For more than a decade, George lived in the shadows.
He was a chimpanzee trapped in the recently shut-down West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, Oregon, a place that billed itself as a family attraction, but behind the fences, told a different story. There were no trees to climb, no freedom to roam, and no troop to call his own. Instead, since 2011, George shared a stark enclosure with Daphne, another chimpanzee who had already lived through the heartbreak of losing her companion, Sam. Together, they endured years of confinement, surviving on routine, surrounded by noise and concrete until Daphne's death in 2023. Visitors reported heartbreaking scenes of George, alone, rocking back and forth, screaming, and hitting things, a classic sign of emotional distress and boredom.
Chimpanzees are complex, social beings, not unlike us. They need connection, mental stimulation, and dignity. George had none of that.
Since the raid and subsequent closure of West Coast Game Park Safari, many folks (including us here at That Oregon Life) have been waiting for updates on the animals seized in the May 18th bust. Today, we're ecstatic to hear news of George's story.
Following his rescue, George was welcomed into Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW), 501c3 registered charity, in Cle Elum, Washington. The sanctuary, dedicated to providing hope, love, and a home to chimpanzees, initiated a careful quarantine process to ensure George's health and safety. Staff members are now working to integrate him into a social group, offering him the companionship and enrichment he was previously denied.
Though still in quarantine as the team ensures his health and safety, George is already showing signs of change. He’s exploring his new environment, enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, and receiving gentle, patient attention from the staff. It’s a slow process, but healing takes time. And here, George has all the time he needs.
In a recent blog posts, CSNW has shared so many encouraging tidbits about George's new life, and what he can expect in the coming years. "I know you are interested in learning everything about George and seeing more photos and videos of him. We are still getting to know him, and we are following strict protocols during the first phase of his quarantine, limiting his exposure to caregivers and keeping everything for him separate from the other chimpanzees.
Huge shout-out to all of the caregivers who carefully prepared for his arrival and have been doting on him when he wants attention and letting him be when he doesn’t. He has a lot of new friends here who look forward to giving him a whole bunch of 'firsts' in the coming months."
The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a permanent, loving home for chimpanzees rescued from the worst circumstances. But none of this is possible without the support of the public.
Every donation helps give George and others like him a life with warmth, enrichment, and respect. It helps pay for healthy food, medical care, and safe enclosures where they can live out their days in peace. George is still young, as chimp years go, and he has many happy days ahead of him.
If George’s story moves you, consider being part of his future. Visit chimpsnw.org to donate or sponsor a chimp. Compassion made George’s rescue possible. Compassion can carry him the rest of the way.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Phone: 509-699-0728
Donations: chimpsnw.org/donate/
Socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube
