Wildlife

Captive Primate Sanctuary Standards

Primate sanctuaries provide refuge for animals displaced from research, entertainment, and the illegal pet trade — but standards vary widely.

Key Facts

Thousands of primates are displaced from research facilities annually
Former pet primates often have severe social and psychological damage
Reintegration into social groups is challenging but possible with expert care
Space, social complexity, and cognitive enrichment are all essential

Welfare Considerations

Not all sanctuaries provide genuine welfare improvements over the conditions animals came from. Primates need large spaces, complex social groupings, cognitive challenges, and skilled behavioral management. Underfunded sanctuaries may struggle to meet these needs. Accreditation systems exist but are not universally applied to primate sanctuaries.

What You Can Do

Support accredited primate sanctuaries over unaccredited ones
Never support the primate pet trade or primate entertainers
Advocate for stronger regulations on primate keeping and entertainment
Donate to organizations providing high-quality primate sanctuary care