Monkeys
The Monkeys
The Primate Rescue Center is home to over 10 different monkey species, who in the wild live everywhere from the rainforests of South America and the woodlands of central Africa to the islands of Indonesia and the sub-arctic reaches of northern Japan. They are a diverse population of Old World and New World primates, whose mannerisms, temperaments, and diets may vary, but who all share one unfortunate characteristic: they have been exploited for use in research or as fodder for the private pet trade, in some cases enduring years of neglect and abuse.
Because monkeys are much smaller than chimpanzees, much more numerous in captivity, and sell for far less money (a few thousand dollars for an infant, vs. $50,000 or more for a newborn chimp), dealers breed them prolifically and sell the offspring at exotic auctions or online to those invariably ill-equipped to provide them proper care. When the novelty of owning a monkey wears off, and the once-sweet adolescents mature and become dangerous and unpredictable, our phones ring. We don’t have the room or staff to care for all of these unfortunate castoffs, so we do our best to find them homes at other reputable sanctuaries. It’s always a challenge, and until laws barring the private ownership are enacted in all 50 states, our phones will no doubt keep ringing.
Chimpmas Time is Here!
It’s that time again… The apes and monkeys have been good all year and are hoping that their Chimpmas wishes will come true! Everyone thought long and hard about what they would love most this year and we have put together their list here. Many of the items they...
Jake and Japanese Macaques
My name is Alister Brown. I interned at the Primate Rescue Center from May to September in 2021. During my time, I was able to grow close to all of the primates on the property. Since I lived in the same building as the chimpanzees, I grew especially close to all...
20+ Years of Sanctuary Club
The Primate Rescue Center rescued its first monkey, Gizmo, in 1987 and began a journey which has now spanned 34 years and given refuge to hundreds of primates along the way.
These are a Few of Their Favorite Things
We are always looking for exciting enrichment items and encouraging our staff, volunteers, and interns to get creative when enriching the primates’ homes, but there are a few tried and true things that will never get old and can be used in various enrichment projects.
Chimpmas Day Festivities Wrap Up
Thanks to our generous donors, Primate Pals and friends of the PRC who donated tons of toys, gifts and tasty snacks, the chimps and monkeys had an awesome time last month opening all of their presents on “Chimpmas” day.