One of the things the primates at the PRC do not have to worry about is getting the nutrients they need from the produce they eat. With 50+ mouths to feed everyday, it is important to provide each of them with a balanced, healthy diet. The Primate Rescue Center is very fortunate to have three local Kroger stores in central Kentucky that help us restock and maintain our produce supply.
One of my responsibilities is picking up this produce donation. Each morning, I load the produce van up with empty bins used the day before. At each location, the produce employees are waiting for us with bins full of a variety of items from the produce section that are no longer suitable for display. On average, we receive up to 10 bins at each location, each holding 30 to 50 pounds of delicious produce!
After all of the produce has been picked up, it is brought back to the sanctuary to be sorted, organized, and stored. The primates love mealtime, and they really enjoy the variety of options and flavors presented to them each day. Depending on what items are donated, the carestaff can always think of some creative recipes to keep the primates intrigued during their meals. This week they got to enjoy delicious creations like “Hummus Beet Salad” and “Peppery Plantains.” We are so thankful for the generosity of so many who help us fill the bellies of all the monkeys and apes at the PRC. Knowing these donations are used to keep our primates healthy and happy is the best part of my job.