Former roadside zoo chimpanzee thriving in new sanctuary home
CLE ELUM, Wash., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Five months after his dramatic seizure from West Coast Game Park Safari, chimpanzee George is officially under the permanent care of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. The 21-year-old chimpanzee, who spent 13 years living with minimal companionship at the Oregon roadside zoo, is now exploring outdoor habitats and building relationships with other chimpanzees.
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George was the first of more than 300 animals seized from the Bandon, Oregon facility in May during a multi-agency. The safari park’s owner was subsequently indicted on 371 animal cruelty and related charges.
“Watching George discover what it means to be a chimpanzee again has been extraordinary,” said Co-Director Diana Goodrich. “He’s gone from living alone in limited conditions to climbing structures, exploring a spacious outdoor habitat, and cautiously beginning to interact with other chimpanzees. His bravery and resilience inspire us every day.”
After arriving at the sanctuary on May 15th, George spent his initial month in quarantine, allowing caregivers to assess his health and begin building trust. In a few short months, George has made remarkable progress. He’s gained weight, demonstrated natural chimpanzee behaviors like nest-building, and shown curiosity about his new neighbors.
The sanctuary’s careful introduction process has allowed George to see, hear, and gradually interact with other chimpanzees. Caregivers report that he’s particularly interested in the other male chimpanzees and enjoys wrestling and playing games of chase with them.
“George spent most of his adult life with only one elderly companion,” Goodrich explained. “Learning to be part of a larger chimpanzee community takes time and patience. We’re following his lead and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. He’s doing a remarkable job, and there’s so much more ahead of him!”
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest has been sharing George’s journey through daily blog posts and social media updates, drawing support from people worldwide, including many who met George during his years at the roadside zoo. A recent video of George in the 2-acre outdoor habitat with another rescued chimpanzee, Terry, has inspired comments on Facebook and Instagram like, “Wow another giant step for George! Great to see their interaction.” (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JutAFFiH3/)
The sanctuary, which is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries, now provides lifetime care for 16 chimpanzees. The organization operates entirely through individual donations and receives no government compensation for rescue or care services.
“We’re profoundly grateful to our supporters who built this sanctuary and make transformations like George’s possible,” Goodrich said. “Every donation ensures we can provide the specialized care, companionship, and second chances that chimpanzees like George deserve.”
Those wishing to learn more about the sanctuary and follow George’s story as well as the stories of the other rescued chimpanzees can visit: https://chimpsnw.org/blog
Related Coverage:
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW) is a non-profit sanctuary in operation since 2008. It is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the western part of the United States and the only home for chimpanzees in the state of Washington. CSNW provides lifetime quality care for chimpanzees and works to educate the public about the plight of primates worldwide. The sanctuary was one of the first primate sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and is a founding member of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance. More information can be found at
ChimpsNW.org
. Daily updates:
ChimpsNW.org/blog
 | @chimpsanctuary on
Facebook
 and
Instagram
For media inquiries:
Diana Goodrich, Co-Director
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
402650@email4pr.com
509-699-0728 (office)
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SOURCE Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
