School Field Trips

Project Chimps’ School Field Trips are a four- to five-hour, instructor-led program at Project Chimps in Morganton, Georgia, that gives students hands-on exposure to chimpanzee behavior and sanctuary life. Located at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA, the program centers on guided interpretation along dirt roads and accessible trails through the sanctuary’s forested enclosures and day yards, where chimps are most active in the morning. Designed to meet Georgia Board of Education standards, these inquiry-based lessons combine science, animal behavior, and conservation ethics into a field day that teachers can align with classroom curricula.

Groups of 10–100 students move at a steady educational pace: arrival, orientation, small-group rotations, a walking tour that resembles a moderate hike, and time to eat brought-from-home lunches on picnic blankets. Practical logistics are straightforward—programs typically run between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., fees are $10 per student with one chaperone per 10 students admitted free, and additional chaperones paying the regular adult fee of $35. Organizers ask for reservations at least a month in advance and a confirmed head count seven days before the visit so the staff can stage safe viewing and engagement.

The scene is quietly distinct: open day yards where chimpanzees climb and forage, shaded viewing points beside dirt road corridors, and a working sanctuary layout that foregrounds animal welfare. The terrain is primarily well-maintained dirt roads and gentle slopes rather than paved trails, so comfortable footwear matters. A refrigerator and microwave are available on-site for special needs, but groups should plan to bring lunches, refillable water bottles, and picnic blankets.

Project Chimps will sometimes request Wish List donations; these items directly support enrichment and care. Accessibility options exist with advance notice, and the staff will work with teachers to adapt programming when needed. Weather rarely cancels tours—programs run rain or shine unless Project Chimps must close for severe conditions, in which case refunds or rescheduling are offered.

This experience stands out in the local recreation landscape because it pairs ethical wildlife care with standard-aligned education in a rural setting. For schools in North Georgia looking to turn lessons about animal behavior and stewardship into an active field experience, these school field trips provide structured curriculum connections, clear logistics for larger groups, and the rare chance to observe chimpanzee social behavior outside a laboratory setting—all within a managed sanctuary environment where conservation and education coexist. Bus drivers can park at Project Chimps; up to five buses can turn around in the main lot, which simplifies arrival and departure for larger groups.

Payment is due at least seven days before the visit, and cancellations made seven days in advance receive full refunds; rescheduling needs 14 days’ notice. These policies keep large visits running smoothly.