Sanctuaries

Primate Sanctuaries: Caring for Rescued Monkeys and Apes

Primate sanctuaries provide lifetime care for rescued research, entertainment, and exotic pet primates, but face enormous resource challenges.

Key Facts

An estimated 15,000 non-human primates are kept as pets in the US
Chimpanzees can live 40-60 years, meaning lifetime care commitments are extremely long
Chimp Haven in Louisiana houses the largest population of retired research chimpanzees
Rescued primates often require years of rehabilitation before social integration
The Humane Society reports over 50 primate attacks on humans since 1990 from pet primates

Welfare Considerations

Primates removed from research, entertainment, or exotic pet situations need intensive long-term care. Chimpanzees retired from research show PTSD symptoms requiring specialized behavioral support. Social reintegration after isolated captivity can take years. The cost of proper primate sanctuary care is enormous. Preventing the initial acquisition of primates as pets or research subjects is far more effective than rehabilitating them afterward.

What You Can Do

Support Chimp Haven and other accredited primate sanctuaries financially
Advocate for a federal ban on private primate ownership
Never visit facilities that allow tourist contact with primates
Donate to the American Sanctuary Association accreditation programs
Support legislation requiring primate owners to surrender animals to accredited sanctuaries