Second Annual Great Apes Giving Day Aims to Raise $100,000 in Support of North American Animal Sanctuaries Caring for More Than 500 Chimpanzees, Orangutans

Media Contact
Andy Marra
Communications Manager
amarra@arcusfoundation.org
646-837-8879

NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 14, 2015) – The Arcus Foundation, a global foundation promoting respect for diversity among peoples and in nature, announced today the second annual Great Apes Giving Day to raise awareness and support for animal sanctuaries responsible for the care of more than 500 chimpanzees and orangutans formerly used in medical and scientific research, entertainment, breeding, or kept as exotic pets.

“Arcus is excited to kick off another Great Apes Giving Day as we increase awareness and financial support for sanctuaries providing exceptional care for hundreds of chimpanzees and orangutans in need,” said Linda May, Arcus’ Captive Apes Program Director. “A significant amount of time and resources are required to ensure the well-being of these apes, and our goal is to generate interest and secure new donors for their long-term care.”

For 24 hours on Wednesday, October 14, eight animal sanctuaries caring for great apes based in North America will be participating in the online giving day with a goal to raise $100,000 in donations. Participating sanctuaries are encouraging supporters to donate either on or before October 14 at www.greatapesgivingday.org

This year, the Arcus Foundation has co-sponsored Great Apes Giving Day with The Greenbaum Foundation and the American Anti-Vivisection Society. To maximize online donations within the 24-hour time period, the three groups are making available $50,000 to be awarded among the eight animal sanctuaries.

Online donations made by an individual go directly to the participating sanctuary of their choice. Funds will be awarded by the event sponsors to sanctuaries that raise the most funds and gain the most individual donors. A matching gift of $200 will also be randomly awarded to a sanctuary each hour.

Participating sanctuaries in this year’s Great Apes Giving Day include the Center for Great Apes, Chimp Haven, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Chimps Inc., Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, Fauna Foundation, Primarily Primates, and Save the Chimps. Each sanctuary meets the highest standards of care and is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Great Apes Giving Day is a pilot campaign established by the Arcus Foundation in 2014 to raise awareness and build support for sanctuaries caring for apes in captivity. In its inaugural year, more than $80,000 was raised and awarded to 22 wildlife sanctuaries caring for great apes and other primates across Africa.

Learn more about the Great Apes Giving Day at www.greatapesgivingday.org and join @ArcusGreatApes on Twitter as Arcus live tweets the competition during the day on October 14, 2015.

ABOUT ARCUS
Founded in 2000 by Jon Stryker, the Arcus Foundation is dedicated to the idea that people can live in harmony with one another and the natural world. Arcus’ work is based on the belief that respect for diversity among peoples and in nature is essential to a positive future for our planet and all of its inhabitants. The Foundation works globally and has offices in New York City and Cambridge, U.K. To learn more, visit: www.arcusfoundation.org