Primate sanctuaries provide refuge for chimpanzees, monkeys, and other primates rescued from research, entertainment, and the exotic pet trade, but face significant challenges.
Primates rescued from research labs or the pet trade often suffer lasting psychological trauma, self-injurious behaviors, and difficulties forming social bonds. Inadequate sanctuary space, limited funding, and staff shortages compromise the quality of care. Many rescued animals cannot be released to the wild because they lack survival skills, making lifetime captive care the only ethical option — a resource-intensive commitment.