Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary Inc

I am a physician of 29 years and now a vet student who has been volunteering on and off at Jungle Friends since 2021. I started volunteering as an opportunity to explore working with primates and also to get experience and hours prior to getting into veterinary school. I was so impressed with the facility from the very beginning. All of the different species of monkeys were so well organized into different areas according to their specific needs. Their habitats are very spacious supplying many trees, ropes and ladders to keep the monkeys active and entertained. They have access to the indoors and outdoors which helps with tolerating the extreme heat during the Florida summers. Most impressive of all, is the 24 hour, 7 days a week care. The owner and director, as well as many of the employees actually live on the sanctuary grounds or nearby. Many of the veterinarians I have done research with or have learned under have visited Jungle Friends and all have told me how impressed they were with spacious grounds and entertaining habitat for these rescued monkeys. The compassion and excellent care from Kari, Sarah, Dr. Collins and many others has made this place an amazing haven for these monkeys. That being said, Kari Bagnall continues to find ways to update and improve whenever she can, always finding ways to better an already amazing sanctuary.

I went on a tour to see the monkeys and the experience was amazing. the name of each section was a name from the wizard of Oz. It made going on the trip so much more fun to hear what each place was called. For instance one section was munchkin Ville and it was home to the marmosets and marmosets are the tiny monkey and I thought it was sooooo cute. Another thing that made the trip awesome was hearing the back story to some of the monkeys, there was one monkey that showed up as a baby and it got attached to another monkey and because its surrogate mom which was so sweet. My favorite monkeys on the tour was the capuchins.

As soon as you enter Jungle Friends, you are immersed in a beautiful sanctuary build on the foundation of compassion. The amazing work that Kari (Founder), and team of dedicated staff and volunteers do each day around the clock to create and "Almost Wild" habitat for its rescued primate residents is inspiring. Behind those eyes that connect with yours as you walk through their habitats, there is a story. You cant help but fall in love and be driven with a deep sense of purpose to do more for these magnificent beings and beyond. Kari has created a sanctuary paradise and I invite you all to visit Jungle Friends through their website, social media pages, or better yet in person, and witness the incredible loving care the primates are receiving for the rest of their lives.

After taking a tour of the place I was amazed at how clean it was and how much the monkeys loved the people that work there. The monkeys are well taken care of.

Jungle Friends is committed to the very best in care for the primates that have been owned by a person or forgotten after being used to experiment on. It is a sanctuary that truly cares about the remaining years for these wonderful creatures. Thank you for giving your time, energy and love to care for them.

Who doesn't love monkeys? This sanctuary is fabulous! My whole family has volunteered here and learned so much. Monkeys are fascinating creatures but should never be pets. Kari, the director is one of the warmest, most caring people I have met. Her dedication to the monkeys is exemplary. Volunteering as much as we have, we have witnessed her giving some employees more second chances than they deserved. I personally found one sleeping on the floor in a storage room instead of working and others on their phone constantly or not showing up at all. But she has a trusting and forgiving heart and has paid a price for it. But her passion to be a steward for the monkeys endures and we are so thankful for Kari and the sanctuary giving these beautiful primates a chance for a better life.

Jungle Friends rescues monkeys from situations where they live indoors with no daylight or trees to play in. The monkeys are provided forever home with sunlight, trees, yummy food, and they get to sleep under the stars everynight if they choose. The tour experience educates people of the struggles these animals have had but in a positive light with a happy ending of friendship with other monkeys. Amazing place!

I worked at Jungle Friends for a year or so back in 2017 and what I can tell you is that my heart breaks every day knowing I had my dream job and was forced out due to needing to have a stable enough income to pay my rent, as well as the need to put my mental health first. From day one the ED made it very clear that the work is hard, and she’s not wrong, however it’s not hard because physical labor is hard (although it is, but I do it gladly for my babies, even in unprecedented heat and natural disasters- peep me in some Irma pics - where I stayed on property working through the night at 0 extra pay and instead was screamed at for sleeping through a walkie- talkie call to run around in the actual storm at 1 am because she failed to bring in monkeys we had asked to bring in earlier and now was worried they’d get loose with the debris causing damage.) She tells you it’s hard to work there because she is CONSTANTLY doing her absolute best to BREAK you. She has openly admitted it to myself, one of her passions is to see how long it takes a new and eager to help employee to cry. She is a constant harassment in what could really be one of the most tranquil and amazing places. I will say the sanctuary she made is AMAZING and could still be, but she cannot and will not accept what anybody who builds an organization should, that it could possibly not only operate without her, but thrive and improve without her with the constant new technology and information. It’s horrendously sad she’d rather run at a skeleton crew with these poor babies LIVES at risk instead of work on her HORRENDOUS treatment of staff and allow proper personnel to follow proper procedure to make sure those poor souls get the gold standard of care they were promised. Instead, threatened, she runs anybody competent out leaving very few to just keep up with cleaning and have someone to barrage about cleaning habitats. She even goes so far to BAN ex employees from the property for petty reasons ie you stood up to her once, or after MULTIPLE times of her firing you for ridiculous things such as being 5 minutes late to being 15 minutes early (at 5 am in the DARK) or leaving and potentially eating a non vegan lunch off property, or GHASP bringing CHEESE?! Onto the property to eat. She’d even go so far as to go through personal residence’s on property to dispose of any foods she felt should not be there. K Bagpipes (ED) is the most disappointing and tyrannical activist I’ve ever had the misfortune of associating with. I have worked at and with numerous sanctuaries and a few others that have also had some form of founders syndrom (which I believe she has in my unprofessional opinion) and never had I had my psycee attacked and received even ¼ of the emotional abuse as when I was party to her supervision. I wish she could see how she’s tarnishing her own beautiful sanctuary when frankly she’s just too old to be this way, she should be setting it up for the next as there are many of these guys that SHOULD outlive her, instead she cannot release even an iota of control or self help to best allow for this sanctuary’s success and it breaks my heart.

There are a few sanctuaries that I love as much as jungle friends. I have been there many times and always look forward to the next.
When I first visited there I kept an eagle eye out for any wavering or suspect care for the animals. As one of the directors of the highest rated farm animal sanctuary‘s in the world, I can say that my eye and my feelings are quite keen pointing out anything that would be out of alignment for the best care for the animals. I actually look for these things because there’s so many sanctuaries that are just zoos in disguise.
I have only experienced stellar care, stellar staff, stellar ownership. I truly love the sanctuary and look forward to the next time I can volunteer.

The tour at Jungle Friends is educational and the monkeys are amazing. The passion the founder has for taking care of these monkeys shows. I highly recommend this sanctaury.

Great place to visit, well kept and the monkeys are well cared for. Will be volunteering again soon.

I have volunteered here since 2001 and it is extremely rewarding to work with such a caring, appreciative crew. The priority is always the health and well-being of every monkey. Helping out here has changed me in ways I never expected, developing my sense of empathy for creatures once used for research or as ill-advised pets. They now have a place as close as possible to being in the wild, spacious expanses of earth filled with grass, bamboo and plenty of climbing branches.

Jungle Friends is such an amazing place for primates that can't go back into the wild. Kari and her staff and volunteers care for these wonderful beings with so much love and respect. The enclosures are all natural environments, as is the entire sanctuary. You won't find concrete or anything that remotely resembles a zoo or place where animals are on display fo the public. They have a lot of special needs primates that get everything to keep them healthy and happy. It's truly a place that is the next best thing to being wild. In addition to all the care, they work to educate and help people understand that these are wild animals that don't belong in our homes, so that someday, sanctuaries like these will no longer be needed. I have a lot of respect for what they do there. It's definitely a labor of love.

We just returned home from our visit to Jungle Friends Sanctuary.

What an unbelievable two day experience. From the minute we arrived, Kari and her outstanding team made us feel like an important part of their awesome quest to provide fine homes for those primates, who have been used, abused, tortured, and then forgotten.

That's until Kari steps in and changes everything so that they can begin to live a healthy, fun filled life.

We were able to assist with meal prep and feeding. It was amazing to see an operation that feeds 250+ primates two to three times a day. The care was taken with each vegetable and fruit was simply amazing. Their quality control was actually better than some of today's healthcare facilities.

Sue and I can't wait to return. I was so impressed that my daughter's upcoming Christmas Present will be two plane tickets
to Gainsville and a few days working at the Santuary. I know that she will think that it is the greatest gift that she has received.

Hopefully, everyone who reads the above will make it a point to visit, and/or help in anyway possible to continue the Mission that Kari pursues day in and day out.

Roy Malkin

I would consider this sanctuary second best place for a monkey to live out the rest of its life with other monkey friends, next to in the wild of course. Kari has devoted her life to the health and happiness of all the primates at her sanctuary and it’s clear that she cares deeply about each and every one of them.

I have been volunteering at Jungle Friends for 20+ years. The dedication and passion the founder has for rescuing and caring for these animals is beyond compare. Jungle Friends rescues monkeys from situations where they live indoors with no daylight or trees to play in. She provides them a forever home with sunlight, trees, yummy food, and they get to sleep under the stars everynight if they choose. The tour experience educates people of the struggles these animals have had but in a positive light with a happy ending of friendship with other monkeys. Amazing place!

Jungle friends is a great place to visit with the family. The monkeys are well cared for and this facility is super clean. All the employees truly care for the furry residents. The director Kari has a deep passion for what she does and it shows. Support Jungle Friends so they can keep up their high standards of care.

I have volunteered at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary three weekends in October 2021. I chopped veggies and learned about their diets and behaviors as well as how they care for the diabetic monkeys. We stayed overnight in our RV after traveling from our home in South Carolina. I also took the tour one evening and learned so much about these monkeys. Kari, Andrew, the staff and volunteers are doing excellent work with these monkeys. They know all 250+ Of them by name and you can see the love and passion they have for these adorable primates. I would highly recommend that you consider volunteering or taking the tour. It has made me so much aware of the work of a sanctuary that cares and loves the monkeys they have been entrusted. I plan to continue volunteering whenever I am in Gainesville.

What an exceptional experience to get up and close to such a worthy cause. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help with various aspects of caring for monkeys. We have chopped vegetables, done dishes and helped on projects to keep the monkeys fed and happy. And happy they are with Kari and Andrew's love for them, theses primates finally get the security and safety they deserve after some harrowing stories of their past. We truly feel fulfilled after a day of volunteering and highly recommend this outstanding non profit.

Kari and Andrew are doing wonderful work and were awesome hosts! We stayed one night in our RV in a nice, quiet shady spot with electricity. The four of us took the tour, which was so educational, entertaining and heartwarming. So many interesting stories and unique personalities! We had to get back on the road by noon the next day, but really enjoyed lending a hand in the morning prepping fruits and veggies for the monkeys. We truly appreciate all of the tireless, daily dedication and compassion it takes for their team and volunteers to provide such a special sanctuary for such sweet friends. Will visit again!

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is home to over 250 new world monkeys, all of the monkeys are happy and healthy and enjoying the good life after being rescued from horrific situation, former pets or released from research laboratories.

Jungle friends primate sanctuary is a great place to visit and donate to. The monkeys live out their lives in natural habitats and are cared for by a dedicated staff. Check out their websites and see what they are all about. Facebook has many video that are available to see the monkeys at play.

This place is amazing! The staff has dedicated their lives to provide a close to wild habitat for all the primates in their care. I am lucky enough to have had a tour of the sanctuary. The monkeys seem so happy and each and everything one of them has a name. This is a true sanctuary, no forcing Primates to sit and take selfies with people. The work they are doing here is amazing

Jungle Friends is excellent ! We volunteered there as a family in early January 2019. Exceptional experience. Wonderful, competent staff and of course, the highlight - the monkeys ! Well loved and well cared for !!

The staff at jungle friends are devoted to their cause and show that devotion through their frequent posts, where they educate the public on monkeys, update the conditions of new arrivals and encourage people to fight to end cruelty and pet trade of these beautiful creatures. Every donation does so much for this cause and you see how much your donation helps as they expand to save more monkeys!

I am the founder and President of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary; so of course, I love the monkeys and appreciate all our dedicated staff, interns and volunteers who bring their compassion and dedication to the monkeys who call Jungle Friends home! The humans at Jungle Friends really know what the term ‘in-service’ means; they are the embodiment of service! You will never meet a more caring group of staff, interns and volunteers as you will meet at Jungle Friends.

I also live at the sanctuary so I am able to witness firsthand the difference we all make in the lives of the monkey residents. So, many monkeys have come to us with such sad stories. We watch them go from from rescue to recovery. The Jungle Friends team of staff, interns, volunteers, veterinarians and Board Members help to create and "Almost Wild" life for the monkeys.

The carestaff are extremely dedicated to the monkeys and I'm impressed everyday by their commitment to their wellbeing.

I wrote a review last year, and I'm still here and still so proud to be associated with this sanctuary and the staff who work here. The monkeys always come first at Jungle Friends and with over 300 new world primates that's a tall order to fill. If folks are in the Gainesville, Florida area you should "swing" by and check us out for yourselves. You'll be impressed, I promise.- Terry

Jungle Friends is doing great work providing retirement for former lab animals as well as former pets. The Natural out door habitats are amazing and seeing them interact with other monkeys is amazing. The carestaff and administrative staff are passionate and love to educate the public about the animals and thier challenges in the past. The founder works tirelessly for these animals. Keep up the great work.

The sanctuary is amazing! The carestaff is very dedicated to the monkeys, and goes above and beyond each day. I have personally witnessed them caring for ill monkeys 24/7.

I have visited and consulted with many animal sanctuaries domestically and abroad. Jungle Friends is among the finest I have been associated with anywhere. The team is not only compassionate and professional, they make tremendous effort in creating and developing nurturing and enriching neotropical habitats, exceptional organic nutritional program, and medical/wellness care that is among the finest I have ever seen. Jungle Friends is a great resource for the community and beyond and provide a life-long, safe, healthy life for primates retired from medical research, entertainment, and the pet trade. They perform a vital and admirable role for anyone committed to the interests of animal life.

This is a wonderful organization with dedicated care staff. The #1 priority of the staff is the monkeys who reside at Jungle Friends. I have witnessed members of the staff work from sunrise to sunset to ensure that the monkeys receive the best care possible.

This is among the finest primate sanctuaries in the world, with a comprehensive holistic wellness and medical care approach. Highly recommend.

I have worked here for 2 years. Only good things to say!

Jungle Friends is the place to be if you're a monkey. This amazing sanctuary provides all the love and care for monkeys retired from research, confiscated by authorities, or surrendered as pets. The carestaff is outstanding and gives so much love and attention. I highly recommend this sanctuary.

Before being hired I was warned that the director was "crazy". Every single employee is quick to express their dislike for the director. If you're a donor, obviously you're painted a different picture, however the truth is undeniable. The employees are overworked and under paid. Any amount of time worked over 40 hours becomes FREE LABOR because they will not pay you your regular 8.10 per hour let alone over time. You're FORCED to "volunteer" any hours you work past 40 per week. They offer no benefits for their full time employees, and are lucky to get a "thank you" for any extra duties you perform. The employee turn over rate is insane due to the fact that she treats everyone like mules until theyve had enough. The verbal abuse, and passive aggressive insults are sometimes almost too much to bear. I've literally seen interns quit, leaving with their bags in tears. The lack of unprofessionalism and disorganization is mind boggling. They offer ZERO training and wonder why no-one has a clue as to what's going on. It was comical to watch during Irma. Several monkeys got loose, and I witnessed 6 people standing around 1 squeeze cage. Not one person looked confident in whatever they were trying to do. As a former employee, there were no benefits in working for jungle friends other than the friendships I developed, because there are some amazing people that still work there. Its just a shame that the workers are completely taken for granted. One employee was told that "she and the rest of us were all disposable." Within the last few weeks, nearly half of the employees quit, and a few more just this last week. At this rate all of the main care givers will be gone and the monkeys will be the ones to suffer.

My daughter worked at Jungle Friends and had a very positive experience there. They should be warmly supported!!!

I started volunteering at Jungle Friends in November 2014. From the moment I walked through the gates, I knew that Jungle Friends was a very special place. I was impressed by the quality of care and the all encompassing attitude of "monkeys come first" that Kari and her team displayed. When I left that first day, I recognized two things: 1.) that Jungle Friends, outside of their natural habitat, was the BEST place any monkey could every wish to live out their life; and 2.) that I was going to do everything in my power to help this organization carry out their mission of saving lives and promoting compassion. I encourage everyone to visit www.JungleFriends.org to learn all about this amazing organization and to support them in any way you can. Together we can make a difference in the lives of New World primates!!

An amazing non profit with such touching stories. The work you do as a volunteer - you feel the impact.

Such authentic work with these essentially abandoned sentient creatures. I've had enjoyed my visits. It's a wonderful place that deserves so much recognition and support!

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is a labor of love! Everyone I have come in contact with, on the occasions I have been to visit, draw, and paint the monkeys, genuinely cares for these primates! I have come on the spur of the moment at times and I have come after having given plenty of advance notice. Everything was exactly the same in either case: wonderful! Monkeys used in laboratories from various locations spend their golden years in a habitat hundreds of times larger than the tiny cages they spent their entire lives up to their introduction into the primate sanctuaries. Former pets and former performance monkeys also are part of the monkey community there. All are treated for any ailments, fed well, and given attention as needed. It is truly a joy to see the happy primates living nearly as they would had they not been removed from nature. Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary has inspired me so much that I now volunteer by painting their primates to help raise funds. If I could do more to help I would!

Kari and her staff run the best primate sanctuary in the world! The monkeys eat the healthiest food, have the most spacious and beautifully enriched habitats. My volunteer time here has been some of the most joyful periods in my life. The food is 100% vegetarian and mostly vegan in support of all living beings! Kari manifests miracles for primates here!

I have been a proud sponsor of several Jungle Friends monkeys for many years. I am welcome to visit the sanctuary to see where my donations go and I also get to help prepare breakfast and clean lots of monkey poop! The director is one of the most amazing women I have ever met and she attracts amazing people to the sanctuary. I have never seen so many dedicated, and compassionate people in one place! If you are looking for a good charity who will use your money wisely and prudently, this is the place! If you are looking for an incredible place to volunteer, Jungle Friends is your best bet!

My sister brought her monkey here 13 years ago very ill with diabetes..she stayed for a few months to make sure her baby was comfortable and happy there...she has always received the upmost care and has been thriving for years...I had the pleasure of visiting myself a few years ago and couldn't believe all that goes on in a days work!! The love and care the workers give each and every animal is amazing to me..my sister has since moved there since she loved the sanctuary so much and works there everyday..i can not wait to go back and visit...I only wish I lived close by I would be more than proud to volunteer there myself..but I can only donate once in a while to show my respect for them and their hard work...Christmas is coming and I will be sending bags of nuts..they are truly doing Gods work and anyone who has a problem with that should search their soul before mouthing off negativity....the people that I know who work there give from their SOUL everyday to give these animals the dignity and love they deserve and were deprived of for many years.....God bless the workers there!!!

For quite awhile now I have been a donor for Jungle Friends, and finally had a chance to volunteer last week. I knew whatever jobs I would be asked to do would be something to help the monkeys. what a great experience! I was amazed at what the monkeys eat, some fresh fruits and veges and monkey soup (more fruit and veg) and then biscuits. Some have diabetes ad they get special diets and also get their food 3 times a day. Monkeys are messy!! There is a lot of cleaning needed--every day. The staff are amazing, not just friendly and wiling to answer questions, but their care for the monkeys is so obvious! I'm looking forward to a chance to get back again soon.

I volunteer when I am in Gainesville visiting some regular volunteers. I love helping at Jungle Friends. The monkeys know the longtime volunteers and it is so funny to hear them scream greetings when my friends arrive. The staff and interns are very busy with a zillion things and volunteers are needed to help them. Time flies when you volunteer here because there is so much to do.

I volunteered with a group from UF last month and we all have a wonderful experience and plan to come back again. What we were most impressed with were how knowledgeable the staff and interns were. The Director even met with us explaining some of the future projects that were in the works at the sanctuary.Everyone was very patient with us, answering all of our questions thoroughly, we all left with a new appreciation for monkeys and all the hard work that goes into caring for them. If you are looking for a rewarding experience, you will find it at Jungle Friends!

My group volunteered for Jungle Friends about three weeks ago and really enjoyed it! The staff was kind and engaging and seemed to have a real passion for the monkeys! The monkeys are very well taken care of; each shares a spacious enclosure with a couple other monkeys and is given toys, hammocks, and a variety of shelters and branches to swing from. The staff explained that the monkeys are paired based on positive relationships formed with other monkeys, so each has a friend. The happiness and comfortability, in addition to the monkeys' health and well-being, are important to the staff here. They seem dedicated in making this a "sanctuary" for the monkeys, and I feel as though they have greatly succeeded!

Our group had a great experience at Jungle Friends. We went as part of a service club trip which I led. I had tried contacting a number of animal rescue/sanctuaries around Gainesville, but Jungle Friends was definitely the most responsive. After the trip, everyone wanted to come back again, so we will be coming back in the next few months. Overall, definitely a very rewarding and interesting experience.

I placed my monkey at Jungle Friends in 2003, stayed with her for 10 weeks and have visited her often over the years. I moved to Gainesville in 2013 and have been at the sanctuary every day since. Please come out and witness firsthand what incredible care these lucky primates receive every day of the lives. It takes a whole lot of caring people to run such a great sanctuary, please come out and make a difference.

I have been working with sanctuaries for many years all over the country and Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is by far one of the best, if not THE best primate sanctuary! If you don't believe me, just visit the sanctuary and see for yourself. I couldn't disagree more with the previous comment. I love Jungle Friends! Amanda ME

I have been volunteering at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary for some time now, and I also donate as much as I can to help the monkeys. This is a wonderful organization run by some of the most dedicated and compassionate individuals I have ever met! The monkeys are well taken care of and the staff are always friendly. Whenever I volunteer I feel appreciated, have a lot of fun, and learn something new every time. The staff are very knowledgeable about primates and are always there to explain primate behavior and answer any questions I may have. There is no feeling in the world that compares to the way you feel after you have been at Jungle Friends!

I placed my pet monkey in the care of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary many years ago. I donated toward a new habitat for my monkey and even helped their staff and volunteers build the habitat for my precious little girl. I also contribute monthly for her care, because I know that the sanctuary survives only on private donations. I visit the sanctuary frequently and volunteer my time to help the sanctuary and see my monkey thrive with her new monkey friends in the compassionate care of the Jungle Friends Family! Jungle Friends saved my monkey's life (she is diabetic) and my sanity! I thank God every day for Kari, the founder, and her dedicated staff, interns and loyal volunteers.

I want to start out by saying Ive given a lot of time and as much money as I can afford to many different non profits throughout the country and am pleased to say that Jungle Friends is deserving of both. I have been volunteering and donating to this organization for some time now and love every second I'm able to spend there. I am extremely Impressed with the dedication of the entire staff and that of the volunteers that give so much of their time for these amazing beings. It saddens me that we even need places like this but am happy that Jungle Friends provides such exceptional care for the monkeys that call Jungle Friends home. I am very proud to know all at Jungle Friends and I would suggest to anyone looking to donate to an amazing non profit to look into Jungle Friends. Every cent is spent on the animals. I feel proud supporting an organization like Jungle Friends and will continue to do so for a long time to come :)

I have been volunteering every weekend at the sanctuary for over 9 years now. I commute 45 miles each way every weekend. I have helped a lot of volunteers, staff, and most importantly the monkeys who have helped fill a previously empty place in my life. I run a business and have included my employees, all of whom have worked for me for over four years, in my Jungle Friends activities.

The work is constant, yet rewarding, with the experience of volunteering on a continuing basis allowing me to experience Jungle Friends for more than just a snapshot of time. I invite all to volunteer and get to know the monkeys and staff for more than just a few hours. The reward truly is knowing and seeing what I am able to provide helps others, understanding that in giving of my time and abilities I place something or someone else above my own personal day to day wants.

I do what I can, not perfectly, but to the best of my abilities. I believe you learn something new every day if you allow yourself to.

Jungle Friends is a rewarding place to volunteer. The monkeys needs come first at this place. They have the best life possible for captive monkeys. One of the staff told me that one of the monkeys got ahold of someone's keys and the monkey ran over to a lock. That is so heartbreaking that the monkeys know they are under lock and key and want out. But, such is the fate of a captive monkey. The habitats at Jungle Friends are large and there is lots of things to do, and play with. While you work here you get to see monkeys playing with each other. What an amazing place!

My priority for available time is to be at Jungle Friends as much as possible! It is hard to describe how rewarding it is, just knowing you're helping make life a bit better for these monkeys. The luckiest monkeys are the ones who are in the wild where they belong. For the unfortunate ones not in their natural home, Jungle Friends is absolutely the best alternative. It is not just the food, shelter, and monkey companionship that makes a difference, it is also the care, compassion and respect each of them is given by their human caregivers.

Been volunteering at Jungle Friends for a while now, not only are all in their care taken care of exceptionally well the staff are truly dedicated in what they are doing. Thank You Jungle Friends

As someone that's dedicated a lot of time at sanctuaries I can say it's one of the very best I've come across :)

I have been volunteering for Jungle Friends for many years and every time I volunteer, I have a wonderful experience! The monkeys are great of course, but I have never met a more caring staff...I even received a personal thank you card from the Founder! The more time I spend at the sanctuary, the more I see how truly committed these awesome people are. I highly recommend volunteering for this amazing organization. Jungle Friends will change your life!

The monkeys who live at Jungle Friends are lucky to have a wonderful place to live out their lives. I have been volunteering there for about 10 years. It is rewarding to repair things and help the people who help the monkeys. The sanctuary is well run and there are a number of long term volunteers.

I have volunteered at Jungle Friends for over 6 years now. Currently I help care for the special needs and singlely housed monkeys and am there 3-4 times and about 8-10 hours per week. I would volunteer more, but I work full-time. I have been rewarded far beyond my expectations or the hours I have volunteered or the money I have donated. The sanctuary provides the best life possible for the monkeys there and all employees and volunteers have their best interest at heart. Volunteering here may not be for everyone - the work is often physical and not glamorous. But I know I always leave there feeling better than when I arrived, knowing that, in some small way, I made a contribution to the lives of the monkeys who call Jungle Friends their "home. "

Mary Anne

Every day I can volunteer at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is an incredible one, so I continue to be there as much as possible! It has been especially rewarding watching the newest monkeys gaining confidence in their new home, and making new monkey friends. It's amazing to me how the staff knows individual monkeys likes and dislikes--as food or monkey neighbors or even sleeping preferences (place, blankets or not, cuddled with another monkey or not)!

Having worked with primates for over 40 years, and at many primate sanctuaries in this country, I can honestly say that in my opinion, Jungle Friends is the best. I currently have been at the sanctuary every day since My 23rd. I care for the diabetic and special needs monkeys. The staff is dedicated beyond measure. Please come out and volunteer and make life better for all these wonderful primates!

I've been a caregiver at Jungle Friends for a little over a year, and from the day I started here I've been blown away by how much everybody cares about the monkeys. Everybody here is concerned about the monkeys' well-being over all else, and the dedication I've seen from my co-workers and our incredible volunteers has been nothing short of inspiring. I'd strongly suggest Jungle Friends for anybody looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer experience.

I can say with absolute certainty that Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is a wonderful place! The staff and volunteers are all loving, dedicated individuals who always put the needs of the monkeys before their own. The monkeys receive attentive care and fresh, vegetarian diets. Jungle Friends is a safe and caring place for both the monkeys who call it home, and the humans who wish it was. I encourage everyone to come and volunteer to see first hand the difference that Jungle Friends is making!

I just want everyone to know what a wonderful sanctuary this is!! If you have a free day please come by and witness first hand the dedication and love for these monkeys. If you are anything like me, you will leave with the feeling of accomplishment from helping out and have a whole new respect for staff/volunteers/interns for all of the hard work and care that they give the monkeys. Everyday is new adventure at Jungle Friends and seeing the monkeys thrive will surely put a smile on everyone's face. Being a helping part of it all is just an added bonus that everyone should experience for themselves.

I have been volunteering for Jungle Friends for over 11 years and I love this place. The monkeys are amazing and the people are wonderful. The dedication and selflessness of the people involved are inspirational.
About three quarters of the monkeys were purchased for pets but then brought to Jungle Friends when the people realize that monkeys are wild animals, dangerous, and don't make good pets. The rest were former lab monkeys. It is so neat to see these animals discover what fun they can have in the big habitats. The longer you volunteer, the more monkeys recognize you when you come and yell a greeting. When inspectors come from the government agencies who oversee animal care, they are always impressed with the care the Jungle Friends monkeys receive and their spacious habitats.

I am the sanctuary manager at Jungle Friends primate sanctuary. I would like to start off by saying I've worked for many sanctuaries and Jungle Friends is one of the best monkey sanctuaries out there. All in our care receive fresh produce and vegetarian meals that are donated each morning. We always pay close attention to all diets and food that is given to every animal in our care. We continue to improve every habitat on a daily basis. All in our care receive the very best we can give and have plenty of dedicated staff and volunteers to go around :)

I've only been volunteering here for about a month, but I can say with certainty that the monkeys here are provided with some of the best care I've seen at sanctuaries or zoos. I've been working with primates for over a year now, and this sanctuary has given me an excellent opportunity to take care of monkeys that have come from less than perfect backgrounds. Jungle Friends gives a loving and caring home to monkeys that have come from research or were former pets. They are all given an opportunity to live in spacious and enriching habitats and to socialize with other monkeys. Most days that I volunteer, I help prepare their food and I'm pretty sure they eat better than I do!

I volunteered at Jungle Friends not tuo long ago and was very excited for the experience. Im a grad student in ecology with a focus on animal conservation at the University of Florida. I was looking forward to getting some more real world experience because mine is limited, especially with a non profit. Im afraid to say that I was less than impressed. The habitats for the sanctuary were big and looked nice as if they were just redone, and the caregivers were attentive and kind. Where it went wrong was how the people there were treated. I worked chopping vegetables for the monkeys diets with a really young intern that seemed very knowledgeable and was a great worker. Then out of nowhere the directors boyfriend came in and yelled at her and most of the volunteers saying we were doing things wrong. The changes he made to what we were doing were so minimal especially given how enraged he was. I honestly for a minute thought he was going to hit someone. I thought that was the most unprofessional and inappropriate thing I've ever seen someone do to people who were there volunteering there time for free. When we were waiting to get our tour five minutes before our four hour requirement the directors boyfriend came over again and yelled at us and the intern for standing around. He said that if we wanted to be here we work non stop up until the tour. The intern got the worst of it for not telling us what to do which is sad because she was busy doing laundry for the monkeys. As a volunteer I can say I will never go back there and I speak for the entire group that attended that day. Also, if anyone is looking into volunteering there I would be prepared to take some abuse.

As a donor and volunteer at Jungle Friends for many years, I have always found the sanctuary to be a first rate and professional organization. Kari's passion and expertise in caring for the monkeys is second to none. I have the utmost respect and confidence in Kari and Jungle Friends and will continue to support this fine organization in any way I can.

Thank you, Kari, for your selfless dedication and hard work...... Donna H.

Every time I am in Gainesville, FL I pay a visit and am welcomed by all.

I have been visiting Jungle Friends for ten years & find the facility always clean, the monkeys always happy and the people friendly, caring and hard working.

The education one gets from a visit is astounding, it is a shame that people still want monkeys as pets.

There is no better place for ex pets, lab experiments or circus primates than Jungle Friends! When the monkeys get there, they finally hear a language they understand, they finally make monkey friends, they finally feel dirt on their feet, they finally fly through trees in giant enclosures, they are finally in a troop as life should have had them be in nature.

I have been a volunteer for JF, on and off, for 10 years & find the service provided to our animal friends to be outstanding. The care taken of them does not compare to any other place.
It is a SANCTUARY.

I have been involved with Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary since 1999. In my opinion, there would be no better place to have a monkey live out it's captive years.

As a former staff member, I cannot disagree with your statement more. Kari has taught me everything about new world primates and given me the opportunity to learn things that I would have never had the chance to do elsewhere. There were times when I had to work 7 days a week, but only when we had special needs monkeys that needed our care throughout the day and night. I never begrudged it, as this is simply what happens when you work at a sanctuary. We have breaks, I was the person who used to schedule them and we also had 2 days off a week.

Due to the physical nature of the work and the temperature/humidity, it is true that sometimes staff and interns decide that they aren't cut out for the work and they decide to leave. They are never run off as the sanctuary runs on volunteers and those who are passionate about primates.

Now for the part that was the reason I replied to this...the monkeys are fed nutritious fresh produce delivered to the sanctuary weekly and kept in our walk in refrigerator and freezer units. At no point do the monkeys get week’s old leftovers that smell like death. Every so often, we get produce donated, but we always always check it before it is put into their diet bowls. Many people that visit jungle friends often remark at how well fed the monkeys are, and how much of a varied diet they receive.

The habitats are cleaned on a monthly basis, with some of our special habitats, such as those with more primates in them, are cleaned on a bi weekly schedule. Some are even cleaned every week. I know this because I used to schedule the cleaning rota, and complete the book that is our diary of when habitats are cleaned. At no point are the habitats just left to get dirty!

As for monkeys being better back in the lab! Are you kidding? You describe yourself as being an expert in the field? You obviously haven’t seen the horrors of the laboratory setting or what happens to the monkeys once they arrive at the sanctuary. Maybe you should visit Jungle Friends youtube page to see how many have been socialised after 25 years of solitude? Or take a look at some of the stories and how they are now off of all their meds that they arrived on due to their negative behaviours such self attacking. Kari addresses these issues and solves them, giving the monkeys a life as close to the wild as they can. Maybe you should spend some more time at the sanctuary and open your eyes to what is really going on around you, rather than being too self involved!

I have visited Jungle Friends primate sanctuary. I was very impressed. The primates have big habitats, trees ,interactions with interns. Everything at JF is totally for the monkeys. Their care is awesome.
Brandon Dillard

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is an amazing non profit organization. They all have live habitats with trees and lots of bugs for the monkeys to find and eat. Monkey's were born to be wild and Jungle Friends gives all monkeys the most natural habitat. Jungle Friends staff does everything to better these monkeys lives. Each monkeys live with a companion and are required to do nothing but play all day!

This Terrible organization Keri doesn't know anything about monkeys. Jungle friends is a toxic organization Keri does not put your donation to good use she spends them on build a deck for her trailer and buying things like a a personal atv for herself and a Hot tub. She treats her staff like crap forcing them to work 7 days a week from 6:30am to 8pm with out a beak. She runs off interns and has even called the cops on interns for want to leave after being treated poorly. The monkey are feed weeks old leftovers that smell like death and there habitats are not cleaned for months. Sadly the monkey are better off back in the labs there far better places put your time and money in to.

I have been volunteering with Jungle Friends for a little under a year, and recently became a board member because I believe in the Jungle Friends mission, I believe in Kari Bagnall, and I adore the monkeys. These monkeys need us because too many humans believe animals exist to serve human needs, but Jungle Friends serves the monkeys -- wholeheartedly and selflessly. Kari has dedicated every moment of her life to trying to mitigate at least some of the damage that humans have done to these precious creatures. Every action taken and every decision made there is clearly made with the guiding principle of "will it benefit the monkeys?" I can donate my time, energy and money to Jungle Friends without ever questioning whether it is appreciated or is used wisely. How many nonprofits do you support where you can really, truly believe that?

Jungle Friends is dedicated to providing sanctuary to rescued monkeys who are provided with a safe, loving, and enriching environment. I have had the opportunity to visit Jungle Friends, and it was so heartwarming to see the monkeys thriving and protected. With greater resources, Jungle Friends is able to provide sanctuary to more monkeys in need.

What an amazing experience being at Jungle Friends and seeing all these monkeys in such a tremendous environment. It's hard to imagine being ripped from yur mother at a few days old and either being held captive in cages as pets or in a science lab, never knowing what a monkey should experience or never knowing another monkey of their species. It is so wonderful to see how playful and rehabilitated these monkeys are and to see the extra joy they get when they see Kari walking around. She is truly amazing in dedicating her life to these beautiful animals. She has created a fantastic environment for them to run, play and just be monkeys. Kudos to Kari and her "monks"!

I worked at Jungle Friends for a day. I had such a good time that I went back for my 15th birthday. The workers there are great people. They care so much about the monkeys. I was amazed that they already have so many monkeys there and they are always looking for ways to take in more monkeys. I spent three days there and worked along side the workers to do their daily chores. They work everyday from about 6am to 5pm. They do not just take care of monkeys, but they also have several dogs and birds. Every monkey has a name and all of the workers know all of their names. I get a smile on my face every time I read the newsletter or watch a video. jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is a safe home for many monkeys and deserves to be recognized for all of its hard work.

I have been a supporter of and donor to Jungle Friends for many years. I have also been a Guenon monkey owner (NOT a parent) for 25 years. Hezekiah is not my child, he is my friend and has been loved and admired by young and old in my small pet store all this time. We keep Jungle Friends Monkey Art and pictures of monkeys I have sponsored on a large bulletin board and a can for customer donations that are sent directly to Jungle Friends regularly along with what more I can contribute at the time. We tell everyone of the great work by Kari and her gang at Jungle Friends taking care of abused and abandoned monkeys, always stressing that monkeys are not born to be kept as pets. I had not considered this when I got him. He has been loved and well cared for, seems very contented, but it is not where nature meant him to be. Thanks to Kari I have been assured that when I can no longer care for Hezekiah -- I am 80+ -- Jungle Friends will be his new home with more space, real trees and lots of friends, monkey and human. I will continue to support and donate to Jungle Friends Sanctuary that Kari has dedicated her life to as long as I live. I wish I could be there to help. dorthohio TOP RATED CONTEST

Kari and her work (actually Her Life) at Jungle Friends is definitely something everyone should experience. I had the honor of buying nuts for the "monks" as Kari calls them and being allowed a tour of the whole amazing place. The compassion and amazing energy of this wonderful lady and the great many people that help with the sanctuary is evident from the moment she greets you at the gate. There is not enough time or space to relate how this petite lady accomplishes amazingly huge feats in tireless forms of educating, building, rescuing, nurturing, reaching out, guiding, giving....and constantly giving in more ways than she probably knows. Through her emails and newsletters, many follow along with her as she rescues, builds, nurses, battles to save and sadly sometimes loses the battle...but her will and drive and compassion never wane. Travels with her (online or in person) are an adventure in the lives of these dear creatures she loves and I know that anyone who finds their way to Jungle Friends will come away with a new perspective of how even the smallest creatures deserve love and will no doubt feel the love that has created this amazing top-rated place.

Jungle friends is a great place for all the monkeys that had a terrible life in side shows, pets no longer wanted or being taken care of. I talked to kari on the phone about my capuchin and she was very helpfull and did not rush me off the phone. I have donated moneh several times and feel that this is a very worth while sanctuary. I would like to visit one day and voluntere. These monks deserve the life they are supposed to have. I give Jungle Friends 5 stars!! Tammy Lee Dickson Sams

Jungle Friends is an incredible place that many monkeys owe their lives too. Everyone who works there does such fantastic things to look after these wonderful animals. Keep up the hard work everyone it's definitely a worth while cause!

I support Jungle Friends because I think they do an amazing job helping monkeys that have been held captive and/or abused. Monkeys are not pets, but people dont realise this until far too late. This is where Jungle Friends comes in and gives these animals an option other than euthanasia. Some of their monkeys are victims of lab testing and have never seen the light of day. Jungle friends gives these traumatied animals a great place to finish up their lives and provides them with enriching activities. the staff there also work incredibly hard. My best friend spends 6 months at a time volunteering there, and while there she very rarely gets a day off. She works ridiculously long days and often does the work of more than one person.

I came to this sanctuary through a highly professional, avian and exotic pet vet. He introduced us in hopes we could learn from them for our avian sanctuary. Well I used to think the work we did was overwhelming until I saw this rescue. This wonderful hard working woman, and her volunteers and students really taught me a lesson. She is doing so much for so many. It is my belief that we are ALL gods creature and every little life is important. I cannot thank the jungle friends for taking the time to educate me in the ways of helping others and mostly I want to thank them all for the saving so many innocent lives!

I have spent almost 2 1/2 years living at animal sanctuaries as a volunteer in 4 countries, almost all of that in primate sanctuaries, and including two brief times at Jungle Friends. Jungle Friends runs the tightest-knit, most upbeat, efficient place I have experienced. I have been in awe of Kari's boundless energy, dedication, hands-on leadership, exuberance and unbridled love of the animals. The overall care of the monkeys - from the facilities to the feeding and cleaning regime to medical care and enrichment - is absolutely superb. I have never seen more impressive interns and volunteers. Those I have met are consistently hardworking, dedicated, thoughtful, considerate workers. Kari spends a lot of time and energy team-building and fosters a spirit of inclusiveness and high standards of care. I love monkeys. Caring for my first monkey in a sanctuary altered my life completely. My awareness and concern for these sentient beings has continued to evolve. So what I appreciate most of all about Kari and Jungle Friends is Kari's fierce and abiding advocacy of primates and compassion for animals in general. She is very active, articulate and vocal about educating the public and the media, that primates should NOT be pets or research projects. Kari is heroic, through and through a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

I met Kari at an AR2002 conference and subsequently visited Jungle Friends Sanctuary. Kari and her staff ROCK!!! They are very knowledgeble, upbeat, creative, caring, compassionate, and ...and the list goes on! They advocate as well for other non-humans and share their knowledge. I wish I could volunteer someday and also be mentored by Kari and her staff---what an education that would be!!

I have donated several times and volunteered once for Jungle Friends. What I think about my experience is useless. What they do for those monkeys is what really matters. You can see it in the monkeys' eyes. So many of them have had horrid lives being imprisoned, abused, used for research, etc. They are closer to people than anyone would like to admit. They're really thinking in there. If what we did to monkeys was done to humans, their would be a national uprising. Jungle Friends has taken an approach that is the most effective. They make great efforts and great progress preventing these things from happening. But, when the day ends, that is a huge change to make and it won't happen overnight. What really matters, for now, is that they give those monkeys a safe and happy home once they are finally freed of these horrible cases. You can see the thankfulness in their eyes. You can tell that what they are doing matters.

I have donated to Jungle Friends online, purchased monkey art at fundraisers, and volunteered at the sanctuary doing yard work and washing dishes. While there in person I got to experience some of the sweetest creatures on the planet who have survived the horrible things humans have done to them. Now they get to play, climb, love, socialize, and live a life much closer to the wild existence that should have been their's all along! Jungle Friends is a wonderful charity, wothy of every attention accolade!

I have been involved with Jungle friends for the past year. I love this organization. I am 100% confident that all of my donations are used for one single purpose and that is to help the monkeys. There are many charitable organizations out there but Jungle Friends is the type of place where you can really see the results of your donation. There is an amazing group of people that make this place work and selfless service does not quite describe their level of commitment.

Jungle friends is a awesome place, have been there to help several times. Love the habitats and the great spaces that all of the monkeys have to play . They are the luckiest monekys to be able to live their lives out in such a special place. To have the dedication, and the constant observation, of all of the people that makes JUNGLE FRIENdS, the place that it is. Thank you for caring. Brandon Dillard

I worked for Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary for about a year and enjoyed every minute of it. I worked in the office (known as "Monkey Business") assisting with data entry, general clerical needs, etc. The other two women in the office had been there for many years and were very dedicated and skilled in their jobs. The volunteers who worked with the monkeys were also very dedicated and loved their work. I met many groups of volunteers from the University of Florida as well as from the local college who had never worked around primates before and they greatly enjoyed their experience at Jungle Friends; quite a few of the groups and individuals returned regularly. I don't think enough good things can be said about the director, Kari Bagnall. Her energy, dedication and enthusiasm are contagious and are unequaled in my experience. Her love of animals in general is boundless. She is a regular at animal rights conferences all over the country, usually as a guest speaker, and really enjoys educating others.

My grandson & I visit Jungle Friends every year, for the last 5 years, when he comes to stay with me while on Spring Break. He chooses a monkey for us to sponsor. One year we also did some volunteering during our visit. Despite being busy the staff has always found time for us, given us a great tour & supported my grandson in his love for monkeys. Plus he loves the dogs there! Kari & her vision for rescuing monkeys is awesome. I never cease to be amazed at the wonderful work they do there, as well as the national outreach to spread the word. Even though I'm now unemployed & have less money, Jungle Friends will not be dropped from my annual contributions--that's how much I think of them. Miriam

My experience with Jungle Friends is from a slightly different viewpoint, as the owner of a 20 year old Umbrella Cockatoo that Kari agreed to provide sanctuary for. There are only five large exotic birds living there since primates are the specialty of this organization. I had raised this bird "from an egg" and have always been involved in ensuring his well being, either in my direct care, or in the care of an adoptive home. In May of 2012 I became aware that he was in a situation of neglect at an adoptive home in Florida and he needed rapid intervention. While I was considering all options Kari Bagnall, of Jungle Friends heard of our plight and offered to take him in for a safe lifetime home. A few weeks later I flew down to Florida from Vermont, rented a big SUV and retrieved my "boy", taking him to Gainesville myself for placement. Jungle Friends was known to me by their excellent reputation and their accreditation status, but I had not visited before. I was provided housing and stayed several days, working as a volunteer throughout that time, while I settled my beloved bird into his new aviary home. The experience far exceeded my every hope for him. Jungle Friends is a serene beautiful country setting ideally suited by climate and location for its purpose as an animal sanctuary. Kari and her staff, interns and volunteers are fully commited to providing top shelf care to all residents. Every aspect of their well being is attended to. Firstly for physical health every animal has clean spacious secure housing, high quality food, and all appropriate veterinary care. Going way beyond the basics, the happiness of each individual is carefully considered by providing expression of their natural behaviors and all accomodations for their personal needs. Kari is exceptionally knowledgeable in the care of these highly intelligent social animals, which includes the various species of primates and the few lucky exotic birds that get to call Jungle Friends a permanent home. I have been directly involved for eight years as a volunteer and employee of another first class accredited animal sanctuary. Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is the best of its kind as a species specialized animal care non-profit. Kari has my endorsement, my financial support, and my heartfelt appreciation for the life she has given my beloved cockatoo, and the life she provides to all of her "monks". If you care about wild animals having the best life captivity can provide, please give your support to Jungle Friends.

Should be more honest with the vegan agenda, they only say "Your donation will be used for the monkeys!" but then push vegan ideals all the time. Was a donor, but won't be in the future, unless they offer assurance that money will go to support needy animals and not to anti-pet, vegan agendas in the legislation.

Jungle Friends is the kind of place that changes lives. After one visit, after seeing the dedication of the staff and volunteers, after realizing how much good can be done for so many individuals, you'll know that Jungle Friends is where you'll want to return time and time again. A little bit of jungle in the city, a forever home for too many monkeys who have had too few good options to choose from, Jungle Friends is a place that cares for others for life. You will care about Jungle Friends too. Please support this terrific organization and the wonderful, dedicated and hard working people that make Jungle Friends the special place it is.

When I was hired as the Sanctuary Manager, I was very pleased to see the exceptional care given to each individual monkey. Many of the monkeys have special needs that must be met inorder to live comfortably. Some are diabetic, some are toothless and some just need a little extra attention. Jungle Friends is happy to provide whatever is necessary to keep the monkeys happy. I have never seen another place that takes into consideration each individual monkey's story and treats them as such - as individuals. It's a wonderful place, and a great volunteer opportunity!

I have been working as an intern and apprentice at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary for well over a year and I love it. What makes Jungle Friends exceptional is it's commitment to the animals, not the people. Jungle Friends goes above and beyond the minimum standard of care for the monkeys with naturalistic habitats and fresh produce every day. At Jungle Friends, the monkeys get to be the wild animals they are, not dolls to dress up for amusement or subjects for experimentation. They get to play with their monkey friends doing monkey things. Everyone at Jungle Friends is dedicated to the monkeys' welfare. The sign of a happy animal is one that plays. Walking through the monkey-yard you can see all the monkeys engaging in playful antics with their friends. It always brings a smile to my face to see them play. This really and truly is an amazing place that is, and always will be, about the monkeys!

My volunteer time spent at Jungle Frineds Primate Sanctuary over the last eight years has taught me how to make a difference. For too long I felt it impossible to make a difference given the seemingly overwhelming magnitude of the many problems confronting me that I felt concerned about. However, once I began volunteering at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary I learned that I could make a difference one issue or in this case one monkey at a time. I learned that while there are tens of thousands of monkeys that need my help I could make a difference one at a time. By helping each monkey as it came along I was in some small fashion helping the group as a whole.

We have a 26 year old capuchin named Max who has been apart of our family all that time. But he was just not living the life we wanted for him and I never would have just given him to just anyplace. We searched and found this place and it has been a life saver for Max we took care of him as best we could but he needed so much more. Now he has it. This place is amazing and every one there is there for the monkeys. I helped out there and it was hard work everyone there is just great. I plan on helping again as much as I can. Thank you Jungle Friends...keep up the great work... Chris Coppock Allegan MI.

I volunteered with Jungle friends for a short while over a summer in college. I was a little hesitant when I first went as it was 2000 miles from home and I basically went with a suitcase and that was it. However, when I arrived I felt like I had stepped into another family. All of the humans here were super nice and really truly cared about what they were doing. They know their stuff and they know exactly what needs to be done to improve the monkeys there and also what needs to be done to help monkeys across the world. Now, the primates that call Jungle Friends home, well they are another story. All of the monkeys come from their own unique situation, however most of them are very sad and depressing. I was able to be a part of bringing in a new monkey, Andy. I was able to be there when Andy's humans brought him in, they were super sweet people who really did love their "child" however, they were smart enough to realize that living in a home was not the place for a monkey. Jungle Friends took him and made him a "real" monkey, they gave him friends, a huge outdoor enclosure, and exactly the food and care he needed. That is just one success story that I was able to witness. Kari and the rest of the team there deserve more support than I think almost anyone can give them. They are an amazing bunch of people who give their hearts and souls to these monkeys :)

I am the founder of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary; so of course, I love the monkeys and the sanctuary and am able to see firsthand the difference we make in the lives of the monkeys who now call Jungle Friends home. So, many monkeys with such sad stories whose lives have turned around are an amazing thing to watch. But I must tell you, the human primates who find their way to Jungle Friends are just as amazing! You will never meet a more caring group of staff, interns and volunteers as you will meet at the sanctuary. The humans at Jungle Friends really know what the term ‘in-service’ means; they are the embodiment of service! If you ever feel like giving up on the human race (we have all had our moments) take a trip to Jungle Friends and meet some of the most remarkable human primates!

Jungle Friends has changed my life! My dear friend Helene volunteers at Jungle Friends and was always sharing news. One day she shared the news about rescuing Annabelle and after seeing her and what she had been living in, I knew I had to help her. I signed up to be her Gold Level sponsor and Helene sent me a picture of Annabelle which I have on my desk at work. I look at her often each day and she never fails to bring a smile to my face and out a smile on my heart.
Jungle Friends is an amazing organization that has such big hearts. Kari has put her life’s work into creating a place for these jungle friends to live in a natural as possible environment. I have told many people about this wonderful organization and look forward to years of being a sponsor to them.
Please help spread the word about Jungle Friends, share the web site address, become a sponsor or make a donation - every bit helps. Monkey love from South Carolina to Jungle Friends :-)

When my niece received graduate degree, she had the opportunity to start a career with any number of companies and garner a large salary. But instead she chose to make a the world a little better by going to work for Jungle Friends and using her talents to make the lives of often neglected primates better. Jungle Friends is not only an organization with care and compassion, they are also a financially responsible organization that respects the purpose of the donations they receive. This is combination is rare and exceptional, and sadly missing from many other charitable organizations.

You saved my brother who died monkeys life .Nobody would help us. You took Louie & gave him a wonderful home. We could never THANKYOU enough. You are wonderful for what you do. Giving monkeys a second chance at life. God bless you all at Jungle World

Kari and Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is a model of progressive, ethics and compassion in our community. Kari involves herself in promoting the morality of non exploitation of monkeys and humans. The work that she and all of the volunteers do at the sanctuary is inspiring. The rescue and care of abused, neglect and exploited monkeys finally have a place of peace and the sanctuary is a role model for similar victimized precious creatures. A society can be judged by the way they treat their voiceless.

I volunteered as an intern last year and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Living in England, I haven't had the chance to go back, but if it was up to me I'd be there everyday! The work we had to do to keep the sanctuary running was worth it to see the monks in a safe place and enjoying themselves. Kari's hard work and dedication to the monkeys is inspiring. I fell in love with a number of the Capuchin and spider monkeys- they all have amazing characters! I felt that the time I spent there was valued by everyone- primate and human. I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to work in such a special place.

I was introduced to Jungle Friends about 10 years ago and have been a supported ever since. I have been honored and lucky enough to have been able to go down to FL and volunteer for one week and I hope to be able to do it again. Kari and all the monkey caretakers are amazing as they do their best everyday to make sure these monkeys are healthy and happy and have friends and plenty of room to play and hide and move. Everything Jungle Friends does is amazing and the knowledge that they provide and give out about not having monkeys as pets or as to why we need to stop testing on them is very thorough and thoughtful. Thank You to Kari and everyone at Jungle Friends I hope they are able to continue their magnificent work until we are finally able to educate people into not having monkeys as pets and completely shut down the terrible monkey testing industry.

I have known Kari and volunteered at Jungle friends for a few years. The work and dedication of all here is incredible....what a wonderful life is provided for former pets and monks abused in research/pet shop situations. Their community outreach is outstanding... I appreciate helping even if it means a 2 hour drive to spend 6 hot and humid hpurs hours washing dishes, slicing veggies and clamping together caging material....it's all for the animals!!

I believed I was "rescuing" a baby brown capuchin when his owner unexpectedly passed away. I fell in love with him immediately and thought I was giving him a good life. Then I saw a documentary about Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary and realized that I could never give him the life he deserved. I contacted Kari at JF and explained Jak's (the greatest monkey ever!) situation. Not only did she agree to take him and provide a forever home with his like species, she also agreed to take me! By allowing me to visit, volunteer, and receive invaluable education and advice about the plight of exoctic animals, I am now able to pass this knowledge on to other's. The only way Jak could be happier is if he had been allowed to stay with his mother as a baby. I love this sanctuary and all of the interns, volunteers, and staff that make it their daily mission to care for all the monkeys... and dogs...and all creatures great and small!!

This place is magical. It has a certain aura that makes you want to be a part of a grand plan for helping these little furry creatures, and there is way more to it than just the animals. The people here have purpose and a presence of being in service, not servitude, that creates a whole community of caring persons. And they will care about you, immediately, even for just being here.
I am not here to work with the monkeys directly and I much prefer it that way. Amazingly, whenever I show up the little guys just go crazy screaming at the sight of me, knowing I belong there and greeting me like their long lost friend!

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is an amazing place with amazing monkeys, as well as amazing human primates!

After I heard about Jungle Friends I went out and volunteered on a Friday, assuming that it would be a great one-day experience. I enjoyed my time there, so I decided that I would go back again. After going back to the sanctuary for the second time, I fell in love. I have been going out to Jungle Friends on a regular basis for quite some time there. I often joke that the monkeys at the sanctuary get fed and treated better than myself. Not only are all the monkeys at Jungle Friends absolutely wonderful, but the volunteers and staff at the sanctuary are outstanding. Every one is so hard work, and truly in love with what they do. The atmosphere and aura is great, and it has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I am so thankful that I have been able to spend my weekends with the monkeys and the humans at Jungle Friends, it has opened my eyes and helped me to understand myself in many ways. I look forward for what lies ahead! They are doing wonderful things.

The rescue and rehabilitation of animals that have been thought what these animals have is a tremendous undertaking and the way in which they accomplish their goal is truly remarkable!

My daughter discovered Jungle Friends when she was a student at the Santa Fe CC zoo animal tech. Program. I immediately was impressed with its mission and compassion for our primate cousins. I began by sponsoring two monks and have contributed on an ongoing basis since. Monkeys should not be pets and when they act as monkeys, humans find that they cannot keep them anymore or put them into inappropriate situations. Many times they take their teeth out to stop them from biting--a perfectly normal thing for a monkey to do in a stressful situation. Monks are also used in research- many of these poor guys have never felt the sun on their faces and live in small sad cages alone. Jungle Friends provides a natural habitat for such monks, a place where they can live outside in some semblance of normalcy for a monkey. When you see a monkey released into their habitat with others of their species for the first time, you cannot help but be touched by the work that they do. It is a joy to behold. But building habitats and feeding monks and providing medical care for them costs money, and I sincerely hope that you will consider providing as sizable an award to this wonderful organization. The work is hard, but they are willing to do it--we just need to help them do it by providing the resources they so desperately need.

Jungle Friends has truly changed my life. I have only been involved with Jungle Friends for a few months, but it only took a few hours to see the incredible work that the organization does. Once I came here, I couldn't imagine ever leaving. Everyone works hard and keeps the monkeys as a first priority, we also have compassion for all animals and humans. The attention to detail from the caregivers and volunteers cannot be matched anywhere else. I am proud to be a part of Jungle Friends and support and amazing organization.

Jungle Friends is a wonderful sanctuary for primates. Their staff, interns, and volunteers are some of the most dedicated I have ever seen! The "monks" are all very well cared for, and all in much better conditions than from whence they came. The folks at Jungle Friends also strive to end the use of primates in labs for research and educate the public that they do NOT make good pets!

My first experience with Jungle Friends was in 2008 when I came on as an intern. The sanctuary is a wonderful place and as many of the previous reviewers have stated you become one big family and stay in touch with people you meet there for years afterwards and return for years afterwards. I have since completed two other internships and I return at least once a year, though unfortunately the periods spent there become shorter and shorter. When you first join the jungle friends family you instantly fall in love with the monkeys. It is really wonderful to see how monkeys who are former pets (or former lab animals) and who have never interacted with another of their species slowly come out of their shell and start acting like real monkeys. I also think it is great that Jungle Friends aims to educate the public about the harms of the pet trade, laboratory research, etc, while also educating the public and volunteers about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. I always miss the sanctuary, the monkeys, the people, and the dogs while I'm away from Jungle Friends and cannot wait for the next time I can visit and volunteer for a little while.

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is a wonderful place dedicated to making a difference in the lives of humans and animals. They offer an excellent experience and teach valuable life skills that we don't learn in the classroom or at a traditional job. I had the opportunity to visit a handful of sanctuaries during my time at Jungle Friends, and while each one has something special to offer, I knew that the environment in which Jungle Friends allows their monkeys to live is one of the best out there. They get to live as close to wild monkeys as they can get even though they are in confinement. They have trees, grass, other monkeys that they get to live with. Jungle Friends is more than just a place for monkeys to have a forever home, they are also dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of the exotic animal trade and the meat industry. They are committed to educating all of their volunteers the benefits of a plant based diet for the animals, for human health and for the environment. I continue to support Jungle Friends by visiting yearly and supporting through donations.

I started volunteering at Jungle Friends while looking for a job in the animal field. I absolutely loved this place! Not only was it just a fun place to spend my time but it became apparent almost immediately how much they care more these animals and the impact they are making.

It is rewarding to contribute to an organization where more than 90% of every dollar given goes directly to the care and welfare of the Jungle Friends monkeys. Since I live nearby, I frequently visit and see first hand how hard the staff, interns and volunteers work; literally from dusk to dawn. The monkey habitats are very naturalistic and full of enrichments.

I first visited Jungle Friends in June 2009 as an intern. I wasn't expecting to find a second family out there and another place I could call home. Jungle Friends makes you feel so welcome, and the monkeys are characters that soon get under your skin and become a very important part of your life. Having worked for a number of zoos and animal organisations, I can say that Jungle Friends is in a league of its own when it comes to their ethic and care for the animals it provides their forever homes to. Kari has become like family to me and can safely say that I can call her whenever I need advice or help with anything. In other organisations, I have rarely seen the founder getting their hands dirty with interns on the more trivial jobs that need doing in the sanctuary, but she would do anything for any of the monkeys at Jungle Friends, from staying up all night to nurse a sick monkey, to cleaning floors and enclosures. Everyone there is a solid team, looking out for each other and the monkeys. As a result of my fantastic experience in 2009, I returned in 2010 for an apprenticeship and have visited every year since. I plan on returning soon again and could not recommend this place more highly for anyone wanting to learn about primates, their care or the running of a successful primate sanctuary, as long as they don't mind working hard and as part of a fantastic team.

It is heartwarming to see the monkeys enjoying spacious enclosures with trees to climb and soft grass under their feet, instead of the hard, cold cement other lesser quality places have their monkeys. I enjoyed helping to make a habitat, and preparing healthy, high quality diets for the monkeys!

Jungle Friends gave me the greatest experiences I have yet in life. I traveled all the way from England, originally only for 3 months but ended up staying over a year. Its like one big family, everyone helps out each other and its amazing to see the difference they make to these monkeys lives. Im even planning on visiting again this summer, cant stay away for too long. This is the best sanctuary I have been to so far and I think it will always remain top and deserves to be there.

Having just spent three days at Jungle Friends, I think you should know that it is one of the most extraordinary sanctuaries I have ever visited. The dedicated staff, mostly volunteers, takes care of more than 100 monkeys with enthusiasm and careful attention to detail. Director Kari Bagnal has tremendous spirit and knowledge--she's great with animals and people! Jungle Friends is a model primate sanctuary; I've never seen so many contented, calm monkeys and so many staffers loving their work. The place is pristine; the monkey habitats are spacious and inventive. I encourage everyone to support this place, which I hope expands to help more monkeys in need. There are so many!
Elizabeth Hess, author Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human

I just can't say enough good things about Jungle Friends and its founder Kari Bagnall. She has provided a safe haven for more than 100 primates and is an accredited sanctuary, which means she does not buy, breed, sell, trade nor add to the problem by enabling breeders & exploiters to use her as a dumping ground. Our own volunteers from Big Cat Rescue frequently drive several hours to help Jungle Friends build cages because they know first hand the good work being done there.