Primate Rescue Center

Because the monkeys under our care may live 25 or more years, and the chimps twice that, we literally have decades to get to know these animals as individuals. We closely monitor their activities in hopes of determining whether they’re thriving or in poor health. We use trial and error in hopes of learning their preferences for food, shelter, and articles of comfort or enrichment, then adjust their environment accordingly. At times, we enter into a teacher-student relationship: we patiently teach an animal to approach the cage bars when an examination must be conducted, for example, or an injection administered. They continually entertain us with their antics, and by all appearances the feeling is mutual.

Naturally, then, the death of any animal here has the weight and gravity of losing a family member. But those gone are never forgotten—not for the staff, or the volunteers, or even PRC supporters, who follow our residents’ travails via our newsletters and who may have met them at our annual Member Event. This is where we pay our everlasting tribute and respects to those apes and monkeys (and other sanctuary creatures) who have so enriched our lives:

Suzie

Suzie was an olive baboon who arrived at the PRC in October of 2009 after more than 20 years of social isolation in a private home. After authorities intervened, she arrived at our sanctuary extremely underweight, with undiagnosed diabetes, and ghostly pale from lack of exposure to the sun. We quickly set about treating her diabetes with proper diet and medication. As her health gradually improved, we were able to introduce her to other primates. She enjoyed spending her afternoons basking in the sunshine, her skin darkening so she resembled her wild counterparts.

Sadly, the many years that her diabetes went undiagnosed and untreated took their toll. Ultimately, the effects of this horrible disease were more than her body could overcome. Suzie passed away peacefully in early 2012, surrounded by staff who loved her, and with the warmth of the sun shining on her. Rest in peace, dear Suzie.

Booger

A beloved former pet, Booger arrived at the PRC in October 1994 after injuring his longtime owner rather severely. After being introduced to other spider monkeys, he flourished in the company of Bisou, Chester and Dehlia. His unforgettable personality endeared him to all who met him. Booger loved to sit in the sun and groom his buddies, run down the length of his cage to chase the golf cart, and bounce up and down on a squeaky toy while chirping and whistling for attention. His kind face was punctuated by strikingly beautiful eyes of an unusual deep grayish blue color. We were heartbroken to learn in early 2011 that he was suffering from terminal kidney failure, and our staff and volunteers spoiled him rotten during his final days. Booger will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Samantha

Samantha, affectionately known as Sammy, was a long-tailed macaque who lived at the PRC from 1992 until her death in 2010. Beloved by all, she had an easy-going personality and was warmly welcomed into several social groups during her time with us. She spent her final days in the company of Crunchy, another regal old gal whose idea of a good time was to groom her friend for extended periods of time, then present herself for a reciprocal session. We'll miss you, old friend.

Bobber

Bobber, a Barbary macaque, arrived at the PRC in 1990. Although little was known about his past, he appeared to have been raised as a pet. We can only imagine that his formidable size and large canine teeth proved too much for his owners to handle. But despite his imposing presence, he was quite a gentle and laid-back fellow who seemed to really enjoy the cooler temperatures of winter. We'll forever miss his calming influence.

Buster

Buster was a friendly, handsome, and flirtatious pigtail macaque (he loved attention from his human lady friends) who retired to the PRC in 1991. Not much is known of his past, but his behaviors suggested he was used in a pony-riding circus act before being relegated to the exotic animal trade. He spent his years here in the company of Crunchy, another elderly pigtail macaque, before dying of heart failure.

Mr. Mona

Although Mona guenons are not very common in the U.S., we were asked to accept Mr. Mona after he was declared “surplus” by the zoo community in 1995. He lived to a ripe old age in the company of his longtime companion, Mary, delighting us with his even temperament, colorful appearance, and booming vocalizations.

Petey

Petey was a spider monkey who was rescued from a life of horrible neglect in April of 2002, his condition upon arriving here so dire that our veterinarian feared he’d last only days. But this amazing monkey defied the odds, fighting his way out of intensive care with a will that inspired us all. Although he remained permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal, Petey bonded with the other spider monkeys and lived a comfortable life until his demise.

Worthless

Nobody seems to remember exactly when Worthless wandered in—or how he got his name—but this lovable dog ruled the roost at the PRC for over 15 years. His job was to announce any delivery vehicle's arrival, then hit the driver up for treats. His unusual eye pigmentation was a source of great fascination to all who met him, but never seemed to impact his vision, which remained sharp throughout his long life.