Project Chimps was one of our most favorite destinations in North Georgia, and most inspiring. Project Chimps is home to more than 100 chimpanzees rescued from a laboratory to live out the next chapter of their life in peace, safety, the beautiful woods of North Georgia, with dignity and free will. North Georgia Culture was privileged to take a tour and after you read about our experience, we are confident you will want to attend one of the Project Chimps’ special events.
We were privileged to see a little of the “behind the scenes” at Project Chimps, and that was as fascinating, in a different way, than the marvel of seeing the chimps. Our visit in July 2025 was a special day as 6 new chimps had just arrived. Touring the facility, we learned that the chimps love the very extra durable firehose used professionally by fire houses, and the hose is used to help make climbing structures and to make physical and mental challenges. What a fine and generous donation and upcycling of this firehouse equipment! We also learned that the best bedding for the chimps is called Wood Wool. You have seen it as it is the stuffing and packing material used by auction houses and museums when transporting works of art and sculptures. It can be washed, so that makes it a very economical and efficient for the chimps’ bedding. See pictures below of these chimp sanctuary accessories, and then let’s get on with the chimps!
We learned that while most every night the chimps retire to their respective dorm rooms for the evening, sometimes a chimp wants to stay outside, to gaze at the stars, enjoy the cool or hot night, and whatever the reason, it is known as “holding the yard” and the Project Chimps team are all informed so that they are not missing a chimp during the night time roll call. The chimps get to live with freedom and free will. For instance, a chimp named Gracie did not decide to leave the interior space, the indoors building for 7 years. The chimps are allowed to reveal their distinct personalities at Project Chimps too. One of the lady chimps has been observed to be a little bit of a diva as she does not like water on her feet! Some of the chimps are on medicine, that they consume in their juice. So to make it easy and not isolate or show favoritism to any chimp, they all receive juice on a regular schedule. One of the chimps prefers only the Welch’s juice, while his companions will drink any juice.
We saw the headshots of the chimps and the different collection of headshots represent each different family group. When a new chimpanzee joins Project Chimps, the team of specialists determine which family group would best accept a new member and which is family group is most appropriate for the newest guest. We were privileged to catch a glimpse of the large and open sleeping quarters for the chimpanzees. Many were indoors during our visit as it was a hot day, although we saw many out in the yards. We saw the chimps relaxing indoors in a space with walls colorfully decorated with fanciful mushrooms and sunflowers, and we call the style of the decor “happy.”
The photos and the videos represent the chimps better and more honestly than anything I could say. This was an inspiring experience, and there are ways to see this wonder of North Georgia and to meet interesting people who support this great achievement.
North Georgia event in Blairsville on Sept. 27, 2025. We will be there to support Project Chimps!
https://projectchimps.doubleknot.com/event/2025-cheers-for-chimps-grandaddy-mimms-fall/3089244
5k run on the property itself! This is a rare opportunity and we are running in it too!
Chimp or Treat! This is a Halloween family event. Come dressed up or not, but come to this fun opportunity to bring your family including the youngsters!
We encourage you to attend any or all of these North Georgia events, and please let Project Chimps know you heard about their cool events and incredible mission on NorthGeorgiaCulture.com.
