Primate sanctuaries provide lifelong care for great apes and other primates rescued from inadequate situations, with welfare standards that distinguish genuine sanctuaries from exploitative facilities.
Primate sanctuary welfare standards provide the framework for distinguishing facilities that genuinely serve primate welfare from those that exploit primates under a sanctuary label. Genuine sanctuaries prioritize resident welfare over revenue generation - they do not breed because breeding creates more primates needing sanctuary care, they do not offer animal encounters because this stresses residents, and they do not sell or loan primates because primates are not property to be transferred. The welfare of sanctuary primates is often challenging to ensure given the trauma histories many bring from research, entertainment, or pet trade backgrounds. Expert rehabilitation programs, appropriate social grouping, and appropriate habitat provision for the specific histories of individual primates are the hallmarks of excellent sanctuary care.