MORGANTON WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
A Quiet Morning with Rescued Chimpanzees in the Blue Ridge: Project Chimps’ Discovery Days VIP
A guided sanctuary visit in Morganton where families can meet former research chimpanzees, walk scenic trails, picnic by a koi pond, and upgrade to a VIP Banana Bus experience.
A Quiet Morning with Rescued Chimpanzees in the Blue Ridge: Project Chimps’ Discovery Days VIP.
Discovery Days at Project Chimps places visitors in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to meet rescued research chimpanzees on a guided walk through the sanctuary, explore new hiking trails, browse Discovery Zone booths, and picnic by a scenic koi pond; families may upgrade to a VIP Banana Bus experience with early access and special perks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet Rescued Research Chimpanzees
Guided tours bring guests close to former research chimpanzees living in forested outdoor habitats in the Blue Ridge Mountains; sightings are highly likely though chimps may sometimes remain hidden in the trees.
Trails, Discovery Zone and Koi Pond Picnic
After the guided walk, visitors can explore Discovery Zone booths, try new hiking trails, and bring a picnic to enjoy beside the sanctuary’s scenic koi pond.
VIP Banana Bus, Early Access and Comfort
The VIP upgrade starts the day with a more intimate driven tour in the Banana Bus and includes early arrival with upfront parking, muffin and coffee during a Q&A with staff, access to indoor plumbing, event swag, and the option to join a later walking tour with general guests.
What the day feels like
What the Visit Feels Like
The experience unfolds as a guided sanctuary walk through forested habitats where chimpanzees move between visible spaces and sheltered areas; families arrive, learn at Discovery Zone booths, stroll newly opened hiking trails, and relax with a picnic by the koi pond — VIPs begin with an intimate Banana Bus tour and early access to behind-the-scenes Q&A time with staff.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan between 1 and 4 hours for a visit; guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to your chosen tour slot to check in.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy by the koi pond.
Meet at the sanctuary address listed for check-in; VIPs receive early arrival and upfront parking as part of their upgrade.
Expect gravel roads and some steep inclines on the guided hike—wear suitable footwear and plan for moderate exertion.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When should I arrive for my tour?
Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to your chosen tour slot.
How likely am I to see chimpanzees?
Chimpanzee sightings are highly likely but are not guaranteed, as chimpanzees may choose to remain hidden in the forested outdoor habitat.
How long does Discovery Days take?
Plan on between 1 hour and up to 4 hours for the event.
How hard is the walk around the sanctuary?
Expect a 60-minute, moderate hike on gravel roads with some steep inclines; the hike can be challenging for young children, less active adults and those with limited mobility.
What does the VIP upgrade include?
The VIP experience includes an intimate driven tour in the Banana Bus at the start of the event, early arrival with upfront parking, muffin and coffee during a Q&A with chimp staff, access to indoor plumbing, event swag, and the option to join a later walking tour with general guests.