After 13 Years Alone, George The Chimpanzee Begins A New Life At Washington Sanctuary

Photos by: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Five months ago, George the chimpanzee was living alone, confined in a roadside zoo in Oregon. Today, he’s experiencing sunshine, friendship, and freedom at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, finally living the life every chimpanzee deserves.

George, now 21 years old, spent 13 long years in near-isolation at West Coast Game Park Safari, a facility that has since been shut down. In May, a dramatic multi-agency seizure rescued more than 300 animals from the zoo, and its owner was charged with 371 counts of animal cruelty and related offenses.

George was the first animal rescued from the roadside zoo, and his transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

“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 a month in quarantine for health evaluations and to build trust with his new caregivers. In just a few months, he started to gain weight, build nests, and show signs of natural chimpanzee behavior long suppressed in captivity.

Perhaps most importantly, George is beginning to connect with other chimps. He’s especially curious about the other males, often seen wrestling and playing games of chase, a huge leap for someone who spent most of his life with only one elderly companion.

Sanctuaries like Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest provide rescued animals with a safe haven, giving them a chance to heal. They offer space to explore, companionship to foster recovery, and the freedom to make choices, all critical elements of animal welfare that so many in captivity are denied.

Too many animals are stolen from the wild or bred for entertainment, only to be left to suffer in small, unnatural, and often abusive environments. For many, sanctuaries offer the only chance to experience something close to the life they were meant to live.

George’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when animals are given a second chance at life. Every day, his courage and resilience are a reminder of the healing power of care and compassion.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest now cares for 16 chimpanzees, relying entirely on individual donations to provide lifelong support. They receive no government funding for rescue or care, yet continue to change lives, one animal at a time.

Please consider supporting Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest by donating HERE!