SAY IT ISN'T SO DR. OZ!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

 

While health food gurus and cosmetic companies are pushing the benefits of palm oil, the demand for this product is actually pushing wildlife and local communities out of their tropical forest habitats. Even the famous Dr. Oz had recommended the use of Palm Oil, though I’m sure he was unaware of the disastrous consequences to wildlife and the environment. The use of palm oil as a biodiesel is on the rise. In addition, it is significantly contributing to the release of climate warming gases.

Indonesia, the leading supplier of palm oil in the world, is now emitting more greenhouse gases than any other country except China.



        

FROM THIS                                                                                         TO THIS

 

Among the endangered species affected by deforestation due to palm oil production are the Sumatran Tiger and the Orangutan. As you may know, I have a special interest in the latter.  If you had the opportunity, as I have had, to look into the eyes of this magnificent creature, you would never dream of using palm oil.

 

PONGO

Orangutans are divided into two species, the Bornean and the Sumatran . Both are native inhabitants of Asia. The redish-brown hair of the Orangutan is absolutely striking, and the adult male cheek pads are impressive and give them an attractive round face. One of the most heartwarming things about driving on to the property at The Center For Great Apes in Wachula, Florida, is hearing the distinctive long calls of the males, attracting females or intimidating rivals. It echoes through the forested compound like a song.

 

As you walk down the pathways around and under the system of overhead chutes that allow the orangutans and chimpanzees to wander all over the  acre grounds, you feel their joy in being up in the trees or in their gigantic open structures that mimic their natural habitat. What strikes me most is the intelligence of these primates. They love to play with toys and show off for passers by. Some do a special dance, while others seem to grin as they fill their mouths up at their fountain and spit water at you. The seem to get the humor in it all.

 I remember on my first visit, a young female Orang followed me everywhere I walked. She seemed to be amused and it was as if she wanted to play with me. On taking a closer look, I noticed she had no arms. This was Mari. She was born in a drug research facility and lost her arms as an infant. Here, at the CFGA, she lives a happy and fulfilling life, learning to do everything she needs with her feet. At my last visit, she was happily living with her mate, the HUGE, handsome Pongo. (By the way, a docent later told me that the reason Mari followed me around was because of my redish-brown hair. She thought I was another Orangutan!)

 I write about these amazing animals so you will feel the personal connection that I do. They are SO smart and feel love, sadness, joy and anger. They like to play, be with their families, learn and enjoy life, just as we do. These particular primates have suffered much in their lifetimes, in circuses, show business, and research labs. Some were bought as exotic pets and when their owners found out what we all should know, wildlife belongs in the wild, they were sold or caged to contain them. The happiest day for each of these creatures was when they were brought to the CFGA.

Unfortunately, the story does not have a happy ending for all Orangutans. Those living in the forests of Indonesia are forces out of their habitat. Some Palm Farmers, in an attempt to protect their new palm oil plantations form the animals returning, shoot, burn and beat the creatures. Others die from lack of food and water. They don’t have a beautiful compound waiting for them. They are destined to die a miserable death. Such a tragedy for so noble and intelligent a being- and so unnecessary.

 

What can you do?

*STOP buying products containing Palm Oil. Look closely at labels. Palm Oil is in cosmetics, candy, soap and pastry dough , among other things.

 

*Educate yourself and others about endangered species, such as the Orangutan and Sumatran Tiger.

 

*Support organizations that protect and defend endangered animals.

http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/natureconservancy.htm
 http://animals.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/p/worldwildlifefund.htm
http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/

*Support organizations that rescue these animals and give them back their dignity and lifestyle as much as possible. (Such as the Center For Great Apes)

http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/

 

*Follow the advise of these two sages:

 "Live simply so that others may simply live." Mother Elizabeth Seton

"Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. " ~Norman Vincent Peale

SINGIN' THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, isn’t that how the song goes? Everywhere we look it says we should be merry, filled with joy, celebrating the season…. This may be true for many people, but according to Psychology Today, 45% of North Americans dread the holiday season. Why?

The first reason I think of is one that my husband voices each year. He hates the commercialism of Christmas and the holidays. Every year it seems retailers start decorating and advertising earlier and earlier. Thanksgiving has all but disappeared between Halloween and the beginning of Christmas season. It’s also this commercialism that might cause reason # 2 for the holiday blues – finances. Who has the money in this economy for joyful Christmas shopping? We’re all counting pennies trying to stretch the budget to pay bills, buy food and necessities. Salary freezes and cuts, increased costs and loss of income for so many have made this season more difficult than ever.

 According to the National Institute of Health, the incidences of depression, suicide and attempted suicide are increasing. Some of this depression seems to stem from people comparing what they have (or rather, that they don’t have) with others who are more fortunate. This is true of both adults and children. We look at wealthier folks and feel that if we had their money and possessions, all our problems would be solved. I have to admit, the thought has crossed my mind that winning the lottery might do it for me, but then I look at the stories of all these people who have everything they could want, and they’re more depressed than I am!

Another reason, and one I keenly feel myself, is that this season triggers memories and a longing for those loved ones who have passed on. We remember the warm and loving times spent in the past and become nostalgic and sad. We seem to only remember the best of times and become entangled in the past, making the present and future seem bleak and hopeless.  I find myself thinking back to when my Dad placed a lighted candle in the window every Christmas Eve, and my Mom pinned holly and poinsettias on the crisp white curtains she only put up at Christmas. I remember caroling in the snow with all my friends, followed by all of us returning to my house for pizza and Coca Cola (one of the few times we were allowed to have soda).  My mom had those little Christmas boxes, like the ones animal crackers come in, filled with hard candy ribbon and other holiday treats. I’m sure you have memories of Christmas past that you reflect on too.

The final reason for feeling depressed at this time of year, that I sometimes feel, is the pressure of social obligations. The parties, visiting relatives, “making the rounds”, as my father used to call it. The baking, getting the right gifts for the right person and wrapping them, gaining weight from all the goodies, having the right clothes for each party, decorating, and on and on and on! Most of the time I enjoy all these things, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day and I spend the night worrying about getting it all done!

So what do I do with all this nostalgia, stress and depression? Sometimes, I do the wrong things. I feel sorry for myself and eat, or I get stressed and snap at my family for no reason. But I’ve learned some good things to do to help me keep from sinking into the blues this time of year.

The first thing I do is think of all I have to be grateful for. (Counting my blessings instead of sheep as Bing Crosby used to sing.) I think of how awesome my husband and children are, and how lucky I am to have them. I think of my home – not the biggest of fanciest, but it’s comfortable and filled with love. I think of the gift I was given in becoming a teacher, and all my wonderful friends and family members.

Another thing I do, especially when I’m missing my parents or other loved ones who are gone now, is I carry on the traditions that I remember doing with them. I bake like my mom did, I light the candle like my dad and I decorate every nook and cranny of my house, just as I remember my childhood house being decorated. We have no snow, but I taught my students Christmas Carols in all different languages and took them to nursing homes to sing. We brought the residents the candy ribbons (and warm socks too).

Since funds are in short supply, I’m making a lot of my gifts- Cakes, cookie trays, lap quilts, and ceramic gifts. I shop on ebay and have even chosen some of my own valued possessions to pass on to others as a gift. I don’t mean regifting the fruitcake, I mean giving a piece of jewelry that holds meaning for me, or one of my Precious Moments statues.

As far as the commercialism, there isn’t too much I can do about that, except to keep the real meaning of Christmas alive in my heart and my home. My lladro nativity is a main centerpiece in my living room and my tree is full of angels, shepherds, wise men and stars to remind us of what the season is about. When my kids were little, I made a white angel food cake each Christmas and we lit the candles and sang happy birthday to the baby Jesus. I also watch all the corny Hallmark specials and animated Christmas stories on TV. They help to keep me focused on what's important.

So what about the pressure of social engagements?  My husband and I worked out a routine that works for us. We spend Christmas Eve at his mom’s and Christmas in our own home. I go to my work Christmas party and he goes to his. We accept invitations to friends’ parties, but are careful not to stretch ourselves too thin.  My husband is definitely the social type. Fortunately, many of my friends have husbands who feel the same. We tend to have “girls night” activities that are fun and no pressure.

The final, and probably the most fulfilling thing I do to beat the blues, is to volunteer. Helping with a food and toy giveaway with Families of the Shield goes a long way in giving me the true Christmas spirit! The Shield provides a full meal and toys for families of first responders in financial need (fire/rescue, police officers and military). Last year we had 200 families. This year we hope to help 300. What a wonderful way to thank first responders for putting their lives on the line for the rest of us every day of the year!    I also make a point of going to the Center For Great Apes to wrap treats for the chimps and orangutans and then helping at open house when visitors come to see them get their wrapped gifts. It’s amazing to see these creatures get so excited over their wrapped boxes filled with dried fruit and nuts, or a hat or scarf that they put on right away!  They get the best of care and lots of love, which they so richly deserve after the terrible treatment they had when they were in circuses, side shoes of in show business.

I’m sure there are many other ways to lift spirits during the holiday season. I’d be happy to hear what you do to “keep your season bright”. If you have an idea or suggestion, post it in comments. You might just help someone to have a happy holiday!

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/

 

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/tips-healthier-holidays-happy-year/

 

http://www.nih.gov/

 

 

DISNEY DOES IT AGAIN!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Disney Nature had done it again; they’ve produced a nature documentary that educates, moves and entertains! Past successes include Oceans, Earth and African Cats. This year Disney Nature presents Chimpanzee, in theaters Earth Day (April 20, 2012).

In this documentary, we travel deep into the forests of Africa to meet Oscar, a young Chimpanzee and his family. His antics and adventures lead us to discover the intelligence and ingenuity of this amazing species.

A 100 page educational guide is available and contains lesson plans and activities geared towards grades 2-6. All lessons are aligned with National Standards and include audio and visual clips and ready made PowerPoint presentations on topics like: Animal adaptations, habitats and Ecosystems, Animal behavior, use of tools and communication. Also covered are the important topics of protecting and making a positive difference for wildlife worldwide.

When I was an assistant principal, I made arrangements and took grades 4-8 to see Earth and Oceans on two different Earth Days. It was a great way to celebrate and reinforce awareness of global issues. The kids loved both movies and felt it was a real treat to go to the movies on a school day. The theater made special arrangements and gave us a wonderful package of ticket, soda and popcorn for $5 per student.

I’m especially excited about this year’s movie Chimpanzee. As you may know, I volunteer at the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida,  which is a sanctuary for Orangutans and Chimpanzees who were formally in the entertainment industry, non accredited zoos, research facilities or were exotic pets. In all cases, once they became bigger and more dangerous, they were no longer wanted. The Center provides them a safe, enriching environment in which to live out their natural lives in as close to the wild as possible. The love and care they receive is inspiring and the people who run the Center are awesome, dedicated people! It’s a privilege to volunteer there.

I’m hoping every parent will bring their children to see this movie. I hope adults will see it as well. It’s so important that we become aware and involved in the humane treatment of animals. Watching Disney Nature allows us to see these creatures in the wild and within their family groupings. We can come to know them and understand the universal interconnectedness of all living things.

For more information visit:

http://disney.go.com/disneynature/chimpanzee/#/movies/chimpanzee

http://disney.go.com/disneynature/chimpanzee/#/videos/chimpanzee

http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/

ACTOR, MODEL,SOAP OPERA STAR; RETIRED AT 6?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

With a name like Bam Bam, you know he’s big! Bam Bam is a male orangutan who lives at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida. He was born on January 3, 1999 in a commercial breeder’s facility in Florida. He was sold to a California trainer and worked in the entertainment industry for several years. He spent 2 years playing the part of an orangutan nurse in the soap opera “Passions”. Once he turned 6, he became too strong to work with people. Retired at 6 and with a life span of 40 – 50 years, the question arose, what will we do with Bam Bam?

Fortunately for him, Bam Bam was sent to the Center for Great Apes, a sanctuary which allows orangutans and chimpanzees to live out their life spans with dignity in a safe and enriching environment. No more side shows, soap operas or medical labs for these residents! Just lots of love, care, and a clean, spacious habitat where they can so what apes do best, be happy.

As an adolescent, Bam Bam loved to wrestle, chase, swing on vines,and cause occasional havoc with his friend Louie, another adolescent orangutan. They loved to follow staff around the property using the tree top tunnel system. They competed for attention with their antics and silliness.

 Bam Bam is now entering his sub adult years. As is natural, he avoids other male territories and prefers the company of females. He especially enjoys spending time with Tango, a female orangutan who formerly starred in Tang commercials. 
Bam Bam is a sweet, gentle giant. He loves to investigate new toys and the enrichment materials given to him. He’s active and very acrobatic. He loves to climb to the highest places in his habitat, but he’s always happy to come down to say hello to visitors.

Bam Bam was recently the subject of a painting by artist Kori Johnsen. With her great talent and unique style, Kori captured Bam Bam’s playfulness and gentle character. The painting will be auctioned off at the annual Members Open House to raise money for the care of these special creatures.

Patti Ragan and painting by Kori Johnsen

 Founder, Patti Ragan makes sure that each resident Ape receives the best care, medical attention, food and enrichment possible. These animals are loved and cherished but most importantly, they are respected and allowed to live the life they were intended to live. Many workers, interns, volunteers and supporters join forces to make the Center a place where miracles happen.

Check out the webpage for the Center for Great Apes and read about the many tragedies turned miracles! Want to give an amazing Christmas gift? Visit the CFGA gift shop to find t-shirts, hoodies, hats,artwork, books and so much more! Donate in someone’s name for a truly unique and treasured gift. For $150 you can receive an adoption certificate with a frame quality photo and biography of your ape. Of course, donations of all sizes are welcome.Donations can be made on line through the website as well.

http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/about-us.aspx

https://app.etapestry.com/cart/CenterforGreatApes/default/index.php

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CenterforGreatApes/OnlineDonation.html

Merry Christmas from all the Apes at the Center For Great Apes!

Geri loves to open her packages!

Oopsie loves her new blanket!

*As required by Florida law, we are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, # SC-09272.
100% of your contribution goes directly to the Center for the care of orangutans & chimpanzees as well as the operation of this sanctuary, and none of your donation goes to a professional solicitor.
The Center for Great Apes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Big Boy Pongo loves his treat box of nuts and dried fruits!

MEET MAGGIE

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
Maggie is one of the Great Apes living at the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida. She lives in a group of five adolescent chimpanzees… all retired from the entertainment world when they were still juveniles. Like many others at the sanctuary, Maggie worked for several years and appeared in a number of commercials and television shows, including the Tonight Show, until she became too large and dangerous to work around the public.

She arrived at the sanctuary in March 2005 with her younger siblings, Bella & Mowgli and now lives with Bella, Ellie, and twins Jonah & Jacob. Maggie spends most of her time in the company of the other females in the group – grooming, playing, and resting with them. She loves to clean the other chimpanzees’ faces, wiping their eyes, picking their noses, even cleaning out their ears. Even as an adolescent, Maggie is the most mature individual in her group. She is often seen up in the cupola or in the chutes just watching the others at play. 

Maggie is shy around people and only gives her friendship when she truly trusts someone. But she does enjoy playing a game with her caregivers, where she points at a spot and wants them to run to it. She could play that game all day. And, she also enjoys having her nails filed by the caregiver staff... sometimes taking the emery board and filing her own nails. Maggie is very tidy and likes to wash her hands in the hose.

CAN YOU TAKE THE TRUTH?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Some of you will scan the title and say," I don't need to read this", but I hope you WILL read it all the way through. Every human being needs to know what is happening each and every day; just to "entertain" us and get our dollars!

The TRUTH about Apes in Entertainment

Great apes are sentient animals who have the same emotions (positive and negative) as humans - compassion, affection, jealousy, anger, generosity, embarrassment, sense of humor, joy, homesickness, and sadness. In all the animal kingdom, they are the closest to man in behavior and intelligence, but they are not pseudo-humans or clowns for our pleasure.

In spite of the public's increased sensitivity and awareness of animal protection issues, chimpanzees and orangutans are still used today to perform in live stage shows at tourist attractions, television productions, movies, circuses, print ads, studio work for commercials, mall openings, casino appearances, state fairs, and late night talk shows.

The truth is that great apes used in these situations are only babies or juveniles. Infant apes are used because adolescent and adult orangutans and chimpanzees are too strong and unmanageable, and therefore too dangerous to work around the public or around actors on sets.

LOSING GRUB; A MEMORIAL

If you remember, DRL introduced you to some of the residents at the Center for Great Apes not too long ago. One of the very special chimpanzees at the center that we highlighted was Grub. We are heartbroken to announce that Grub has passed away after a sudden illness. 

Check out his story at

http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/07/meet-grub.html and read his touching memorial below!

Memorial for Grub

Losing one of our great ape residents is the hardest and saddest part of our work in providing sanctuary care for them. This week, our hearts are breaking with the loss of our first chimpanzee resident at the Center for Great Apes – our precious Grub.

Grub was the most wonderful chimpanzee and had many fans and friends, both chimp and human. He passed Tuesday after a sudden i...llness that was advanced and terminal. He was 20 years old.

While Grub is not suffering and is out of pain now, our grief comes from a sense of great loss in not having him physically in our lives anymore. But I realize that all the wonderful qualities and intelligence expressed by Grub… along with the joy and sweetness he brought to others… will always be in our thoughts and memories and did not pass away with Grub.

Today, I am remembering the happiest part of Grub’s life and the things that made Grub such a special and dear fellow.

Grub has been in my care since he was 12 weeks old when he arrived at a Miami tourist attraction in 1991 where I was already volunteering to care for infant orangutan Pongo. As I helped to take care of several infant apes there, I became more aware of issues around the retirement of hand-raised apes used in entertainment and also as pets. It was Pongo and Grub (and concern for their future) who provided the impetus to start a sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees coming out of these situations.

It is because of Grub thatover 30 chimpanzees have had a home at our sanctuary over the past 18 years.

DRL'S NOMINEE FOR THE SILVER SPOON AWARD!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose



Master Chef Amy

 She can whip up three square meals, a snack and enrichment food for over 40 hungry residents each day. The food is fresh, tasty, nutritious, and fun to eat. She delivers and loves to prepare her fans’ favorite recipes! That’s why Amy is DRL’s nominee for the Silver Spoon Award, and Chef of the Century!





Each bucket contains special ingredients for each ape's diet

 Amy is the master chef at the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida. The fans she feeds – Orangutans and Chimpanzees of all sizes and ages. Each one has a special formula for what nutrition is needed. A mixture of fruits, veggies, special biscuits, proteins (such as peanut butter) and special treats like pickles, frozen lemonade pops, bamboo filled with frozen juice, and much more are concocted each and every day.            



Want some of my pumpkin?





Frozen lemonade treats

  From the moment Amy arrives in the morning until she leaves in the evening, she chops, peels, dices, slices and prepares. In between, she cleans like a white tornado. Every time a delivery of Ape Chow arrives, she completely empties the pantry, sweeps and scrubs and puts the new chow bags on the bottom and the older chow on top. The cabinets too are emptied and scrubbed regularly. All the perishable ape food is stored in one of three giant refrigerators or freezers(no people food allowed!). The large walk-in holds huge bags of onions, broccoli, mangos (I know because I peeled 4 cases of them today!), and other assorted veggies. The large freezer was filled with the several large cases of individually frozen lemonade cups that will help the apes keep cool and enjoy a frosty treat tomorrow. The large slider refrigerator was where I found the giant jars of pickles the apes love so much. I made 50 treat boxes which consisted of putting some crinkled brown paper in an empty box (pasta, cereal etc.) or empty paper towel rolls, then adding a handful of sliced pickles, then adding more crinkled paper. Other treats might include nuts, dried fruits and fresh fruits.The apes love to discover the treat hidden in the wrapping. They also enjoy tearing up the crinkled paper. Grub, the chimpanzee loves to use the paper to make masks! 

Amy makes sure each ape gets exactly what he or she needs to be healthy and happy at the Center for Great Apes. She’s even written a cookbook filled with the favorite recipes of all the apes. Most of the meals and treats they enjoy are good for people too!  You can try Tango's Cucumber Melon Salad, Pongo's Vegetable Burgers,  Angel's Sweet Potato Fries or Roger's Roasted Vegetable Hummus, These recipes and more can be found in The Center For Great Apes Recipe  Book by Amy Knighton. Have trouble getting your kids to eat healthy food? Try Oopsies' Citrus Smiling Faces or Ripley's Mango Smoothie! Each recipe has a picture of the food with the Chimpanzee or Orangutan that loves it best!  I'm making Geri's Lemon-Elderberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake this week!



Frozen Bamboo Pops are a favorite!

 Whenever I work in the Feed Room (what most people would consider the ape kitchen!), I have a blast making all the specialties Amy teaches me to concoct. Today, while I made the treat boxes outside the back door, Bam Bam sat right behind me watching and making "raspberries" to get my attention. I think he wanted to help. Either that or he couldn’t wait to have one of the special hidden enrichment treats! Check out the You Tube video below. It shows a Valentine's Day Enrichment treat.  facebook.com/#!/CenterForGreatApes?sk=app_3801015922
 Later I moved into the feed room to peel the mangos. Bam Bam moved to where he could peer in the window and watch while he cooled off in the shade with a large fan blowing his beautiful red hair around. He was one happy camper! I was too because he was great company.



Watermelon, Mango, Lychee Cake

 

The Center receives huge fresh produce deliveries twice a week so all the fruit and veggies are super fresh. Everything is prepared in immaculate conditions under Amy’s watchful eye.  From HUGE Christopher to little Stryker and special little guy, Knuckles, Amy gives them what they love and what they need for optimum health. But the reason we nominate her for the silver spoon is because, in addition to all this, it’s so obvious that she truly loves these special creatures, and they love her. So, here’s to you Amy, our choice for the Silver Spoon and Chef of the Century, for your love, compassion, kindness and expertise in service to the Center for Great Apes.

Halloween Enrichment Treats

For information about The Center For Great Apes Recipe Book by Amy Knighton, contact: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CenterForGreatApes?sk=app_3801015922 

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO MICHAEL JACKSON'S CHIMP BUBBLES?

Reposted by Marion Pellicano Ambrose

With all the discussion surrounding the shocking death of Michael Jackson, people have wondered whatever happened to his beloved chimpanzee Bubbles. It turns out, the chimp is alive and well and monkeying around in a Florida primate sanctuary, PEOPLE has learned.

The 26-year old chimp, who lived with Jackson in the late 1980s, has spent the past four years at the Center For Great Apes, home to forty-two chimpanzees and orangutans.

"He's a very sweet and nice chimp, he really is," says sanctuary director Patti Ragan. "I've seen him go to the drinking fountain, start to take a sip of water and then, when he hears one of the younger ones coming, he'll step back and let them have a sip."

Bubbles was born at a facility in Texas that breeds primates for medical testing before Jackson adopted him in the '80s. The chimp arrived at Ragan's sanctuary -- which is not open to the public -- in 2005 after the singer's former animal trainer discontinued working with primates. Not long afterwards, a rep for Jackson contacted the facility, saying that Michael wanted to come and visit his former buddy. But the singer never made the trip.

Over the years, Bubbles has grown into a good-sized adult, and now weighs 160 lbs. His facial features have also changed since his days when he often romped around with Jackson in matching Western outfits. "That pink baby face of his has disappeared," Ragan says. "He still has a lot of fleshy color in his face. But he's a huge guy now and that probably is going to surprise a lot of people."

These days, he spends his time hanging out with a group of six other chimps. Among his favorite things to do: eating sweet potatoes, listening to flute-and-guitar music, painting and kicking back with longtime buddy Sam, 40. "The two of them like to climb up to the top of a cupola (located on the sanctuary grounds) and just sit there, staring out over the orange groves, watching the traffic in the distance," says Ragan. "He loves being up there."

And the chimpanzee hasn't been told of his former owner's recent death. "We haven't said anything to him yet," she says, adding that his mood over the past few days has been typically chimp-like: "He's been his usual self, interacting with friends, eating well, taking cover when it rains."

Ragan says it's not yet known if Jackson stipulated that any money from his estate would be used to support Bubbles, who could easily live to the age of 60. To this date, his care has come from solely from public donations.

To learn more about Bubble's new home, http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/

Originally posted Monday June 29, 2009 07:10 PM EDT

By Johnny DoddPEOPLE.com

*Update: On June 22, 2010 La Toya Jackson was the first member of the Jackson family to visit Bubbles at the Center for Great Apes. Bubbles was retired there by Michael Jackson in 2004

JOIN DRL IN HELPING PONGO THE ORANGUTAN

DRL had formed a Guardianship Team to help support one of the Orangutans at the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida. Pongo is a shy, gentle giant who was the first ape to be cared for at the center. He was in bad shape, had no hair on his back and what hair he did have was matted and caked with feces. Now he's one of the most handsome, contented apes in the sanctuary. Because he spent so many years in a small cage indoors, he had never seen the sunshine or felt the rain. Now, whenever it rains, Pongo loves to sit outside with his face toward the sky to feel the raindrops coming down.

Our goal is to raise $2,000 for Pongo by his birthday on August 16th. You can contribute to the DRL Guardianship Team by visiting this link: https://bos.etapestry.com/fundraiser/CenterforGreatApes/pongo/donate.do

Please help us to provide for Pongo and the other apes at the Center for Great Apes! For more information on the center you can visit their website at
http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/