Monkey Sanctuary Welfare Standards

Primates rescued from the pet trade, entertainment, and biomedical research require specialist sanctuary environments to achieve genuine welfare.

Key Facts

An estimated 5,000 primates are kept as pets in the UK, often in inadequate conditions
Primates confiscated from the pet trade typically have severe behavioural abnormalities from early social deprivation
Reintroduction of habituated primates to the wild is rarely possible — sanctuary care is permanent
Optimal primate sanctuaries provide species-appropriate social groups, complex habitats, and choice
The Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall is a model for long-term welfare-centred care

Welfare Considerations

Primates rescued from inappropriate keeping typically carry the psychological legacy of early social deprivation: self-harming, stereotypies, and inability to form normal social relationships. Sanctuary care must address these chronic welfare deficits while preventing further harm. The best sanctuaries provide gradual social integration, complex enriched habitats, and long-term stability — accepting that many rescued primates will never achieve the welfare state of animals raised appropriately. The commitment is to maximise welfare given the damage already done.

What You Can Do

Never keep or purchase primates as pets
Support Wild Futures, Monkey World, and equivalent primate welfare sanctuaries
Advocate for the UK primate keeping licensing restrictions to become a full ban
Never attend entertainment venues using primates for performance
Donate to organisations supporting primate rescue from the pet trade and entertainment industry