Vernon is a male Vervet Monkey who came to live at the Primate Rescue Center in 2004. We estimate his birth year to be 1999. Vernon lived for years in the home of an animal hoarder in New York. He was housed in a small dog crate that was rarely cleaned. At the time he was confiscated, authorities found seven other primates living in the house, all in the same conditions as Vernon.
Because of his traumatic past, Vernon is very nervous around other monkeys and humans. Although he is currently housed alone, Vernon is still able to see and interact with the monkeys around him; however, he prefers to sit and groom by himself. He enjoys playing with his enrichment, whether it be scraping peanut butter out of a Kong toy or tossing and chasing plastic balls around his enclosure. Vernon loves to eat almost anything we serve him, but he is especially fond of corn, bananas, and peanuts.
The Many Ways of Giving
You can ensure the primates receive quality lifetime care and that we can continue saving lives for decades to come.
Chimp Outdoor Enclosure Deck Upgrades
The chimpanzees’ outdoor enclosure now features a new ground-level raised platform on a sloped part of the grounds previously underutilized by the troop...
A Beacon of Hope: The Legacy of Dewey
Remembering and honoring Dewey's legacy on the 25th anniversary of his rescue.
Merry “Chimpmas” 2022
It’s that time again – the 2022 PRC Chimpmas Holiday Wishlist is here! Each year we look forward to this festive season so that we can spoil all the amazing PRC primates with a little extra holiday cheer. The monkeys and apes have all made their Chimpmas Wishlists, and we hope that you will enjoy making their Chimpmas dreams come true!
Chimps show off their ‘signature’ drum beats
Wild chimpanzees have their own "signature drumming style" according to scientists. Researchers who followed and studied chimps in the Ugandan rainforest found that the animals drum out messages to one another on tree roots.
Study reports first evidence of social relationships between chimpanzees, gorillas
A long-term study led by primatologist Crickette Sanz at Washington University in St. Louis reveals the first evidence of lasting social relationships between chimpanzees and gorillas in the wild.
PETA to CDC: Suspend Monkey Imports in Light of New Endangered Status
Today, in a significant move that should have an impact on wasteful, old-style animal experiments, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that the conservation status of long-tailed macaques and pig-tailed macaques has been changed from “vulnerable” to “endangered.”
The PRC’s Lifetime Care Promise
Jenny Siamang Gibbon was rescued by the PRC in 1992 and is estimated to have been born in 1971. The PRC's Lifetime Care Promise by: Melanie Parker Since its founding, the Primate Rescue Center’s mission has been clear – rescue, rehabilitation, and recovery of...
Guest opinion: End the primate pet trade before more people get hurt
Monkeys and apes do not belong in anyone’s home – ever. This latest incident should be a wake-up call to our elected officials: Pass the Captive Primate Safety Act to put an end to this cruel and senseless trade.
Smuggled spider monkeys confiscated at Texas border crossing
Smuggled spider monkeys confiscated at Texas border crossing U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials found four endangered spider monkeys in a duffle bag during a Dec. 30 inspection of a vehicle crossing into Progreso, Texas. (CBP Photo) by: Sandra Sanchez Fox8...
