Save the Chimps: Giving Rescued Chimpanzees a Forever Home

Buddies for Paws is proud to support Save the Chimps, one of the world’s largest sanctuaries for rescued chimpanzees. Based in Florida, the sanctuary has been home to more than 330 chimps rescued from research laboratories, the entertainment industry, and the exotic pet trade.

These remarkable animals have endured years of isolation and exploitation, but Save the Chimps ensures their futures are filled with care, comfort, freedom, and safety.

Who They Are

Founded in 1997, Save the Chimps provides lifelong care for chimpanzees who can never return to the wild. The sanctuary currently cares for more than 200 chimps across 12 island habitats designed to replicate their natural environment.

Here, they can roam, play, build social bonds, and relax, a stark contrast to the cages and isolation many experienced before rescue. Every chimp receives round-the-clock care, access to on-site veterinary support, and three nutritious meals a day.

Why It Matters

Chimpanzees share over 98% of our DNA and, like humans, experience complex emotions, relationships, and social connections. Many of the sanctuary’s residents spent decades in research labs or were abandoned by private owners when they became too difficult to manage.

What makes Save the Chimps unique is their commitment to lifelong care - once a chimp arrives, they are never sold, rehomed, or used for any purpose; the sanctuary is their permanent home.

“As chimps can live into their sixties, sanctuaries require a costly, long-term commitment,” says Dan Mathews, Save the Chimps Director of Special Projects, who works closely with Buddies for Paws.

Buddies for Paws is proud to stand alongside their mission, helping ensure these incredible animals have the dignity, safety, and care they deserve.

Tonka x Alan Cumming Painting Auction

In one of our most creative fundraising moments to date, Buddies for Paws partnered with Save the Chimps, BONK, and Exchange Art to auction a truly unique abstract artwork painted by Tonka, a chimpanzee rescued from the entertainment industry, and Alan Cumming, actor and activist.

Tonka, who starred in films like George of the Jungle - before he grew too strong to control and was discarded to a basement cage - now lives freely at the sanctuary after years in captivity. This collaborative piece sold for $1,000, and with BONK’s 100% donation match, a total of $2,000 was raised for Save the Chimps, helping to fund their incredible work.

“I painted the yellow basecoat, and Tonka used a vivid red to add brushstrokes for the abstract piece, created for the Solana Solstice Art Charity Event curated by BONK, J.T. Liss, and Buddies for Paws.” — Alan Cumming

More Creative Collaborations

Tonka isn't the only creative Chimp residing at the sanctuary. In 2024, Exchange Art and Save the Chimps collaborated on another unique art-based fundraiser during Art Basel. This time, the piece featured contributions from Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and chimpanzee artist Grace, who also calls the sanctuary home.

The artwork sold for $2,090 USDC, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Save the Chimps and matched in full by BONK, doubling the impact for the chimps’ daily care and enrichment.

These collaborations show how art, advocacy, and community can come together to create real-world change for animals in need.

How Your Donations Help

When you donate to Save the Chimps through Buddies for Paws, you’re helping to fund:

· Daily food, care, and enrichment for rescued chimpanzees

· Medical care and on-site veterinary services

· Habitat improvements and sanctuary maintenance

· Long-term social integration and behavioural support

Because BONK matches every donation 1:1, your gift goes twice as far, helping even more chimps like Tonka and Grace enjoy the life they deserve.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Buddies for Paws is committed to supporting animal charities that provide lasting, compassionate care. Our partnership with Save the Chimps reflects our belief that every animal should live free from harm, with access to safety, enrichment, and community.

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Donate here — every gift is matched 100% by BONK, doubling the impact for the chimps.