Wish List

We have a constant and ever-changing list of needs for our residents and for the smooth operation of the center.

Our residents always need food (both fresh fruit and vegetables as well as healthy treats) and items which they can use as toys and enrichment materials.

And of course the Center for Great Apes can always use cash and in-kind donations!

Many times our supporters want to know what we need at the sanctuary. Below is a list of the most often used commodities... as well as some special "wish list" items we hope to have someday!

Want to purchase specific items for the apes?  See our Amazon.com wishlist!



Toys, enrichment, & blankets

  • Heavy plastic toys (Little Tykes, etc.)
  • Kong toys, Nylabones, (& other sturdy dog toys)
  • Plain Canvas bags
  • Rolls of plain brown paper or butcher paper
  • Clean carpet samples
  • Blankets - Polar Fleece (no quilts)
  • Cotton or Wool blankets (tightly woven) for Louie & Bam Bam
  • Sheets, linens, and pillow cases
  • Essential oils- Lavendar, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, etc.
  • New/Unused toothbrushes
  • Sandbox toys- Plastic shovels & Buckets
  • Scrub brushes for the apes' water play
  • Plastic laundry baskets
  • TV's and DVD players
  • Plastic kid pools (durable, not inflatable)
  • Giant plastic tubs or horse water tubs
  • Durable Rubbermaid storage bins
  • Plastic hard hats
  • Sprinklers - garden & children's
  • Paintbrushes & canvases for art
  • Adding machine or register tape
  • Butcher,wrapping, Painter's, or Builder's paper
  • Rubber boots and shoes
  • Large, durable plastic cook spoons
  • Hairbrushes (no staples in bristles)
  • Large rubber or plastic traffic cones
  • Unbreakable plastic mirrors
  • Used fire hose (from fire dept.)
  • Children's heavy-duty Board Books
  • Thick bungee cords
  • Unused socks, bandanas, burlap bags
  • All-cloth garden gloves
  • Clean bales of Wood Wool (excelsior)
  • Clean bales of hay, straw, pine needles
  • Gift Cards to Wal-Mart/Sam's Club, Home Depot, or Lowe's

Treats and Food Enrichment

  • Any fresh fruit or vegetables good for human consumption and not overly ripe
  • Peanut butter
  • Brown paper lunch bags
  • Paper cups (8oz)
  • Applesauce (unsweetened)
  • Mangos, Starfruit, Lychee fruit
  • Dried fruit (Raisins, berries, prunes)
  • Ensure or Boost
  • Pedialyte fluid replacement
  • Coconuts
  • Sugar Cane
  • Soy bean pods (edamame)
  • Tamarind pods
  • Baby food (any flavor)
  • Rice, oats, grits, cornmeal, & oatmeal
  • Pasta
  • Dry cereals (no or low sugar)
  • Popcorn for hot air popper
  • Garlic powder, cinnamon powder, or other spices 
  • Condiments - mustard, barbeque sauce, etc.
  • Honey
  • Sweet & Dill Pickles, Relish
  • Nuts (unsalted), peanuts or mixed nuts in shell
  • Juice boxes (100% juice or unsweetened)
  • Gatorade/Powerade (bottles or powder mix)
  • Crackers - Graham crackers, Saltines, oyster crackers, animal crackers

For Cleaning, Maintenance & Grounds Work

  • Biodegradable Laundry detergent
  • Bleach (gallons)
  • WD-40
  • Greased Lightin' cleaner
  • Hedge Rakes
  • Branch clippers
  • Shovels, Pitchforks
  • Wheelbarrows
  • 4, 6, 8 or 10-foot FiberGlass Ladders
  • Heavy-duty 5/8" garden hoses
  • Hose nozzles
  • Light bulbs (60, 75, & 100W) & flood lights
  • Gardening tools - spades, pruners
  • Any working electric tool
  • Nail guns, hammers, screw drivers Come-along
  • Gift cards to Home Depot, Lowe's, or Tractor Supply

For our Feed Room / Ape Kitchen

  • Paper products - paper towels, bags, toilet paper (Septic-safe)
  • Brooms and Mops
  • Dish soap
  • 13 gallon kitchen bags
  • 30 & 55 Gallon trash bags
  • Simple Green® Cleaner
  • Hot air corn popper
  • Extra-large mixing bowls
  • Extra-large cooking pots
  • Colanders
  • Cooking utensils, spoons
  • Cutting boards and sharp knives
  • Dehydrator

For Our Office Duties

  • Postage stamps - books and rolls
  • AA, C, & D batteries
  • Copier paper, laser printing paper
  • Multi-purpose 20# copy paper
  • Bright-white 24# photo paper
  • White or Color Cardstock 110#
  • Recordable & rewritable CD's & DVD's
  • Clear packing tape
  • Scissors
  • White #10 business envelopes
  • Gift Card to Office Max, Office Depot, Staples

Equipment for Health Center

  • Portable X-Ray equipment
  • Pedialyte (fluid replacement)
  • Chewable Vitamin C
  • Baby Wipes
  • Toe Nail Clippers
  • Microscope Lens cleaner & Lens paper
  • Mosquito repellant - Family or Kids Off

Miscellaneous Needs

  • Washing Machines
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Freezers
  • Fans
  • Power extension cords – heavy duty
  • Laser pointer
  • Golf carts, golf cart batteries & tires
  • John Deere Gator
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Pick Up Truck