Being a veterinarian and having my entire career in the field of animal care, I am beyond impressed by OPR in so many aspects: organization, cleanliness, husbandry, medical care, enrichment, passion, devotion and so much more. I can only hope that other animal facilities show as much love and care for their residents as OPR does for theirs. Thank you for what you do!
Hmmmm, what can I say about this place
Other than it is AMAZING.
The love and care that goes into every interaction with these amazing animals is far above anything you would expect.
You or I would/ will look at the primates as animals
but the Love that Polly has for each and every one of them is Familial.
They are her children and she has dedicated her life to taking care of them
I love this place and will be visiting as often as I possibly can
Thank you Polly for all you do
Thank you for your hospitality
And
Thank you for putty so much of yourself into the love you have for this facility and your children
I was part of a work group who went to the sanctuary to help with gardening. This was my first visit and I was so impressed by the beauty and peace there, as well as the wonderful environment that is provided for these primates. It is immaculate and the animals seem to have everything they need to live the best lives that are available to them. Polly does a wonderful job of caring for them all. It's definitely a nonprofit that is worth supporting.
This place is amazing Polly is the kindest caring monkey momma. Coming to visit OSP u learn a lot about monkeys as well as enjoy ur experience and stories of these guys Polly has given a great home to.
The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the team are truly remarkable and inspiring. It is heartwarming to witness such a high level of commitment and passion for their work
I volunteer as property maintenance. The rehabilitation facility is immaculate . Polly has the highest standards of care for the monkeys. I will truly donate ever hour that I can to provide Polly the best care that I can!!!
Took the family to see the monkeys. It was a very enjoyable experience. The facility was well kept an inviting. I would recommend this experience to any and all looking to make some memories with the Fam.
I had the opportunity to go up to OPR Coastal Primate sanctuary to help with some yard maintenance and was able to tour the facility. I was so impressed with the level of care these primates were getting and so happy to know that they were getting a safe place to live out their lives despite some of the situations some of these primates have come from. I look forward to future volunteering at OPR.
Absolutely amazing place. The monkeys are so sweet and the owner is amazing and she also has an amazing heart! Cannot wait to help out again some day soon!!
I have been volunteering for close to a year now and find it such a rewarding experience both mentally and physically. The primates all have their own unique personalities, in which I have grown close to each of them.
I consider them more like one of my own fur kids.
At the sanctuary, the owner, as well as the other volunteers are extremely passionate, hard working, and dependable towards their work and because of that, I have gained new friends!
We all share one common goal for these primates and that is: to give them the best possible care and love with respect and dignity they deserve.
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Polly and Skip Shultz are two amazing people that have dedicated their lives helping medical research primates and other primates that have had intense medical issues sustain a better life than what they had in their previous environment. Both Polly and Skip put in countless hours making sure the primates are well care for. I have had an opportunity to volunteer and during that time, I experienced the love that Polly and Skip have shown for each and everyone of the primates. It's amazing how far some of these monkeys have come. In the future I hope to continue to show my support with OPR.
The moment you step onto the property, you feel at peace. This facility is my dream come true. Polly and Skip created something legendary. I am so thankful to be even a small part of the future at OPR.
OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary is an amazing place. There is so much love put into caring for the animals. The Rumberger Foundation has been a long time supporter.
I go up every Saturday for the last year and volunteer to clean cages. Sometimes I go up during the week too. So it doesn’t sound very glamorous, but my experience up there is not just the work. It is meeting new friends and meeting like minded people who care about the animals and also the the joy in giving the monkeys a second chance at living a life they were meant to have. It is a loving and clean environment for each animal and I am glad to be a part of making it so.
This sanctuary is amazing! Polly is the best caretaker for these primates, she goes above and beyond to make sure they are happy and healthy! These animals come from research and some were ex-pets, some of them have had a hard life before meeting Polly. Today they are thriving under the care of Polly, and get to live there remaining years in their happy place!
OPR is such an incredible, well organized sanctuary that exceeds expectations in their cleanliness, husbandry and mental enrichment practices.
On my many visits to OPR to volunteer it is always an educational fulfilling experience in giving back. They are such an instrumental organization in the community of sanctuaries and I am so grateful for the incredible work they do and the lives they change.
As part of the Oregon Primate Rescue's veterinary team. I am proud to say that each and every rescue that OPR takes in gets thr best care in every way. They are clean, fed, loved and all of their medical needs are met. These beautiful creatures really do come to a Sanctuary.
As an active board member for 26 years, and working with various animal rescues my entire life, I can honestly say I have never seen a more enriched environment for animals. Such a dedicated group who truly care about the welfare of the monkeys!
I’ve heard wondering things about this organization. They give me my daily boost of serotonin with their Facebook and instagram posts. Heard many stories about this place hope to visit one day.
I’ve been volunteering for about a year now. Every time i come i’m more and more impressed with the level of care and compassion Polly & Skip have for this field of work. They take broken spirits and make them whole again. They are both wonderful people.
I have seen firsthand, the care the compassion, the dedication, long hours, blood, sweat and lots of tears at OPR! They are top-notch and truly amazing! They are the change we want to see in the World!
I learned about OPR through my mom who started volunteering there and has fallen in love with the place, the primates and most of all the people who run OPR. I live in another state and cannot volunteer in person often, but had a chance to visit and help out a few months ago and was blown away by the property and how well managed everything is. The work done by Polly and Skip, often times without the help of very many volunteers, is astounding. Their love for the primates and dedication to providing them a better life is inspiring.
This place is awesome. The monkeys are happy and loved. This place is always super clean, and each mi key is treated as the individual that they are. I love this place.
I have been volunteering 3 days/week for 2 1/2 months now. Polly and Skip at OPR are the most incredibly selfless, knowledgeable, and caring people I have met. The level of care they give each and every individual monkey according to their past and needs is so admirable.
I thoroughly enjoy learning (So much to learn!) to help care for the monkeys, and am eternally grateful to Polly and Skip for their trust, patience, and understanding.
I come from a long line in my family of animal lovers, this experience has enriched my life in ways I would have never known.
We are so fortunate to have people like Polly and Skip, and everyone associated with OPR allowing these monkeys, often with traumatic, harrowing pasts, to live their best life and be cared for so thoughtfully.
The work that Polly and OPR do is incredible and inspiring. As a professor of anthropology, I can tell that the monkeys here are so thoughtfully cared. OPR works hard to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of these animals and has amazing outcomes. But the need is great! Please help support OPR.
So blessed to have this in town! I feel like Longview needs more positive influences like this, and it goes to show the amount of animals that are in need like these monkeys here, hearing some of their stories is touching and it inspires change that needs to be done to keep helping them.
I checked out their website and saw they are in the PNW I’m too far away at the moment but hoping later on with my school I might get a chance to learn more about primates. Their mission seems to be really needed and I want to help out!
I have been volunteering for a bit and like the atmosphere! I’m pretty sure the monkeys are happy and healthy they get a lot of good attention! I’m hoping to learn more :)
Definitely a sanctuary that we need to have more of throughout the US. I’m also happy that they treat the monkeys well and educate people about them as well. I never would have seen the perspective of monkeys so closely without OPR
I found Oregon Primate Rescue while doing research for school and I would not have thought about there being monkeys that need a place to go. They have a lot of space to move around and can go outside to areas with slides and pools which they have a lot of fun with! Polly is a wonderful resource on macaques and has spent a lot of time getting to know their behaviors to make sure they are being understood on all levels.
OPR is a very helpful organization and I’m thankful they are in Longview to help with the monkeys that need care. I think we need more sanctuaries in the northwest and this provides that resource.
I am impressed with this nonprofit and the professionalism they have. Their website is also functional and a cool place to check out for more information.
Skip, and Polly, the founders of OPR, are very kind people that have devoted their lives to helping monkeys rehabilitate and thrive outside of their previous environments. Their number one priority is the quality of life for every monkey! That being said they live up to that standard providing fresh food, extraordinarily clean living conditions, and engagement with different activities to keep the monkeys entertained. OPR is a great nonprofit!
As an anthropology student I was wanting to learn more about the aspects of primatology. I ended up becoming involved with OPR as a volunteer and am proud to be a part of an organization that’s so thoughtful, and knowledgeable when it comes to primates and their needs. They benefit the well being not only of the primates in the sanctuary, but also fight for the environmental justice for those outside of the sanctuary as well. I have learned so much in my experience and encourage others to check them out!
This place is great! The owners are very caring of the primates and it shows. Each animal was introduced to me with a very nice explanation of who they are, what they like, and all about their personalities. It's was such an interesting view into the primates and how they are meticulously cared for. I am glad there are sanctuaries like this out there to care for mistreated animals.
The love and care they give the primates is unmatched. These primates deserve the world after all they have given us and OPR does just that!
Overwhelmingly amazed at this facility. I just cannot believe the level of care, cleanliness, attention to detail of this property. It was so much more than I expected. Phenomenal it’s not even a big enough word for this place and what they are doing for the primates. The amount of knowledge Polly has is just amazing. These little guys are in the best hands in the world. This facility she is running is a heaven on earth
When I worked for the Humane Society of Cowlitz County one of my responsibilities was to have Critter Camp for children 8-10.
One event was to visit the Primate Sanctuary...All of us were extremely impressed with what Polly and Skip had done with the property given to them but more importantly what they had done are continuing to do with the primates that are in their care! We all were amazed at what we learned and were in awe with how Polly I interacted with her primates...she loves them and they her...
I continue to visit and bring apples to them from my trees...each time I enter the grounds it is a very serene feeling...Polly and Skip have provided a safe have for these special critters and I applaud them both for doing this most wonderful ministry for God's Creatures!!!
It was so heartwarming getting to see this lovely sanctuary! Polly truly loves and cares for these monkeys and puts so much hard work and time into making sure they are happy, healthy and thriving. Beautiful :)
What an experience! I had no idea the amount of time and care it took/takes to keep this place in tip top shape. The staff is wonderful and honestly care for the animals here. They go above and beyond to make the life of the animals relaxing and loved. Honestly the facilities are sparkling clean and cared for to the point it makes you feel like you may need to take your shoes off to enter so as to not track any dirt in.
This nonprofit is very clean and well taken care of. The staff takes great care of the animals! I love going to visit and help out with what I can.
I have had the honor of volunteering with OPR a few times over the last few years and I am always so impressed of the cleanliness and organization on such a large scale. The primates that they provide sanctuary and care for, have got to be some of the luckiest in the world. The enrichment they provide and the way that they prioritize not only physical health and well being but go so far out of their way to ensure that they are mentally healthy as well and living their best life! Polly and Skip truly are amazing humans, a step above the rest and I'm always so honored to be apart of such an amazing place!
I had the incredible opportunity to work with OPR for my Grant Writing class this summer. I was able to tour the facility and meet the primates to get a better understanding of the agency’s needs. One thing that really stood out is OPR’s commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of the primates. Through our conversations, I can easily tell OPR strives for the best possible facilities, habitats, and medical care for their resident monkeys.
OPR?? more like the best monkey sanctuary by far!! OPR creates a family for these monkeys that simply couldn't be recreated anywhere else! The staff care for these monkeys and it is obvious. The time and effort that has been put in to OPR, provided an atmosphere that made easy to want volunteer for them. I want to volunteer again!!!! -from a monkey enthusiast
I was a volunteer for them and I can't believe how amazing the facility was!!! When you walk up to their sanctuary, you can tell that they truly care about the monkeys and are trying to give them a better life. They truly are making a difference and I am so grateful to have been a volunteer for them. Monkeys go far in OPR!!!
I was able to volunteer and help with taking care of the facility with the caretakers!! They are such amazing people and they are so dedicated to the care of the primates in their facility. The quality of care for these primates is phenomenal!! They are the BEST!!!
I love working with the caretakers of OPR. We helped build several hundred feet of fencing as part of my missionary service and I was amazed at how loving and welcoming the rescue felt. All of the monkeys are well taken care of and they sure know how to pay attention to the details! WOW!!!
If you want to visit a place that truly cares for animals in every way possible this is it. Polly and her husband have made this place a true animal sanctuary. The animals get top notch physical care as well as emotional. I’ve been here many times over the years and have watched the monkeys grow emotionally. Some of them have come from horrible environments and are now thriving. I enjoy watching them open gifts and seeing their personalities come out.
My experiences with OPR have been amazing.
Not only do the team have a clear understanding of the needs of these animals, they are treated with a level of care and dignity that is personal to each individual primate.
I have learned a great deal about the lives, laws, history and reality of primates as they are in the western world, something that is so misunderstood and often even kept hidden; and all from OPR.
We need more sanctuaries like this one!
I loved learning about the monkeys from Polly and the volunteers. Hearing about the heartbreaking stories of the lives of these creatures up to the point when they were rescued, was so heartbreaking, it literally made me cry. Seeing the progress these little beings made after coming from some terrible situations was just heartwarming. Everything was clean and bright and the Monkeys have so much room to move and exercise. You really can sense their joy at being here.
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I've spent a good deal of time volunteering over the years. In all of my experience, volunteering with OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary has given me the most personal satisfaction. It is clear to anyone who has an opportunity to work here, that Polly, Skip, and the whole crew genuinely care for these animals, and that they have extensive knowledge and skill in giving the primates a most exceptional quality of life. Immaculately clean facilities, ever changing enrichment tools and toys, expert companion pairings, and top quality on site veterinary care...
This place and the people who run it are just brilliant!
I hope to volunteer at OPS Coastal Primate Sanctuary for the rest of my life!
Michelle Brinton
No one could possibly love these animals more than the founders of the organisation. OPR is the next best thing to living out in the wild. These money's eat better then most humans. They truly get the best possible of everything from food to living space and toy for enrichment. The enclosures are clean everyday. This place is a little peace of heaven on earth. Much love to all of you at OPR
They have my friends monkey name Keykey
We see videos all the time and we can’t be more glad to know that he is in a really good place where they take really good care of, thank you we join your service
I can say that I personally experienced the amazing Job that OPR does for the macaque family, I have so much gratitude and love for Polly who takes care of them with so much knowledge and an amazing staff of collaborators who provide care and love for this beautiful macaque family... Thank you for everything that you guys have done...
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I have visited OPR a few months ago and I felt in love with the sanctuary, I had the pleasure to meet Polly, her husband Skip and Jaclyn, they show me the sanctuary and introduced me to macaque family, I can tell for fact that the macaques are very lucky and blessed to have such of beautiful human beings taking care of them, Polly is remarkable, she knows a lot about them and always improving in many ways to help them, I have so much of appreciation and admire her for her commitment and dedication with the macaque family.
The facility is full of amenities, with many thoughtful details to ensure that the macaques can improve by a 100 on their quality of life which I think is the most important thing, you can tell on all of their faces how the macaques loves Polly and what she does for them, we definitely need
More human beings Like Polly, Skip and Jaclyn who care and take pride on what they do to keep this noble cause on providing the macaques with such of great life journey.... form the very bottom of my heart, God bless you Guys at OPR Sanctuary and can wait to visit again
What a wonderful place run by the most amazing And compassionate people. Thank you for all you do to make them all happy in special my keykey. I’m happy that you had the heart to create a place like this, this is a amazing place full of beautiful people who love them and want to educate others about them. Thank you for all you do.
Eternally grateful, Gaby (keykey’s mom)
Best non-profit to volunteer for. While caring for the most amazing primates you’re also learning life lessons such as respect, responsibility, and accountability.
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I have been a volunteer at OPR for just over a year now and have learned so much from Polly and Skip. I want to be an animal conservationist and OPR has showed me what it’s like to work with primates and each of their unique behaviors. Polly and Skip do an amazing job with the upkeep of OPR and I’m so lucky to be apart of their team!
I have helped Polly Schultz at her sanctuary and have known Polly for a long time. Oregon Primate Rescue center is truly heaven on earth for the monkeys that she lovingly takes in and sees to it that they live their life out in peace. I truly am not able to think of somebody who has given soo much devotion and passion to the cause of saving the macaques she continually rescues and gives a better remainder of life to.
OPR is a comforting, nurturing, and healthy sanctuary for primates. They take so much pride and care in making sure the monkeys have the best enviroment to living out the rest of their lives. Also, OPR continiously educates their volunteers and it's community on the importance of not importing these monkeys for pets. I enjoy volunteering my time to an extremely dedicated sanctuary that is always making a difference in lives of these primates.
The sanctuary has always been so amazing at taking care of their primates, every morning each meal is prepared with the utmost care.
5+ STARS. Absolutely pristine sanctuary that cares extremely carefully and protectively for their precious residents.
Very clean n caring place. I feel this is a top #1 santuary. The food/diet is fresh always and the monkeys medical needs are met daily. Special diets are carefully watched. The enviorment is lcompatable to a retired human relaxing on a private tropical beach without a care in the world.
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This place named OPR is not just any place. The cleanliness is spot on. The food the monkeys eat is always fresh and so so healthy. I wish Americans would eat this healthy. And all their needs are met in the best way humanly possible. I've been to many rescue n refudge places along with zoos. OPR is home for these little guys n gals. They are not made to be spectacles or on display in any way. The founders of OPR protect n respect these little ones and also do well in teaching other humans the same. I personally have learned so much and witnessed exactly what I've wrote. So far there is no place on earth as clean as OPR. However there are places that do very well in cleanliness n care of animals. I just feel OPR is the #1 top overall rescue in all area's.
Hats off to Mrs Polly & Mr.Skip and all the great volunteers and Doners. Without all the team work this place wouldn't be here.
From the very beginning Polly and Skip provided a sanctuary that was as close to the wild as possible. The socializing of the monkeys is beautiful to see and very heartwarming. They learn to bond with and trust each other, and heal. The Sanctuary has grown so much as has the need , this is truly an amazing place.
There aren’t words for the amazing things Polly and Skip do for these monkeys. They work tirelessly and without regard for how they personally feel to ensure every monkey has a happy, healthy life.
I have been fortunate enough to volunteer here. Polly has a unique ability to draw people and monkeys out of their shells. Words cannot describe what it is to see first hand the transformation that takes place when the monkeys begin to trust people and form bonds. These monkeys, be they from ill-informed human homes or from research labs, all seem to thrive in OPR’s sanctuary.
The upgrades are endless here. There is always some new project in the works to make the monkeys happier. Most recently a giant outdoor enclosure with grass and “vines” was added, with so much more to come. Polly and Skip are always thinking about the next project, a new way to enrich the lives of the monkeys.
This place is amazing. Polly and Skip are amazing. The people that surround and support them are amazing.
OPR is an amazing facility! The level of care provided is top notch and it is clear how much everyone cares about the monkeys. The experience they have of coming to this facility is life changing. OPR should be a model for primate sanctuaries to follow.
OPR is an amazing place created to help resident primates learn how to trust, love, and enjoy life again. Polly and Skip are the heart of OPR and without them, OPR would not be possible. I feel fortunate to be apart of OPR and experience the magical setting that takes place there. OPR has touched hundreds of primate lives, human and non-human. THANK YOU OPR for all that you do!!
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So many primates need our help today. OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary is there to provide top-quality care-many thanks to them for what they do!
I started volunteering at OPR in February of 2017 as a graduation requirement expecting to put in enough time to graduate and move on with my life. It was very apparent during my first visit to OPR that this was a special place run by extraordinary people. Polly and Skip will leap over hurdles to help primates heal their hearts and souls in a safe environment and when you hear them talk about all the primates they presently care for and have cared for in the past. I never envisioned myself working with primates but my time at OPR gave me the opportunity to get a job working with primates full-time. I don't get to volunteer my time as much now but there is not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful Polly and Skip welcomed me into the OPR family with open arms.
I have known Polly and OPR since they came to WA State. They are an amazing facility giving lifelong care, love, and safety. Their passion for the best possible care, animal well-being goes beyond many others. I wish there were more like OPR and Polly!
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This sanctuary is the cleanest, most well run sanctuaries I have ever had the privilege of being involved with. Polly teaches all aspects of care from enclosure requirements, cleaning, animal safety, human safety, and more. I have been involved in many sanctuaries and presently do wildlife rehab. I feel quite knowledgeable of how a sanctuary should look, run, and be operated, this one tops them all!
OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary is by far the best primate rescue I have seen. The love and compassion the owners and staff have for these humble creatures is phenomenal and heart warming. The sanctuary is one of the cleanest ones I've been to, as well. There's not enough nice things I could say about this place, it is absolutely amazing.
I couldn't be more impressed with what they are accomplishing. Out of all the animal rescues I've been to OPR is by far the best!!!
OPR is an amazing place with kind and compassionate humans who provide such quality care for its resident primates. I am blessed to be a part of it!
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OPR is growing in leaps and bounds and the enrichment program for its monkeys is amazing. None of its directors are paid so donations can be used to provide the best in life for those we've dedicated our lives to helping. A calm, caring, loving environment!
When I first started volunteering at OPR I didn't know what to expect, but I must tell you OPR has by far exceeded my expectations on every level. First of all, the people here are very passionate about what they do. They care about the primate residents like they are family, always doing what's in their best interest. The primate residents are vary well taken care of here. Caretakers give careful thought into each individual primate and their specific needs. Not just to their basic needs such as medication and health, but also to mental and emotional needs specific to each primates personality. Careful thought goes into where primates are housed based on personality and other factors, pairing of primates who need companions, what toys and enrichment are safe and what is the monkeys preference? What is the best diet for the individual? What do they like? Caretakers at OPR know these things about their resident primates. Great care and attention goes into safety at OPR as well, not just the safety of the people, but also the safety of the primates. Grounds and enclosures are also kept clean and well maintained. But what makes this a great place and a treasure is the people. I absolutely love the people at OPR, and consider them like family. I've fallin in love with their hearts and their dedication. Their passion to make a difference in the lives of their primates is astounding. The rewards of working with such amazing people as well as the bonds formed when working with the primates is priceless.
Absolutely wonderful nonprofit that provides a fantastic home for their charges. The owners are passionate about the sanctuary and some of the nicest people I've ever met. I am so thankful for what they do for the monkeys!
OPR is a phenomenal sanctuary that has made all the difference in the lives of the animals who find their way into the thoughtful care of Polly, Skip, and the volunteers. They are treated with respect and dignity, and my experience there as a volunteer was incredible. Thank you for all that you do!
The staff are always striving to broaden their knowledge and create the best enclosures for the primates!
I've heard many great success stories of all of the primates that have been rescued. This is such a great place for monkeys to live in peace. With lots of love and proper living conditions for them to do so. So many monkey lives have been saved from experiments and from being neglected. Please help OPR! they're amazing!
Love everything they do for the monkeys. Danika is a rockstar too. She cares for those animals like they are her own.
Skip and Pollyhave done such an amazing job taking care of the OPR sanctuary. They have devoted their lives to caring for the primates and to give them the best life possible. As a volunteer I learned a lot and was treated with the utmost respect.
I first read Polly's book a year or two ago. It made me laugh and cry. I was stunned to realize her sanctuary was just outside my home town. I have been following them on social media and plan to donate money to them. I feel it's a very well-run organization that cares deeply for its residents.
I first became involved with OPR when I was looking for volunteer opportunities for clients I worked with. I worked with folks with disabilities that needed work experience. Polly and Skip were fantastic with everyone I threw at them. They had compassion and patience regardless of how difficult it could be at times. As for the animals, they were all very well taken care of and it was clear the passion that they had for each one of them.
This is the best maintained and loving animal sanctuary I have ever seen. The animals are able to live out their days being well cared for and most of all given the special individual nurturing they need. I am grateful OPR is here for these monkeys.
OPR is a beautiful facility on all levels. The volunteers spend endless hours caring for the monkeys and ensuring their environment is healthy, safe and stimulating. What a jewel to have in our area.
This sanctuary is amazing. I have never volunteered anywhere else where the animals were so well taken care of and the owners had such a caring compassionate commitment to them. I volunteered here for 2 years and was always in awe of how clean the sanctuary was kept and the health of all the animals as well. These animals either come from private homes or research facilities, both usually bad situations and deserve nothing more than the best possible care for the remainder of their lives; and that is ecactly what they get. Polly is an inspiring individual and this non profit should be recognized as one of the great ones.
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OPR is an amazing nonprofit. I volunteered with this organization for a couple years and loved spending my time up there. Polly is amazing and I have never met anyone who is as dedicated to their job as she is. She goes above and beyond for each and every monkey and makes sure they receive the best possible care. She is also a wealth of knowledge so if you are ever thinking about getting into the animal care field you definitely need to volunteer here. Running an animal sanctuary is no easy task and requires a huge commitment. There is always a long to do list on top of daily chores and Polly and Skip are always grateful for the extra hands. Love this place!
I have felt so honored to be a part of OPR and experience the healing and love it provides for each of its resident monkeys. OPR has touched so many hearts and continues to grow with time. It is such a special place and I am so grateful for it.
This is an amazing sanctuary for primates where they not only are well cared for physically, but their mental health is just as important. Watching the relationship between the monkeys and Polly is very uplifting. The facility is spotless and the primates have so much enrichment and things to keep them busy, as well as having interaction with each other as well. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable and you can tell they absolutely love their monkeys.
I had the chance to go to OPR and visit today. It is AMAZING how beautiful and relaxing the setting is. As I toured the facility and realized what some of the primates had been through I was in awe at what a wonderful job the staff does to let each day be wonderful, healthy, and enriched.
The cleanest facility I have ever seen. And such an ingenious and extensive enrichment program for the resident primates. Its heart warming to see monkeys who were once broken so deeply in spirit, become so incredibly happy! when I die I wish to come back as a monkey and live at OPR!
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At OPR the well-being of our primates always comes first. We don't have any paid positions so that the donations we do receive from our caring public, can be used to provide higher quality of care to our residents. I want to thank all of our BOD members and faithful volunteers for going above and beyond the call of duty, and donating so much time helping us make this dream a reality for our furry friends. Together we ARE making a positive difference for these deserving creatures, and for your help I am eternally thankful!
Polly Schultz
Founder
Had the pleasure of visiting OPR on a class trip. Polly and her staff truly care for the well-being of these monkeys and give a sincere effort to enrich the lives of each individual at the sanctuary.
I am a student at Tacoma Community College, and visiting Polly and learning all about each and every one of the monkeys, and the extraordinary obstacles they have had to overcome to survive, was sincerely a life changing experience.
Thank you so much for teaching me, and the other students, about what a day at the OPR sanctuary is like.
I have worked at other monkey sanctuaries, and have to say that this is absolutely the best in terms of care provided, and wonderful facilities for them.
OPR makes sure they have healthy and nurtured monkeys.
Polly's dedication and commitment to giving these little primates the best lives they can have in unsurpassed.
Polly, Skip and volunteers work from dawn to dark 7 days a week!
This is the best place I have ever volunteered. Working with and observing Skip and Polly interacting and caring for these incredible animals is inspiring. You can see their enthusiasm to give the monkeys the best life possible in the care they put into the beautiful property and the time they spend cleaning the large indoor and outdoor enclosures. I love the large assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables that the monkeys are fed along with a wide variety of enrichment toys that the monkeys seem to really enjoy. Every time I am there I learn something new about the care, behavior, or personality of the macaques. I look forward to continuing to learn and being a part of this unbelievable organization.
I love this place what Polly is doing with these monkey is amazing she is an awesome woman and these monkeys need our help.
These people are doing some amazing things. The love and attention they give is wonderful. If you can please donate to help there cause.
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OPR is such a loving 'feel good' place, where many primates who have suffered at the hands of humans can learn to trust again, and can live out their lives in peace and with dignity. The sanctuary is a great success thanks to the love and support of our volunteers, donors and directors! We couldn't have done this without your love and continued support!
Review from Guidestar
Dedicated, compassionate, effective, efficient. This is the best nonprofit that I have ever encountered. I volunteered here about ten years ago. I was the only volunteer at the time. I was amazed with Polly's and Skip's dedication and compassion. Their entire home was designed for caring for the animals. At the time, Polly worked part-time out of the home in order to fund the Sanctuary. She spent the remainder of her time caring for the monkeys. They were unable to vacation or do other recreational activities, because they were so dedicated to caring for the monkeys. I've visited the Sanctuary, which is located in Washington now, and it has improved significantly. There are many more monkeys, more space for them, and more volunteers. Polly, Skip, and the volunteers have developed new and interesting ways to enrich the monkeys' lives. I am so proud of Polly and Skip for what they have built. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, and OPR is truly a model nonprofit.
The first time I pulled up to OPR I was blown away by how beautiful and well kept it was. Getting to know OPR personally, I was impressed more each day with the passion, care, and hard work that this organization shows for its animals. This is a beautiful organization that brings hope and happiness to primates and people alike. If I could rate OPR higher than a 5 star, I would!
OPR is an amazingly lovely place filled with amazing primates, both human and non-human. Such great care, such great enrichment for the monkeys, and such an incredibly clean facility! I have volunteered for OPR for 17 years and it just keeps getting better every year! Way to go everyone! Live long and prosper! Eric Byler
Normally, I think of the zoo or go to the library to learn about monkeys. To my surprise, our trip to the OPR Primate Sanctuary taught us more than we could learn from any other methods I can think of. Besides the nature and the friendly environment, I was really impressed about how much information was presented from the tour. It was the most interesting and enlightening show and tell type of experience we had. To this day, I can still remember vividly what those monkeys were all about. We came away with new knowledge and appreciation for the stories behind each and every monkey, the way they live, how they interact, and the team of volunteers who work tirelessly to take care of them. That is evidence of true humanity at work. My family and I really had a great experience that was unique and special, and I highly recommend it as a very nice stop for all ages on your trip along the Golden State Freeway.
If you like to read, check out the heartwarming book titled “Monkeys Don’t Wear Diapers” by Polly Schultz, the CEO of the sanctuary. In this modern day of busy schedules and computers, I don’t think I’ve picked up a book to read for the longest time. But when I got this book, I couldn’t put it down, and I finished it in one sitting.
And if you’d like to give, or donate to a worthwhile cause, OPR Primate Sanctuary is definitely a great organization that promotes not only the true well being of the animals they care for, but provides great opportunities for interns and veterinary students, and anyone who wants to learn about primates.
I started volunteering at OPR in April 2014 and I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have learned so much from Polly, Skip and all the monkeys during my time there. Even with the many sad stories that come with the rescued monkeys, OPR is a shining light of hope and happiness for every individual that comes into Polly and Skip's care. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about primate behavior, care and the logistics of running a sanctuary and every day spent there was special to me. My experience at OPR also allowed me to get a research position studying wild Macaques abroad, when I spend time with these wild monkeys I often think about the OPR residents and how I wish they had been born wild and free. A normal life in the wild will never be possible for them, but I am so thankful OPR exists for them to live out their days in as much peach and happiness as Polly and Skip could possibly provide. I can't wait to come home as see my original monkey crew!
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OPR is such a wonderful sanctuary! You could search the world 100 times over and still not find someone who could take better care for the resident monkeys than Polly and Skip. OPR is a special place where the monkeys can forget about their broken pasts and live happily ever after being pampered and loved. I've volunteered with many non-profits and OPR has by far been the most rewarding and fun. I clean a lot of monkey poo and it's still one of the highlights of my week.
I have been supporting OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary for the last 2 years and it has been a pleasure. The group I went with we got a full tour and from the first one I just totally feel in love with the Monkeys they help.
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OPR is a fun and educational place to visit for kids and adults. The environment is beautiful, and I think the monkeys are really lucky to be under such loving care of Skip and Polly.
For the umpteenth time, the man slid a bowl of green glop, sometimes gray, toward me. Then slammed the door closed. I’d long ago stopped asking - why? What crime did I commit? What jury found me guilty? The response was always the same: silence. My pleas for exercise went unanswered. My prayers for companionship were disregarded. The lack of exercise and healthy food made me listless. And sad. I spent my days with my fingers clinging to the cold, steel bars of a cell too small for me to stand up in. Still, I clung to hope. I had hope that I would someday feel warm sun on my face and cool rain dampening my nose. I had hope that the stagnant odor of urine and antiseptic would dissipate in fresh breezes, carrying my lingering fears with them. I spent my nights dreaming of a night sky in which the moon and stars gazed back on me. And longing for the caress of another’s cheek on mine.
Those were mine before OPR.
Today, I blink many times before I let myself believe that I am amongst the trees, the birds, and the butterflies.The glop has been replaced with ripe tomatoes and firm bananas, purple plums, and fresh broccoli, nuts and grains I didn’t even know to hope for. I am no longer listless; no longer sad. I am growing stronger; I exercise. And play and jump. Frolic even. I can see the moon and stars, the sun, and the sky. It is the warmth of the early morning sun that rises me, the crunch of fresh veggies in my teeth, and the feel of a friend nuzzling into my neck that reminds me…
There are still so many others, clinging to the bars of a cage like I had. But also to hope. Hope, not as a wishing thing, but as a the will to act with compassion such that Polly and Skip radiate. Hope only that such a place as OPR can give.
written by mmwroth on behalf of too many
I had the privilege of working with Polly and Skip on a few projects in the past. They love their monkeys, and are doing some amazing work!
I have known Polly and OPR since her founding days in the state of Oregon. Polly provides an amazing service, she goes above and beyond to offer high quality services to her primates. She always puts each animals needs first, keeping them healthy and in least restrictive environment as possible. I have seen several rescues but none that compare to OPR, she never cuts corners!. We were sorry to loose her services here in Oregon, but her facilities were a priority and her sacrifices have paid off she has made an amazing place. As a member of her last veterinary office we miss her and wish her well. Please join us and donate to OPR!
OPR is heaven on earth to the many former research monkeys that are now lucky enough to live out their days there. They enjoy clean safe housing with lots of stimulating and species appropriate environmental enrichment and healthy diets full of special and interesting treats. They are carefully pairs with buddies and get the best of veterinary care. These animals are very special
And they get the love, care and respect they deserve at OPR.
I got to go visit the sanctuary this summer 2014 and fell in love with everything there. These people really care about the monkeys. Its clean and safe for the monkeys. Pulling up to the sanctuary I never visioned a paradise but what I seen was very much what a paradise.
I have a strong background in primatology (degree in Primate Behavior and experience working as a caregiver to chimpanzees in sanctuary) and this sanctuary is a great place. The staff is friendly and the monkeys are happy! They have the primates' best interests at heart.
OPR is an outstanding and compassionate operation with extremely clean facilities and rooms loaded with things for the primates to play with and do, both indoors and outdoors. The enrichment program is unparalleled to most other sanctuaries and includes swimming, climbing, swinging and all kinds of mind stimulating toys. The food includes fresh fruits and vegetable daily as well as a well-balanced primate chow. They have their own building for vet work and are surrounded by beautiful Washington wooded scenery and property that hosts wild deer and horses.
I have been friends with the Schultz's for over 20 years and continue to be amazed by their passion and off the chart compassion for these animals that would have otherwise seen an end to what was often a terrible life at the hands of poor ownership or places where the animals were used for research. The facility is one of the cleanest I’ve seen and they often open up the place for tours for schools or the general public.
Skip and Polly Shultz deserve an enormous amount of gratitude and support for the love they have shown to these animals over the years and for how their sanctuary continues to grow.
Check out the OPC website. These people are working hard to provide a safe and secure environment for the primates.
Doing a wonderful job and really being the hands and feet that are needed for these primates to have the best quality of life possible.
OPR Coastal Primate Rescue is a special place that is constantly evolving. The core of the enterprise is the Board of Directors, especially our onsite Executive Directors Polly and Skip Schultz, who are dedicated to the welfare of the special friends in their care. With some generous donations from fellow primate enthusiasts the sanctuary has evolved from its humble beginnings as solely a rescue sanctuary, into the learning and teaching center it is today. From veterinary students at Oregon State and Washington State, as well as students at other universities across these Unites States, the sanctuary provides an opportunity for student-interns interested in primatology and or zoological medicine to gain valuable insight into primate behavior and handling. In OPR’s nearly twenty years of existence, the staff has developed valuable firsthand knowledge in dietary management, behavior, environmental enrichment and facility development that is being appreciated and recognized in the world of primates and primate medicine. All this is administered with love and compassion that most of these rescued friends did not receive before they came to the sanctuary. I am proud to have been asked to be affiliated with OPR at its inception.
If you are interested in more information about our mission and our facilities we invite you to visit our website. We welcome the opportunity to educate the public. Since we have no other source of income, our ability to provide ongoing care for these exceptional nonhuman primates is dependent on the continued financial support of interested patrons.
Sincerely,
Robert MacArthur DVM
Board of Directors, Veterinary Chief of Staff
Polly and Skip are so devoted to OPR that they have not had a vacation in more than 15 years. They spend every moment of their days carring for the primates. Some have special needs and have strict diets so specail food is prepared for them daily. Cages and enclosures are cleaned every day with the help of volunteers on somedays but when no help is available Polly and Skip do all the work. Skip retired a couple of years ago but he now has a full time job repairing enclosures or building new ones along with yard maintenance, and helping Poly clean cages and enclosures. It is never ending with these two. They have devoted their lives to these little guys and love each and every one of them unconditionaly. My daughter who was a volunteer introduced me to Polly and Skip a few years back and I to became a volunteer. After a few years I was made a board member and now help photpgraph and document the events at OPR. I feel blessed to be a part of OPR. As Polly says, where broken hearts are mended.
I heard of a sanctuary for monkeys from a friend who had read about it in the local paper. I visited the santuary and was immedately drawn to Polly and Skip and the passion they had caring for rescued monkeys. I started out helping with painting and putting up ledges in the cages. I watched with wonder as Polly told stories of the monkeys and what they had been through. I watched the love and care that she and Skip gave to the monkeys. After wanting to help in any way I could, I took over some filing and accounting work. I later was asked, and with great joy accepted, to be one of the Board of Directors. I see now even more than before the dedication, love, and passion that OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary through Polly and Skip give to monkeys that have been in research or homes that can no longer give the monkeys a home. Thank you Polly and Skip.
We have known Polly for many years. She is a strong advocate for all animals. Then she met Skip and he joined her in this adventure. Polly & Skip have dedicated their lives to these primates. OPR is a total passion for them. Their understanding of enrichment and animal handling & behavior is superior. Every primate in captivity should hope that they can retire in the fantastic environment that Skip and Polly have built and maintain. OPR is the best animal rescue venture that we have ever seen. AMAZING!!!
I found out about OPR through LAREF (an amazing resource / forum ). I met Polly through this forum and fell in love with her passion for primates - she was someone who understood me and my passions and we have never formally met, yet she welcomed me into her world with open arms just like she does the primates... I was inspired by what she has accomplished and the above and beyond care the primates receive! I hope someday to be a part of this amazing work.... I'll see you soon Polly! Keep up the good work...
Polly, Skip, and their dedicated volunteers, are nothing short of amazing. No monkey is too old, too young, too sick, or too behaviorally challenged for this group. They have worked miracles with more than one of their rescues, and I personally see several more once space permits. I have seen first hand the warmth and love provided to these many creatures... These amazing people rise before dawn and work until sunset each day to ensue each and every monkey receives personalized feed, care and enrichment. I can say, with certainty, that OPR has a definite long term future in the primate community. Thank you, Polly, Skip, and the rest of the OPR team, for all you do to give these amazing creatures the best life possible!!
Nicest people I have ever worked for! Always a welcome greeting for me whenever I get a chance to come over. Their enthusiasm is contagious so it never feels like work when I am over there.
These people are devoting their lives to this sanctuary. It is beautiful & the resident monkeys receive the best of care.
My husband and I are in full support of OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary. After our first donations, we were given the opportunity to visit the site and were absolutely blown away with the amount of care, compassion, education, and relationship building that happens here. Everything is in place for the physical and emotional betterment of the primates and it truly shows! We will definitely be lifelong contributors!
Polly and Skip are Angels from above! Their love, strength and dedication to all the monkeys are amazing! They have made their lives beautiful. I couldn't be more proud to call them friends!
awesome people doing great work they really care clean great care of the monkeys they treat them like family
What an amazing place with such a loving and caring staff. I was able to learn and experience things I knew so very little about until I toured this facility. I will definitely return!
I got the amazing opportunity to visit OPR over a year ago whilst enrolled in a primatology class at TCC. The experience left a lifelong impression on me, and the love and care these animals get from Polly and her volunteers is above and beyond the call of duty. God knows these precious creatures deserve it after the lives they have had to endure. I hope OPR will exist for many, many years to come, and that Polly and her staff remain blessed beyond measure for all that they do!
From the facility to the staff, OPR is a beautiful sanctuary. The passion I witnessed to care for these amazing creatures was inspiring. Counting the days to my next visit.
This plaplace is so amazing and inspirational! The impact OPR has on these beautiful souls' lives is outstanding! After visiting, the impact it had on me and many others is astounding!
I was pointed to OPR by my primatology professor in college and volunteered for 9 months there (until I moved out of the area). In all my experiences it has always been clean (a tough feat with monkeys)--even my professor, who is a primatologist, told me it's the cleanest he has ever seen. The monkeys have plenty of space to be active and play, extensive and varying enrichment, a healthy (in some cases personalized!) diet including fresh fruit/veggies and food made specifically for monkeys... Everything that I would expect in a great sanctuary and more. Polly and Skip put all their time and effort into making these monkeys' lives happy and healthy. The volunteers are briefed/tested on protocol so they will always be thorough with locking gates, knowing what/what not to leave in the enclosures, etc. And Polly/Skip work right there alongside the volunteers, which makes it an even more awesome experience. It's an amazing thing to see monkeys starting to thrive in such a great place after they've been in some bad ones. I have learned so much from volunteering at OPR and will never forget it.