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Of course, some showbiz habits are hard to break. Cheetah likes to play the piano, watch t.v., go for rides in the car, take walks, look at pictures in magazines, and most importantly, paint. Abe says, “At the sanctuary the apes are provided with a variety of activities to stimulate their intellect and curiosity. Painting allows them to mimic their innate behavior of inventing and using tools. Dan says that Cheeta has developed a particular
talent as an abstract artist and has trademarked Cheeta's creations Says Elayne Boosler , “I read an article about Cheeta and his paintings online. I had to have one. It came a week later. I immediately bought another, and it was different. Different colors and mood. I was captivated. My neighbor, a graphic artist, saw the paintings and had to have one. I surprised her for her birthday and she was ecstatic. It's in a gorgeous frame in her living room and everyone comments on it. They do not believe it was painted by a chimp, and my neighbor always has to take the picture down and show them the Certificate of Authenticity on the back. I became friendly with Dan and Abe and so admire what they are valiantly doing on a shoestring budget. They are just two wonderful people. I hope putting them on the Tails website gets them a lot of notice and business”. Most importantly, the money from the sale of the paintings goes to support the animals. It's pretty expensive feeding and caring for a dozen primates, and the money is so needed. The nice thing is, you get a beautiful piece of art AND you help save lives. And the holidays are just around the corner… CHEETA'S SIGNED ART (YES, HE SIGNS IT, SEE PHOTO) $125.00 EACH 14”X 18” CANVAS BOARD PAINTING COMES WITH A SIGNATURE (DAN HELPS), CHEETA'S THUMBPRINT (CHEETA DOES THAT HIMSELF), A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY, A COLOR PHOTO OF CHEETA PAINTING, A SIGNED HEAD SHOT OF CHEETA FROM HIS MOVIE DAYS, AND A MOVIE STILL OF CHEETAH WITH TARZAN. THE PHOTOS WILL BE PERSONALIZED TO YOU OR ANYONE YOU WISH.
To make a donation or to order a painting, click here on Cheeta's brand new official website, or contact: Dan Westfall |
People have a different consciousness about animals
and animal welfare today, and mercifully, more and more people
are turning their backs on circuses that exploit animals, and
performing animals in general. But this was a different era,
and what's done is done. Often, when performing chimpanzees were
retired, they were sold into biomedical research. Tony Gentry
loved Cheeta so much, his will stated when he himself died, he
wanted Cheeta put to sleep also so he would never suffer at the
hands of others. Enter Tony's nephew, Dan Westfall. Dan promised
to take good care of Cheeta, and when his uncle died about ten
years ago, Cheeta went to live with Dan. Today, Dan's “ Cheeta
Primate Foundation ” in
Palm Springs , California , is home to Cheeta and many other
retired chimps, orangutans, and other unwanted or abused showbiz
primates. Abe Karajerjian, a biological anthropologist who along
with Dan runs the foundation and cares for the animals, says
Cheeta and his companions are in the best of health, receive
the best of care, and are kept busy and happy in an appropriate
social structure. Says Abe, "They made tons of people happy,
they had to endure a lot to make people happy, and we want to
give back to them, provide them with friends. We just love them.” 
