Primate Sanctuaries: Standards, Funding, and Long-Term Care Commitments

Primate sanctuaries provide refuge for animals rescued from research, entertainment, and the pet trade. High standards and sustainable funding are essential for good welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Thousands of primates require sanctuary care globally after research use, pet trade rescue, or zoo surplus
The GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) provides accreditation and standards for primate sanctuaries
Primates in sanctuaries require lifetime care commitments — they rarely can be returned to the wild
Chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa provide critical refuge for orphans from the bushmeat trade
Funding instability is a major threat to sanctuary welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Primate sanctuaries face unique challenges: their residents often carry the psychological scars of trauma from research, isolation, or inappropriate captivity, and require decades of expert care. Providing appropriate social groups, enriched environments, and veterinary care for decades is enormously resource-intensive. Accredited sanctuaries distinguish themselves from exploitative roadside zoos through no-contact policies with the public, no commercial use of animals, and commitment to meeting the animals needs without compromise. Sustainable funding through diverse revenue streams — donations, corporate partnerships, and government grants — is essential for long-term welfare.

What You Can Do

Support accredited primate sanctuaries with donations and awareness-raising
Avoid attractions that use primates for entertainment or allow public contact
Advocate for legislation restricting primate ownership and use in entertainment
Learn about the long-term care commitments that rescued primates require