Geri is a calm but watchful female orangutan who is the constant companion of Sammy. Geri is also Jam’s mother, though the infant was taken from her when he was born in California at a trainer’s compound. Geri came to the Center for Great Apes in December 2004 at age fifteen. Her son, Jam, arrived in Wauchula four months later in March 2005, and after a series of gradual introductions, Geri and Jam were finally reunited.

These days at the sanctuary, Geri spends most of her time with Sammy, but travels frequently through the tunnel system to spend time with her son, Jam and the young female orangutan, Tango.

Geri spent her early years being worked in the entertainment industry, appearing in many advertisements and films like The Flintstones and Dunston Checks In. When she became too big to work, she became a breeder to produce more babies for the business.

Geri is the epitome of relaxation. Nothing seems to faze her. She enjoys climbing to the top of her enclosure where she can keep an eye on the other orangutans. But Geri also plays quietly by herself, blowing bubbles and playing with pieces of fabric. When old clothes are given out for enrichment, Geri always enjoys putting on gardening gloves and T-shirts.

She is an expert nest-builder making giant and elaborate nests out of bamboo and palm fronds. Geri is especially concerned with making sure her surroundings are clean and will daily gather her dishes and blankets to hand to her caregivers.

Geri has an aptitude for problem-solving and carefully examines every object to see how it’s put together –so eventually she can take it apart!