Original Chimp Art by Tonka & Cayleb – “Generations in Color”

Original art by Tonka & Cayleb on a 12×12″ stretch canvas

Art is an enrichment activity offered to our residents. Some chimps enjoy it, while others prefer not to. The choice is theirs to make.

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About the Artists

Tonka was born on October 5, 1991, at an exotic animal breeding compound and was taken from his mother as an infant to be used in Hollywood films like George of the Jungle, Babe: Pig in the City, and Buddy. When he became too large for entertainment, he was sent to a Missouri primate breeding compound that later rebranded as a nonprofit to deflect criticism. Tonka spent nearly 20 years in isolation and substandard conditions until he vanished during a legal battle over the facility. After a public campaign led by PETA and actor Alan Cumming, Tonka was found in a basement cage and rescued by U.S. Marshals with the help of Save the Chimps.

Tonka arrived at the sanctuary in June 2022, overweight and pale from years of confinement. With expert care, he regained his health and began enjoying the outdoors, socializing, and discovering his love for painting. After quarantine, he bonded closely with two other rescued chimps, Jacob and Cayleb, and eventually joined a larger family on one of the sanctuary’s 12 island habitats. Now thriving in a group of 17 chimps, including his favorite companion Ursula, Tonka spends his days playing, grooming, and embracing the freedom he was long denied.

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Cayleb
I was rescued from the entertainment industry and then resided at the Wildlife Waystation, an animal refuge in California. In 2019, the Wildlife Waystation closed its doors, leaving nearly 480 animals, including 42 chimps, needing new homes. Chimpanzees In Need, led by NAPSA, worked tirelessly to fundraise and arrange homes for all 42 chimpanzees. I was among the final seven to find placement. Together, my family and I were transported by FedEx Cares to our new home across the country at Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, FL.

Upon arrival at Save the Chimps, I was a bit nervous but bravely explored my play yard with my friend Jacob. I quickly acclimated to my new home and enjoy spending time in the sunshine in the yard. When a staff member visit I’ll quickly run over bipedally and excitedly jump up and down before sitting down to visit them.

After a quarantine period that all chimpanzees who arrive at Save the Chimps go through, Jacob and I were introduced to Tonka, another resident who arrived in 2022. The three of us moved to Doug’s island and were introduced to the family there. We now have the companionship of a large family group and the freedom to explore and relax on a 3-acre island.