Over 30 years ago, Sam worked in the entertainment business until he grew too large and dangerous to work around people. He then spent the next thirty years at a California compound, but never bred any of the females. One possible reason for his breeding inactivity was that Sam lost a testicle while working on a film set when a trained dog in the show bit it off.

Sam has lived most of his life (both in California and now in Florida) in the company of another male, Bubbles, who is 14 years younger than Sam. The two adult males are best friends and spend time together grooming and playing even though Sam is over 40 years old.

He often sits high up in his habitat in the 34-foot high cupola staring out at the surrounding countryside and orange groves. On balmy nights, Sam likes to make his nest of blankets and sleep outside in the lofty tower.

Sam is fond of his morning bananas and afternoon vegetables (especially cucumbers) but refuses to eat tomatoes or corn. His favorite enrichment activity is searching throughout his outdoor area for raisins, cereal, nuts, and other treats that have been scattered by staff.

Both Sam and Bubbles have always been gentle with younger chimpanzees and were used at the California compound to socialize the former working chimps back into chimpanzee groupings.

Now they live with Oopsie and her family, including little Kodua and baby Stryker. The infants love Sam! They jump on him, ride on his back, tease him, and generally do anything to get his attention. He patiently endures their pestering and always ends up tickling or grooming the babies.