The Center for Great Apes is Girlfriends Films’ September charity, as
selected by popular VOD (video-on-demand) website HotMovies.com. The
Center is a permanent sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees rescued
or retired from the entertainment industry or research purposes, as well
as ones no longer wanted as pets. In addition to receiving $1,000 from
Girlfriends Films in the name of HotMovies.com, the organization will
receive an additional $5,000 from the socially and environmentally
conscious adult site.
Per its mission statement, lifetime care
is provided to great apes with dignity in a safe, healthy, and enriching
environment at the Center, located in Wauchula, Florida. Many people
are unaware of the rampant abuse older chimpanzees and orangutans face.
They see young, friendly, cuddly animals in movies, the circus, and
other places, however, when these animals mature to 7-years-old, they
often become too big and strong for these uses. Many are then confined
to small cages for many years because owners no longer have use for
them.
“The stories of what happens to many of these apes are
heartbreaking,” states a HotMovies.com representative. “I visited this
sanctuary about nine years ago and could not believe the wonderful work
they do. They have grown immensely over the years because of the help
from many kind people. The Center has updated and expanded its facility
and now houses many more residents than when I visited.”