Happy National Tattoo Day!  Some of our dedicated staff members proudly showcase their love for our chimpanzees with tattoos of their favorite residents.  Each tattoo represents a special bond and a commitment to providing the best care for our sanctuary’s chimps.


Rebecca St. Gorge: Former staff, current volunteer

“This is my Tattoo of Cody! Cody was the first chimp I fell in love with when I started at STC in 2018. I never knew how much I could love chimpanzees until I began working at STC, let alone how much I would grow to love this chimp in particular. Cody is absolutely brilliant in every way, he’s incredibly kind, and loyal to his chimp family and his caretakers alike. He loves to race with his caretakers golf carts along the shoreline, but only if he can calculate that he will win. He loves to play slip and slide along the buildings patio when you hose it down for him. And he especially loves to be hosed down until he is sopping wet, he would stop me while I was cleaning and start making raspberries and pointing to the hose until he got his way (which was every time). Cody will forever hold a large chunk of my heart, and I am beyond honored to have had the opportunity to spend 5 perfect years becoming his biggest fan!”

Madison Valentine: Staff

“I have a tattoo of Bobby’s (at Bobby’s building) thumbprint in the shape of a heart 🙂 I got that tattoo because Bobby has touched my heart in more ways than I can express. He is the face of resilience, strength, and forgiveness. He had a very dark past at the hands of humans, but has welcomed me into his life and his heart and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I am so lucky to love and be loved by Bobby!”


Susan Richardson: Staff

“Timmy and Cheetah have had my heart from day one 10 1/2 years ago. We tickle stick and play chase daily. I just love their energy and their love for one another and myself. ”


Larry Rich: Volunteer for Twelve Years

“This is Terry. A rescue from a street side show in Vegas. I decided to get this tattoo to show my support for the sanctuary. When I show people the tattoo it always starts a conversation about the Chimps and what they have gone through for so many years. I stress about the great life and care they now have. I guess you could say my tattoo is the door that opens to make people aware of the past and present of these great creatures. “