High school Environmental Club members have reached their goal to “adopt” two chimpanzees through various fundraising projects. Over the holiday break, the club members adopted chimps Thabu and Zac, who reside at the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

“The students were determined to adopt the chimps by the holidays,” said club advisor Dawn DeLeonardis-Moody. “This is a cause near and dear to them, especially our Club President Arunima Roy, who is a Roots & Shoots National Youth Leader.”

To raise the $100 needed to adopt the animals, the club members sold reusable water bottles and held healthy bake sales and plant sales. They also hosted an Optimum Charity Challenge, where participants learned how to make repurposed arts and crafts.  

With the adoption, the students will receive periodic updates on the chimps’ well-being.