06/18/2026
We have a treasure in nearby Wauchula. The Center for Great Apes is the ONLY accredited orangutan sanctuary in all of the North, South, and Central Americas.
Our speaker today, Lisa Anne Lewis, began as a volunteer at the center, but it soon became her passion. She says she can't imagine doing anything else.
The sanctuary was founded by Patti Ragan over 30 years ago. What started with one rescued orangutan, Pongo, has grown to a sanctuary for 71 total great apes (currently orangutans and chimpanzees).
The center has grown to 150 acres, with staff housing, outdoor habitat, and a night house. Each ape has their own bedroom. The center aims to give these animals a lifetime of care with dignity and compassion. Most have been rescued from the entertainment industry (TV, movies, circuses, etc) and have been deprived their normal habitat and great ape families.
The oldest resident of the center is Marco, a 66 year old chimpanzee. These creatures are able to live full lives in safety, living as apes should. They are surrounded by wildlife, have extensive enclosures for them to play in where they can climb, swing, and be apes. They love the aerial trailways--it mimics being in the trees!
They have two vets on staff, as well as several vet techs, and there is always one on site, 24/7. They are very well care for: it costs $4000 a week to feed them! They get quality fruits, vegetables, and starches, as well as a supplement biscuit. The food is 100% human grade, and is a wide variety so they can eat a balanced diet.
The center started its own garden to help defray the cost of purchasing food.
Lisa Anne says that it costs around $3.3 million to operate the facility year-round.
They are always looking for support. They are a 4-star rated charity on Charity Navigator, and have maintained a platinum rating on Candid for transparency.
For more information, visit CenterforGreatApes.org, or call 863-767-8903.
