Primate Sanctuary Standards and Accreditation

Hundreds of primate sanctuaries operate globally with highly variable quality, making accreditation and standards critical for ensuring rescued primates receive genuine care.

Key Facts

Over 15,000 primates are held in private ownership or roadside zoos in the US alone
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredits facilities meeting rigorous standards
Primates require species-appropriate social groups, diet, and cognitive enrichment
Trauma responses from poor early life experiences in captive primates can last decades
Legitimate sanctuaries do not breed, sell, or allow public contact with animals

Welfare Considerations

The word sanctuary is legally unprotected and used by facilities ranging from genuine lifetime refuges to exploitative tourist attractions. Primates — which are highly intelligent, social, and emotionally complex — suffer profoundly in substandard facilities. Key markers of genuine sanctuary quality include lifetime commitment to animals, no breeding, no public contact, appropriate social groupings, and professional veterinary care. Accreditation through organizations like GFAS provides a reliable indicator of genuine welfare commitment.

What You Can Do

Support only GFAS-accredited primate sanctuaries with donations
Avoid any facility offering primate contact experiences to tourists
Advocate for laws prohibiting private primate ownership
Educate others about how to identify genuine vs. exploitative sanctuaries