Geri   born September 13, 1989

Geri is a calm but watchful female orangutan who is the constant companion of Sammy. Geri is also Jam’s mother, though the infant was taken from her when he was born in California at a trainer’s compound. Geri came to the Center for Great Apes in December 2004 at age fifteen. Her son, Jam, arrived in Wauchula four months later in March 2005, and after a series of gradual introductions, Geri and Jam were finally reunited.

Geri spent her early years being worked in the entertainment industry, appearing in many advertisements and films such as The Flintstones.  When she became too big to work, she became a breeder to produce more babies for the business.

Geri is the epitome of relaxation. Nothing seems to faze her. She enjoys climbing to the top of her enclosure where she can keep an eye on the other orangutans.  But Geri also plays quietly by herself, blowing bubbles and playing with pieces of fabric. When old clothes are given out for enrichment, Geri always enjoys putting on gardening gloves.   

She is especially concerned with making sure her surroundings are clean, gathering her dishes (which she washes) and blankets to hand to her caregivers. Geri has an aptitude for problem-solving and carefully examines every object to see how it is put together – so eventually she can take it apart.

© 2007 Center for Great Apes

Center for Orangutan & Chimpanzee Conservation, Inc.
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Wauchula, Florida 33873
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