My Nonprofit Reviews
Melanie B
Review for Center For Great Apes, Wauchula, FL, USA
Since my opinion has not changed, I'm reposting my review from last year, but updated: As a retired ape keeper with 30+ yrs of experience, I have never seen a better facility for apes. Not open to the public, only supported by donations and a few grants, Patti Ragan has taken on 45 (currently) lifelong dependents. Average yearly care is more than $15,000 yearly (more for special needs, like epilepsy drugs). I was so impressed by the work here that I moved to the area when I retired, to help in any way I can. The oldest resident is 52, the youngest is 7, and can potentially live into their 70s! Zoos constantly balance needs of the public vs animals needs - not true here. All funds go toward care of the apes - and every decision is made by asking what is best for this individual.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Center For Great Apes, Wauchula, FL, USA
As a retired ape keeper with 30+ yrs of experience, I have never seen a better facility for apes. Not open to the public, only supported by donations and a few grants, Patti Ragan has taken on 44 (currently) lifelong dependents. Average yearly care is at least $15,000 (more for special needs, like epilepsy drugs). I was so impressed by the work here that I moved to the area when I retired, to help in any way I can. The oldest resident is 51, the youngest is 6, and can potentially live into their 70s! Zoos constantly balance needs of the public vs animals needs - not true here. All funds go toward care of the apes - and every decision is made by asking what is best for this individual.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...seeing Linus, an orangutan who spent more than a decade in a dark basement garage, feel rain on his face - it seems like a small thing, but for a rainforest animal, it was a wondrous event. ...seeing Angel, a female chimp whose trainer was taken to court for animal abuse, become the most popular female chimp at the Center - all the boys want to hang out with her!...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure they have an endowment sufficient to provide for lifetime care for these apes, and the others that still need to find sanctuary here. Find the funding to complete the orangutan habitat that is needed for our maturing males, who are not compatible as adults, and build another chimpanzee habitat for those animals still on the waiting list!!
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
What is unique about this organization?
personal attention and putting the needs of each ape first
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
