News from Primarily Primates

Primarily Primates Newsletter
Winter 2011-12

Milestone

Primarily Primates just received certification from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. See Video.

“I have enjoyed working with Primarily Primates on the verification process,” said Patty Finch, the executive director of GFAS. “It is an important and large sanctuary, housing many of the most difficult to place animals, such as chimpanzees, many species of monkeys, and parrots. No matter what level of detail was requested of the sanctuary, they provided it without complaint. With more than 400 animals, it was quite a task for them.”

We are delighted by this recognition, as it allows our supporters to know that we take the difficult business of running a top-notch sanctuary seriously. The review was in-depth and rigorous, and it’s ongoing.

read newsletter articles

Primarily Primates Earns Verification from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

‘Primarily Primates has set an ambitious course’ says GFAS director

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Primarily Primates has achieved GFAS Verification.

"I have enjoyed working with Primarily Primates on the verification process," states Patty Finch, executive director of GFAS. “It is an important and large sanctuary, housing many of the most difficult to place animals, such as chimpanzees, many species of monkeys, and parrots. No matter what level of detail was requested of the sanctuary, they provided it without complaint. With more than 400 animals, it was quite a task for them.”

The GFAS Verification means Primarily Primates meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals, meeting thorough and peer-reviewed standards established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors worldwide and government agencies to recognize Primarily Primates as an organization that is worthy of support for continued growth and development.

read full article

2011 Year End Appeal

Jewel and Baby Grace at Primarily Primates

Dear Friend of Primarily Primates:

Reviewing an impressive year at Primarily Primates makes us so grateful to you. Your support has made the successes of 2011 possible. As you know, Primarily Primates endured and passed the test of the most daunting weather San Antonio has ever faced.

In record heat and drought, we ensured that the moneys, apes, birds, rescued cows and all animals on our grounds have had fresh water, nourishing food, and comfortable shelter. Our land has become a refuge for other animals fleeing nearby wildfires.

Throughout it all, we’ve stayed ahead of the curve with renovations and offerings for the animals in our care.

We’ve accepted complex rescues, and the rehabilitations for these animals are now under way, supported by exemplary medical care. New arrivals and longtime residents all benefit from our constant improvements, and their enjoyment shows.

read full article

Safe haven: Monkeys sent to sanctuary in Texas

A representative of Animal Rescue Corps carries a monkey to safety as another ARC worker closes the cage in which it was confined. The cages violated state laws, according to the ARC. (Animal Rescue Corps photo)

Four monkeys removed from a Frank Martin Road residence are being given a new home in Texas.

Primarily Primates, a non-profit group near San Antonio, said Friday it will take in the monkeys. The animal sanctuary "operates to house, protect, and rehabilitate various non-native animals," according to its website.

Four monkeys were removed from an outbuilding behind the home of Ricky and Wanda Smith on Thursday night after another monkey escaped and bit two people earlier in the day. That monkey was shot to death during an attack on a sheriff's deputy.

Animal Rescue Corps, a non-profit agency based in Washington, D.C., took the animals in partnership with Ady Gil World Conservation.

read full article

A Match Made In Heaven

Jordan, also a victim of the exotic pet trade, has quite a reputation at the sanctuary for being especially charming, but it’s been quite a long struggle and process to integrate Jordan with other lemurs. Jordan was introduced to other lemurs only to wind up being bullied by some or aggressive with others. For a time we gave up trying to get Jordan to live with other lemurs. So Jordan lived just outside the office doors of the sanctuary—where he enjoyed being hand-fed grapes and soaking up the attention of our staff and volunteers.

But recently, young Nysembe was ousted by a group. Was this a sign?

Turns out this was a match made in heaven. When introduced to Nysembe, Jordan surprised us by remaining relatively calm. Mostly he just acted confused. But after a few days, Jordan and Nysembe were sitting together in the sunshine, eating together, and enjoying one another’s company. We’ll keep you posted as their relationship develops.

read full article

Recent News