Sammy is a handsome male orangutan and still very playful even though he weighs over 240 pounds.

He first lived at a Miami tourist attraction owned by an orangutan breeder. When he was only 18 months old, he was sold (along with infant Geri) to a Los Angeles trainer who worked chimpanzees in Hollywood. Sammy and Geri grew up together in the entertainment world working in many commercials and TV shows (such as Baywatch). They also starred in several movies (The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, and Sammy’s most famous movie, Dunston Checks In where Sammy played the part of Dunston). When Sammy became too strong and dangerous to work, he was retired to a small cage at the trainer’s compound where he became a breeder. Sammy and Geri produced one infant – Jam who was hand raised by the trainers.

Then, in December 2004, both Sammy and Geri were sent to the Center for Great Apes, one of the only nonprofit sanctuaries in North America dedicated to the rescue and permanent care of orangutans. Their son Jam arrived at the sanctuary four months later.

Sammy is very attached to his life-long companion, Geri. While Geri has been reintroduced to her offspring, Jam, Sammy has been aggressive to Jam during “howdy” sessions, and is likely jealous of Geri’s attention to the youngster. So, Geri spends her time between Sammy and Jam.

Sam does have an odd quirk. He passionately dislikes bare feet and will chase anyone away from his enclosure (even spit at them) if they are wearing sandals or flip-flops.

He really enjoys enrichment activities -- especially painting. He chooses his own colors and stares at his painting when he’s finished, appearing to admire his work. Most days, Sammy can be found hanging out in his swinging barrel, digging in a sand pile, or traveling around in the chute system through the woods.