Primate sanctuaries provide refuge for retired research animals and confiscated pets, but sanctuary quality varies enormously and welfare standards need strengthening.
Primate sanctuaries perform essential welfare work for animals who cannot be released to the wild but do not belong in research facilities or zoos. The best sanctuaries provide complex social environments, species-appropriate diet, enrichment, and veterinary care that allows primates to recover from traumatic histories. The worst use the sanctuary label without providing meaningful welfare improvement. Accreditation by organizations like GFAS provides a meaningful signal of sanctuary quality, and donor due diligence in choosing sanctuaries to support makes a real difference in where resources flow.