Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation


	Sam Born in 1968 More than 30 years ago, Sam worked in the entertainment business until he grew too large and dangerous to work around people. He spent the next three decades at a California compound, but never bred with any of the females. One possible reason for his reproductive inactivity was that Sam lost a testicle while working on a film set when a dog in the show bit it off. Sam has lived most of his life (both in California and now in Florida ) in the company of another male, Bubbles, who is fourteen years younger than Sam. The two adult males are best friends and spend time together grooming and playing even though Sam is nearly 40 years old. He often sits up in his habitat in the 34-foot high cupola staring out at the surrounding countryside and orange groves. On balmy nights, Sam likes to make his nest of blankets and sleep outside in the lofty tower. Sam is fond of his morning bananas and afternoon vegetables (especially cucumbers) but will often refuse tomatoes or corn. His favorite enrichment activity is searching through his outdoor area for raisins, cereal, nuts, and other treats that have been scattered everywhere. Both Sam and Bubbles have always been gentle with younger chimpanzees and were often used at the California compound to socialize the former working chimps back into chimpanzee groupings. Now they live with Oopsie and her family, including little Kodua and baby Bobby Stryker. The infants love Sam! They jump on him, ride on his back, tease him, and generally do anything to get his attention. He patiently endures their pestering and always ends up tickling them or grooming the babies.

Sam Born in 1968

More than 30 years ago, Sam worked in the entertainment business until he grew too large and dangerous to work around people. He spent the next three decades at a California compound, but never bred with any of the females. One possible reason for his reproductive inactivity was that Sam lost a testicle while working on a film set when a dog in the show bit it off.

Sam has lived most of his life (both in California and now in Florida ) in the company of another male, Bubbles, who is fourteen years younger than Sam. The two adult males are best friends and spend time together grooming and playing even though Sam is nearly 40 years old.

He often sits up in his habitat in the 34-foot high cupola staring out at the surrounding countryside and orange groves. On balmy nights, Sam likes to make his nest of blankets and sleep outside in the lofty tower.

Sam is fond of his morning bananas and afternoon vegetables (especially cucumbers) but will often refuse tomatoes or corn. His favorite enrichment activity is searching through his outdoor area for raisins, cereal, nuts, and other treats that have been scattered everywhere.

Both Sam and Bubbles have always been gentle with younger chimpanzees and were often used at the California compound to socialize the former working chimps back into chimpanzee groupings.

Now they live with Oopsie and her family, including little Kodua and baby Bobby Stryker. The infants love Sam! They jump on him, ride on his back, tease him, and generally do anything to get his attention. He patiently endures their pestering and always ends up tickling them or grooming the babies.

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