Public Gets Rare Inside Look at Chimps Inc.

Chimps Inc, the Tumalo sanctuary for the care of chimpanzees, invited the public to an open house Saturday — a rare oppotrunity to get up close to the animals, as well as a variety of other activities.

Normally, sanctuaries are never open to the public because they want the animals to live their lives in peace and not be subjected to the public.

Every year, Chimps Inc. holds an open house for donors and sponsors. But on Saturday, for the first time ever, the facility allowed the general public to see what they do.

A tremendous showing of people from all over the community took the opportunity. and the public was able to see how the chimps live and interact with each other.

“We cant thank our donors and supporters enough, because we are a nonprofit and rely solely on donations, and this is just to thank them,” said founder Lesley Day.

Children even made Cheerios and pretzel neckces for the chimps, and other crafts for the two cats that live on the property.

Chimps Inc is also hosting a garage sale on June 22 and 23. You can donate your unwanted treasures at their sanctuary off Gerking Market Road, or they’ll come pick it up for free, if you’re in the Bend area.