How old do participants need to be?

Individual participants must be at least 18; youth ages 12–18 may join with a parent or legal guardian and require adult supervision on sanctuary grounds.

Will I have direct contact with the chimpanzees?

No. Guests will observe chimpanzees in outdoor habitats and attend Chimp Chats, but direct contact is prohibited for safety and disease prevention.

What vaccinations are required?

Participants must show proof of current tetanus, COVID, and flu vaccinations and a negative TB test within 12 months before the service week.

How long are the volunteer days?

Typical volunteer days run from 9 AM to 4 PM, with vegan lunches provided onsite.

Do I need experience working with animals?

No prior experience is required. Project Chimps supplies training, tools, and supervision for all volunteer tasks.

Chimpcation: Volunteer Weeks at Project Chimps Sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Foothills

Q: Is lodging included?

Lodging is not included; volunteers select their own accommodations. Suggested options include Paradise Hills Resort and Spa, My Mountain Cabin Rentals, Airbnb, or camping at Lake Blue Ridge.

Project Chimps' Chimpcation is a purposeful five-day volunteer and vacation program at a 230+ acre chimpanzee sanctuary in Morganton, Georgia. The week centers on hands-on service, learning, and time in the southern Blue Ridge foothills; meeting point: 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560. Volunteers arrive from across the country and the world to spend four workdays inside a working sanctuary, then keep one free day to hike, kayak, or explore nearby Blue Ridge. Days begin at 9 AM and run to 4 PM, with vegan lunches provided onsite. Under staff supervision you’ll perform practical tasks that matter: building and maintaining outdoor enclosures, preparing enrichment, cleaning public areas, and supporting special events. No prior experience is required; tools, training, and safety equipment are supplied. You will see chimpanzees in their outdoor habitats and attend an exclusive one-hour Chimp Chat with sanctuary experts, but direct contact is prohibited to protect both guests and animals. The landscape here is Appalachian hardwood forest—oaks, hickories, and mixed understory—on rolling slopes that transition into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sanctuary’s 236 forest acres provide a real sense of seclusion while remaining two hours from Atlanta. The location offers easy access to day hikes, waterfalls, and Lake Blue Ridge for kayaking and swimming on your free day. Groups are intentionally small—up to six participants—so the work feels meaningful and social. Youth aged 12–18 may join with a parent or guardian; adult participants must meet basic vaccination and TB test requirements before arrival. Lodging is arranged independently; suggested options include Paradise Hills Resort and Spa, My Mountain Cabin Rentals, Airbnb, or camping at Lake Blue Ridge. Trip planning guidance and online training are provided before arrival to help with travel, airport options, and local logistics. Chimpcation is more than volunteer labor; it’s a chance to support long-term care for retired research chimpanzees and to learn sanctuary operations up close. Expect dusty work boots, muddy mornings, good conversation, and a tangible reward: knowing your hours directly improve animal welfare. If you want a meaningful stretch of outdoor service framed by mountain views and expert staff, Chimpcation delivers a rare blend of conservation service and Appalachian adventure. Before arrival participants complete two required online trainings that cover safety protocols, zoonotic risk mitigation, and sanctuary philosophy. Project Chimps provides safety gear and supervises every task so volunteers can learn practical skills like enclosure carpentry, habitat enrichment design, and safe cleaning procedures. Expect moderate physical activity: lifting bags of mulch, moving tools, and standing for several hours. The sanctuary schedule balances work with debriefs and educational sessions about chimpanzee behavior and welfare, giving context to your service. For travel, Atlanta and Chattanooga airports are the nearest hubs; ground transportation is provided. Enjoy responsibly.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

5 days (four volunteer days, one free day).

Fitness level

Moderately fit: capable of lifting, standing, and manual tasks for several hours; able to walk uneven forest trails.

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Black bear (occasional, observe from a distance)

History

The sanctuary sits on 236 forest acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains and provides long-term care for retired research chimpanzees.

Conservation

Strict vaccination and TB-test rules reduce zoonotic risk; your volunteer hours support daily animal care and habitat maintenance to improve welfare.

Project Chimps in Troutdale, Virginia operates a sanctuary and education site where visitors meet and observe rescued chimpanzees. The organization offers a range of guided experiences designed for families, schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and supporters. Tour options include short youth group tours, curriculum-based and homeschool programs aligned with STEM learning, scout badge workshops, and longer service projects for scout troops. Supporter tours and private visits provide opportunities to watch chimpanzees roam, play, and rest in outdoor habitats. Discovery Days bring families to the Blue Ridge Mountains for guided hikes, a visit to the Discovery Zone, and a picnic by the koi pond. The Banana Bus Tour adds door-to-door transport and a snack at The Nest for a convenient group outing. School field trips and curriculum-based tours emphasize inquiry-based lessons that meet educational standards and take place during prime morning viewing hours. Homeschool programs offer three to four hour visits with tailored STEM activities and flexible customization for teachers and students. Scout programs include two hour badge workshops and four to seven hour service projects that combine tours, hands-on activities, and habitat or garden work. Every visit supports the ongoing care of the chimpanzees through small donations and participation. Booking options include private supporter tours, supporter tours with a lunch launch, and group-focused experiences that accommodate educational goals. Visitors can expect guided walking tours through outdoor habitats and multiple program lengths to fit schedules. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times for school groups, scouts, families, supporters, and community attendees.

Base locationMorganton, Georgia

Tours offered17+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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