Primate sanctuaries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America provide refuge for animals rescued from the pet trade, bushmeat markets, and biomedical research.
Primate sanctuary work is welfare-intensive: animals arrive carrying the full spectrum of abuse — malnutrition, physical injury, psychological trauma from isolation, and complete absence of species-appropriate social experience. Rehabilitation is a years-long process requiring skilled, consistent care. Social reintegration — introducing traumatised individuals to primate groups — requires professional expertise to avoid harm. The work is essential but underfunded relative to the scale of need.