Keeping Up With the Caregivers

At the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, I am cared for by Volunteer Caregivers. I call them “Caregivers” rather than Zoo Keepers or Caretakers because the dedicated

Volunteers are always giving 110%... not keeping or taking, always giving.

Most people would think a caregiver is just responsible to clean and feed us, but there is much more to it. Keeping up with the caregivers requires much more. So, if you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Caregiver, then pay attention, because I am going to give you a sneak-peek at behind the scenes of keeping up with the caregivers!

Usually, volunteers arrive early in the morning between 7am and 9am. They greet all the animals and begin their long day of work; most volunteers won’t leave until 5pm or later.

After saying “hello” to all of the residents, volunteers begin preparing breakfast, which usually consists of morning bread or mixed veggies and fruit. My favorite part is when they begin to feed, because I’m usually first!

After feeding, our bedrooms and living areas are washed down with a special chlorine/water mixture. While they clean, music plays in the background for us to dance to or lay back and relax to.

By this time, the front gate is just being opened for the public! Caregivers use this time to prepare our enrichment and lunch. Enrichment can consist of all sort of things including raisin boards, twist tubes, painting, catch, or any other creative item the caregivers come up with.

Lunch is then ready to be fed! I enjoy green grapes and bananas the best. Lunch can be a variety of mixtures between lettuce, broccoli, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries, bananas, and other produce. The Great Apes, like myself, usually get a large scoop of cut mixed produce along with 2-3 whole apples, peaches, or pears that are thrown to the top of the enclosure as part of our workout.

Now it’s time for my nap on my high bench or barrel while the caregivers do another cleaning. If you come at the right time, you can sometimes see some of my Chimp friends taking a shower if it is hot outside.

Another snack around 2pm – 3pm. This is usually food like oatmeal/peanut butter sandwiches. Enrichment is sometimes incorporated into our snack or we do enrichment afterwards. Around 5pm, we receive our night time snack that consists of dry food that will last overnight. Cereal and dog food is my favorite. Yes, dog food. It has great protein in it.

Well, there is a glimpse of keeping up with the caregivers. Until next time…

A Primates Life For Me,

Cheetah The Chimp

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