Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation


	Sammy born December 23, 1989 Sammy first lived at a Miami tourist attraction owned by an orangutan breeder. When he was only 18 months old, he was sold (along with infant Geri) to a Los Angeles trainer who worked chimpanzees in Hollywood. Sammy and Geri grew up together in the entertainment world working in many commercials and TV shows (such as Baywatch). They also starred in several movies (The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, and Sammy’s most famous movie, Dunston Checks In where Sammy played the part of Dunston.) When Sammy became too strong and dangerous to work, he was retired to a small cage at the trainer’s compound where he became a breeder. Sammy and Geri produced one infant, Jam who was hand raised by the trainers. In December 2004 both Sammy and Geri were sent to the Center for Great Apes, the only nonprofit sanctuary in North America dedicated to the permanent care of orangutans. Their son Jam arrived at the sanctuary four months later. Sammy enjoys enrichment activities -- especially painting. He chooses his own colors and stares at his painting when he’s finished, appearing to admire his work. Most days, Sammy can be found hanging out in his swinging barrel or traveling around in the chute system through the woods. Sammy does have an odd quirk. He passionately dislikes bare feet and will chase anyone away from his enclosure (even spit at them) if they are wearing sandals or flip-flops.

Sammy born December 23, 1989

Sammy first lived at a Miami tourist attraction owned by an orangutan breeder. When he was only 18 months old, he was sold (along with infant Geri) to a Los Angeles trainer who worked chimpanzees in Hollywood.

Sammy and Geri grew up together in the entertainment world working in many commercials and TV shows (such as Baywatch). They also starred in several movies (The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, and Sammy’s most famous movie, Dunston Checks In where Sammy played the part of Dunston.) When Sammy became too strong and dangerous to work, he was retired to a small cage at the trainer’s compound where he became a breeder. Sammy and Geri produced one infant, Jam who was hand raised by the trainers.

In December 2004 both Sammy and Geri were sent to the Center for Great Apes, the only nonprofit sanctuary in North America dedicated to the permanent care of orangutans. Their son Jam arrived at the sanctuary four months later.

Sammy enjoys enrichment activities -- especially painting. He chooses his own colors and stares at his painting when he’s finished, appearing to admire his work. Most days, Sammy can be found hanging out in his swinging barrel or traveling around in the chute system through the woods.

Sammy does have an odd quirk. He passionately dislikes bare feet and will chase anyone away from his enclosure (even spit at them) if they are wearing sandals or flip-flops.

Questions? Comments? Please Contact Us.