Captive Animals

Primate Sanctuary Standards and Welfare

Accredited sanctuaries provide lifetime care for primates that cannot be released to the wild, and the quality of sanctuary welfare varies significantly based on accreditation standards and resources.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Primate sanctuaries represent the gold standard welfare endpoint for animals that cannot return to the wild. The quality of sanctuary life varies dramatically based on funding, space, and expertise. Accreditation by GFAS provides a minimum welfare standard, but the best sanctuaries go far beyond minimums to provide genuine quality of life through appropriate social grouping, enrichment, and individualized care.

What You Can Do