Fort Pierce, FL: Save the Chimps, a non-profit sanctuary providing life-long world-class care for chimpanzees in need, located in Fort Pierce, Florida announced the promotion of long time employee Deanna Jenkins to Volunteer Coordinator and Curator for Section Three. As Curator, Ms. Jenkins oversees the daily care of sixty-one resident chimpanzees including Rufus’s Island – the largest integrated family group at the sanctuary. Ms. Jenkins has worked at the sanctuary since 2011 and has held the title of Care Technician III since 2016 overseeing chimpanzee introductions for Section Three, as well as positive reinforcement training for medical purposes, daily husbandry tasks, and training of new staff members. As Volunteer Coordinator she will oversee the training and implementation of a vibrant and overhauled volunteer program.
“Deanna Jenkins has demonstrated true leadership and we couldn’t be prouder to promote this talented member of our staff,” stated our Executive Director, “not only does she regularly provide mentorship to younger staff but she always seeks opportunities to learn and take on new challenges.”
Save the Chimps is reevaluating its volunteer program, seeking to provide more and varied opportunities for its dedicated volunteers. “Many of our volunteers have spent years supporting this organization, we want to give them a rewarding and enriching experience,”.
“It is 
my aim to provide ways for our dedicated volunteers to become more involved in our organization by offering more opportunities. I am excited for the new year and look forward to working hand in hand with our volunteers,” added Ms. Jenkins.
Since its founding in 1997, the sanctuary has successfully retired 333 chimpanzees from unsuitable living conditions, allowing them to live out their days in a safe, secure, and vibrantly social community alongside their fellow chimpanzees. The retired chimps now live in large family groups on 12 separate three-acre islands, where they receive three fresh meals daily, first rate medical care, and a variety of activities in an enriched environment.
Save the Chimps is committed to providing sanctuary and exemplary care to chimpanzees in need. As the world’s largest privately funded sanctuary for chimpanzees, Save the Chimps relies 100% on annual donations from generous groups and individuals. Out of respect for its residents’ privacy, the sanctuary is closed to the public except for special events such as its famous race, Chimpathon, held April 19th and its Member Day on December 5th. For more information or to donate your time or treasure, visit savethechimps.org.