Sammy's early life was marked by his residency at a Miami tourist attraction owned by an orangutan breeder, where he was just 18 months old when he was sold to a Los Angeles trainer who specialized in working chimpanzees in Hollywood. Alongside infant Geri, Sammy grew up in the entertainment world, appearing in numerous commercials and television shows, including the popular series Baywatch, as well as several movies, such as The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, and his most iconic role, Dunston Checks In, where he played the titular character.
As Sammy matured and became too strong and unpredictable to work in the entertainment industry, he was retired to a small enclosure at the trainer's compound, where he took on the role of a breeder. During this time, he and Geri produced a single offspring, Jam, who was hand-raised by the trainers.
In December 2004, Sammy and Geri were relocated to the Center for Great Apes, a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and permanent care of orangutans, with their son Jam joining them four months later.
Sammy's life was deeply intertwined with that of his lifelong companion, Geri, and he struggled to cope with her increased attention towards their son Jam. As a result, Geri would often spend time with both Sammy and Jam, attempting to mediate the situation.
One peculiar aspect of Sammy's personality was his intense dislike of bare feet. He would aggressively chase anyone away from his enclosure, even resorting to spitting at them, if they were wearing sandals or flip-flops.
Sadly, Sammy's life came to an end in December 2010, when he was found peacefully in his night nest, having passed away in his sleep. A necropsy revealed that he died of heart failure, a common affliction among adult male great apes, including gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
