps is tops when it comes to how they treat those who volunteer. They go out of their way to express their appreciation and accommodate the schedules and skills of us volunteers.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2021

All the staff at Save the Chimps are awesome! It is obvious they care so much for the rescued chimpanzees in their care. Additionally, of all the nonprofits with which I volunteer, they treat volunteers the best and show their appreciation in myriad ways.

lmelud Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2022

Like many people I followed the career of Dr Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees. When I found an opportunity to volunteer at Save the Chimps I was hooked. It has been a great experience seeing the mission of this organization in action. The chimp residents live in family groups on large island habitats. Although they live in captive conditions and don't face the same challenges as chimps in the wild, they are provided with enrichment to challenge them mentally and physically. They can also decide for themselves where to hang and who to interact with. Lucky for me a few chimps always come to supervise my laundry duties. Some demand to see all angles of my boots, some just want to say hello or show off their toys, and others watch from a distance. Its been a wonderful enriching experience.

RyRat80 Donor

Rating: 5

10/20/2021

Save the Chimps is an incredible non-profit that clearly takes great pride and care in the work they do. It’s very clear that they work their hardest not to interfere with the chimps retirement / daily lives at the sanctuary in any way at all - unless necessary for medical intervention. Every staff member we have interacted with has been lovely and demonstrate a strong passion for their work.

jspect19 Donor

Rating: 5

10/13/2021

I recently learned about Save the Chimps and became a donor. I appreciate that this is a true sanctuary, and the chimps are living out their retirement and not on “display.” I love their “Happy Friday” emails, I always learn something new. Thank you for the work that you do!

STC123 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/11/2021

Save the Chimps (STC) has created the most amazing environment for our chimpanzee residents. At the sanctuary, we provide the nourishment they need, both physically and psychologically, so they can walk the path toward their own recovery – escaping their difficult pasts. I was involved pre-sanctuary (pre-1997), when Carole Noon, a neighbor & friend, was working on her PhD, to later become Dr. Carole Noon, Founder of STC.
She hoped that one day she could offer a retirement sanctuary to 1 or 2 lucky chimps. She obviously exceeded even her own expectations when she founded and then worked tirelessly for STC’s residents. The sanctuary provides a place for healing and lifelong care.
We have the backing of a dedicated group of individuals committed to the mission---the Administration, Staff, Volunteers and Board –all have their hearts in the right place.

JanetMcCartney Board Member

Rating: 5

10/06/2021

Save the Chimps is what I consider a true sanctuary to be. The utmost respect for the resident chimpanzees is evident in every way, primarily in the decision to allow the chimpanzees to live the balance of their lives with dignity in a safe habitat that does not depend on revenue from visitors in its funding formula. They are not on display to humans and have been able to form troops and establish social bonds that are so important to the well being of chimpanzees. After years of service to humans, they are now living their best lives that is possible in their retirement.

timcwu Board Member

Rating: 5

10/05/2021

Provides lifelong care to these amazing animals who would otherwise face uncertain fates ranging from neglect to euthanasia. A truly one of a kind life changing facility that provides a unique service to Great Apes in need. Serves as a model for other animal rescue facilities to follow.

rosestreet Board Member

Rating: 5

10/05/2021

Love Save the Chimps! They are doing work to give the chimps the best life possible and the staff and volunteer are incredibly committed to the mission. There is no better place for captive chimps anywhere!

cobussd Donor

Rating: 5

09/23/2021

Doing amazing things rescuing chimps from labs, the entertainment trade and pet trade

stanwix Board Member

Rating: 5

09/22/2021

The chimps are given a beautiful environment to live their lives out with dignity and peace. The use of canals instead of walls to keep the chimps enclosed lets them see the horizon and not feel trapped. It's truly breathtaking.

BrianFlorida Advisor

Rating: 5

09/15/2021

I've been involved in this organization for several months. Great group of people who truly care about their cause. The chimps are great and Save the Chimps focuses on giving them the best life, not putting them on display as many organizations like this do. Keep up the great work!

4

sammieandabby Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/01/2017

My husband and I have been volunteering with Save the Chimps since March 2017.

This sanctuary is a wonderful place for chimpanzees to live out their lives. Many were rescued from medical research, the entertainment industry, etc. So many have been mistreated or abused.

The employees truly care about these animals. They speak of them like they are family.

There are so many volunteer opportunities available from office work, preparing food and treats, lawn maintenance, etc. Volunteers are crucial to the success of this organization. I would encourage you to volunteer if you can.

As with any non-profit, it takes connections, resources and money to fulfill the mission. We support Save the Chimps financially, by fund raising and volunteering. Truly a great organization.

6

Michelle180 Donor

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

It is so heart warming to know there is a great sanctuary available to provide a beautiful home for the hundreds of chimpanzees who were rescued from bio-medical labs. THANK YOU SAVE THE CHIMPS!

31

Becca A Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/17/2011

I was first told about Save the Chimps from a friend of mine who lives in Colorado. I discovered that the sanctuary was only 30 minutes from my home town in Florida. I couldn't wait to see if they would accept volunteers. That was over a year ago and I've been helping out at Save the Chimps ever since. I'll never forget the first day I was taken to see some of the residents. Looking into the eyes of Ron, a chimp who shares the same name as my dad - well, he had a thoughtful look that was irresistible to me. And Ron had been subject to terrible treatment in his past. Never would have known it from looking at him in his peaceful Florida home. Here's to Save the Chimps! Can't wait to get back and help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches again soon!

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