The Primate Rescue Center is a great nonprofit because they fulfill their mission wholeheartedly and effectively relying on private funding. A small staff of skilled and caring individuals work diligently with volunteer assistants. As a donor and volunteer, I know that the PRC is making a significant difference in the world and I committed to supporting them for the long term.
I am so happy to have been a part of this amazing sanctuary for the last 18 years! The animal care program is incredible - the caregivers work so hard to provide individualized, lifetime care that is always putting the primates health and happiness first.
The Primate Rescue Center and the hardworking people that work and volunteer there have had a special place in my heart for the last 7 years. I have gotten the opportunity to see first hand how well the primates needs are met at the PRC, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and socially as well. Every aspect of care is considered in the day-to-day routine, and the primates benefit from this individualized care immensely.
This sanctuary changes the lives of all the primates who come there. The staff are very mission focused and take individualized care of all their animals. This beautiful KY valley provides a great place for healing and recovery.
I have been working with the Primate Rescue center for over 20 years and have loved being a part of this important mission and all the beautiful lives who find peace in the incredible atmosphere created by the hard working and dedicated staff and volunteers.
Great place incredible experience with incredible people people I would recommend it to anyone so impressed by the place in the people
We have been donating for several years now. The care that is given to the primates is simply amazing. They are well cared for and loved immensely. Thankful that we can support such a wonderful rescue center.
We have been supporters of the PRC for several years now. These people really have a servants heart for these often abused and mistreated primates.
Such a great place! Love seeing what things people are doing for these animals. Very inspiring.
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This is a truly special and dedicated group of people doing important work. Their public outreach and advocacy are matched only by their unparalleled care of the beloved primates in the sanctuary. This is a very worthwhile cause and an excellent group.
We love going to the Member Event each year! It's the perfect time to take donations of food & toys for the primates, and it's also a wonderful experience every year. The event is very thoughtful, with demonstrations of food preparation and a discussion about how food is obtained, and we get to see all of the primates without going close enough to alarm them. It's just wonderful to see where our donations are going to work and see the precious primates that are benefitting. The drawings are really fun, too.
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The Primate Rescue Center is a professionally run primate center dedicated to the well being and life long care of its residents. The director and staff do a fabulous job caring for all of the chimpanzees and monkeys at the center.
I love learning about the primates at the PRC through their social media pages, as well as during their annual member events! I am also an off-site volunteer, and it's really awesome that I get to make enrichment and cool stuff for the primates to play with. The primate houses always look so fun, with lots of climbing structures, toys and blankets. This sanctuary really gives the primates a happy and enriching life!
I have volunteered for many of the annual Member Events, as well as throughout the year, doing video and photography for the sanctuary. Such an amazing organization! The primates receive excellent care and they have such an amazing team of caregivers and volunteers providing for them every day. This is truly a beautiful place for the primates to live!
I have been so impressed by the Primate Rescue Center. It is obvious that the leadership team and the caretaking team are passionate about caring for their primate residents. I love the opportunities to stay connected with the PRC and I love seeing how the PRC makes such a positive impact on the primates they are able to take in and take care of. This is a great organization and an awesome mission.
The Primate Rescue Center is a wonderful sanctuary in the heart of Kentucky. This organization really strives to give the residents there the most safe and enriching life they can experience after coming from less-ideal backgrounds. All the staff members at PRC have a true passion for primates and their care.
The Primate Rescue Center is small but mighty! The staff and volunteers work non-stop daily to ensure the primates have what they need and deserve. I support them as much as I can - they are extremely efficient and resourceful with their donated funds. I am proud to be a small part of helping these amazing primates have a sanctuary home.
This organization is one of our favorites! We are members and love being able to attend the Member Events - there are always so many great auction items! Keep up the good work!
The Primate Rescue Center is a wonderful place. Their mission is so important, and the staff is amazing. They help monkeys and chimpanzees who need a safe and nurturing sanctuary home. These primates live for many decades and your donations help provide lifelong care administered by professionals.
This organization is a beacon of hope for primates in need. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Primate Rescue Center for nearly 2 decades. It is not only a sanctuary filled with compassion, dedication, and determination, but also a warm and welcoming place for those humans who want to make a difference in animals' lives.
The decision to support a nonprofit organization (NPO) sometimes requires a disconcerting leap of faith. Will my financial contribution be utilized efficiently in support of the organization’s mission? Does the team consist of conscientious, capable individuals? Is the conduct of leadership consistently aligned with the organizations core values? And, finally, is the governance emotionally intelligent, dependable, and prudent? Happily, these crucial elements of a successful NPO are in present in abundance at Primate Rescue Center (PRC).
Not since my years as a physician-trainee at Johns Hopkins Hospital have I been a part of an organization where enthusiasm, ingenuity, and attention to detail are so completely engrained in the culture. It is an inspiration and a privilege to work alongside these clever and resourceful people who naturally radiate their passion for PRC’s mission. Eileen Dallaire provides calm, consistent, and thoughtful leadership to the half-dozen devoted Caregivers on staff. Volunteers (like me) are vetted and trained by Melanie Parker and the Caregivers to assure a safe, meaningful experience for those who contribute their time and talents to this worthy cause.
In short, the team at PRC has earned my very highest respect and admiration. Whether providing “hands-on” volunteer service or through financial contribution, I always feel a sense of emotional fulfillment and personal satisfaction that my gifts are maximized in the pursuit of a necessary and laudable goal.
The Primate Rescue Center is a wonderful sanctuary with an amazing team of people providing excellent care to all of the monkeys and apes who live there. I have donated to the sanctuary and visited during their annual on-site events for many years, and I know that my donations are helping to give a second chance at life to the primates whom the sanctuary has rescued. Thank you for all you do for primates, PRC!
PRC does a lot for the primates that they take and care for! These primates are unable to return to the wild due to their previous circumstances and the center allows for them to live out their lives free from public view and the ability for them to be the animals they are.
Excellent organization! I had the opportunity to visit over the summer for the annual Member Day and it was an amazing experience to see how well cared for the chimps and monkeys are. I love PRC and its residents!
The staff and volunteers at the PRC are amazing and dedicated to the animals 100%! They show up everyday and give so much of themselves to make sure the primates have the life they deserve. The animal are given the best, individualized care in a very peaceful environment where they can enjoy their lives.
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The Primate Rescue Center provides EXCELLENT care of the chimpanzees and monkeys in their care. I was able to visit the center on their annual member day this summer and was absolutely delighted to see the animals and their facilities. Being able to visit the sanctuary I support financially was amazing, the chimps seem to be some comfortable and enjoy their surroundings and group members.
As a volunteer I see first hand the excellent care and dedication of the caregivers and staff to the chimps and monkeys that live at the Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Seven days a week, 365 days a year they provide everything these wonderful animals need in a safe and secure environment. There are also several volunteers that are equally dedicated to provided assistance in so many ways. The rescued residents come from some awful situations and can now live out their lives with companions, great play areas and living quarters that provide indoor and outdoor spaces. My wife and I began donating to the PRC a few years ago and were able to visit on the member visitation day. We later became a primate pal to a new resident, Nikki, so we could provide financial support for her. Next for me was as an on-site volunteer for a month since I lived in Virginia at the time. That's all it took for me to know that I wanted to continue to be part of this amazing place. I now live in Kentucky so I can be a volunteer every week. Its that special. I hope you will take a look at The Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville.
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We have been donating to the Primate Rescue Center in Kentucky for several years. We had the opportunity to visit the center a couple of years ago and were completely thrilled to see the primates and witness the great work that is done by the staff and volunteers. It was very clear to see that the health, safety and care provided here in first rate. We will continue to provide support to this wonderful facility and hope you will consider doing the same.
My wife and I have been supporters of PRC for over 20 years and currently have 5 “Pals” that we sponsor. It has been our experience that the love and care they provide for the primates can not be equaled. It is sad to think where many of these primates would be without PRC! Highly recommended!
This place is truly a labor of love. The caretakers love their jobs of taking care and giving the primates a wonderful life. I enjoy the updates on my primate pals and the other primates.
I have volunteered on site with The Primate Rescue Center for 2 years. I have had the opportunity to observe the staff at work during all kinds of conditions and pressures - it's raining, it's snowing, it's 100 degrees, it's so cold your fingers don't work, supply deliveries are late, supply deliveries don't come at all, the fans break down, the AC won't work, the tractor breaks down, the van won't start, staff members are ill, volunteers don't keep their schedules - and through it all the PRC core staff keep going. Not only do they keep going, they continue to diligently address the individual needs and preferences of the primates. Meals are lovingly prepared and individualized. Enrichment is crafted and dispensed with sensitivity to each primate's skills. Parties are planned. Birthdays are observed. Losses are deeply felt. And, though the staff is frantically busy from the moment they set foot on the sanctuary grounds until the moment they leave at the end of the day, they take time to recycle, compost and repurpose everything they use on site. A true commitment to a future for all of us.
My name is Michael Bliss, a recent intern at the Primate Rescue Center. For the Summer months of June, July, and August, I was immersed in the experience of a lifetime. I lived on property for the duration of my time there, staying in the apartment, of which came with a couple of great perks! The greatest aspect of this apartment comes in the form of a viewing area, sporting a large, and thankfully, shatter resistant window, where one can peer into the Chimp Playroom - This is one of the main locations where the chimps eat and socialize. Being able to observe intricate behaviors such as feeding styles, grooming patterns, social cognition, and hierarchal order allowed me to further my knowledge and appreciation of these incredible apes. Being able to walk the property at night, checking in with the other monkeys and goats (and I cannot forget the loud and brightly colored peacocks and the six offspring they reared), on property was the other great perk, where everything seemed still and silent except for the calls and vocalization of the primates. These were really special moments for me, a place to connect with beings so similar to us.
For the keepers, volunteers, other interns, and management of the sanctuary, I have nothing but great words and the utmost appreciation. They were encouraging, educational, patient, and especially hard working, making me feel right at home. I learned more than I thought possible in a three month period of both primates in general, and of myself. For those who have never been on the property for member day, it is truly a spectacular place. I highly encourage everyone to learn about primates, for this knowledge can teach you a great deal about yourself and the natural world - And above all, because they are special animals that deserve our support, both in captivity and in the wild. There is no greater place that exemplifies these values, support, and compassion for primates, and animals in general, than the Primate Rescue Center.
The Primate Rescue Center goes above and beyond to provide the best care to the monkeys and primates in their sanctuary. I love that they focus on the well being of the animals and attempt to give them creative options for play and finding food. Since most of their residences have suffered a life of trauma, I appreciate the fact they don’t allow the public to tour causing more stress on these creatures. The PRC staff does a wonderful job in providing supporters with pictures, videos, and stories to keep us informed of how everyone is doing.
I discovered Primate Rescue Center in 2019 and started donating to them after checking out their reviews. I felt safe that most of my donation money was going directly to the primate's care. I've spoken to Eileen many times when I donate and I feel well informed and I feel sure the primates are safe, happy and healthy. Their surroundings look green, clean and beautiful. Even through these trying, covid months, they carried on, kept up, and got the job done. I love being a Primate Pal and recommend donating to them in any capacity you're able to.
The Primate Rescue Center is one of the finest rescue centers around. They truly care about their animals and it shows! . It is so rewarding to see the different chimpanzees, macaques and others playing, preening and happy.
Primate Rescue Center offers a safe environment for abused and forgotten primates. The animals are clean, healthy, and comfortable. It is a remarkable place. Abigail Keam
My family and I have been attending the annual Primate Rescue Center (PRC) member/supporter event for many years. Luke's story moved us so much this year (he's the one that at the request by his previous owners had a Vet pull all of his teeth) that we became his Primate Pal. I love this program because it truly is a way to support one of the primates that we love and to keep in touch during the year. Thank you PRC for all you do for these special animals. Much love, the Strup family
PRC does a phenomenal job in meeting its mission. As a sponsor who has toured the center and seen the individualized care provided to the primates, I was really impressed. The Primate Pals program is a terrific way to support the organization by adopting a resident. Five stars!
I volunteered at this organization and they do such an amazing job with these animals. Everyone cares deeply about the animals and provides the best care. They also provide great opportunities for people to learn about the animals whether it’s their background or their daily behaviors. Such a wonderful place to be a part of.
I worked as a short-term intern during the summer of 2021 and I LOVED it here. The care and love that the staff members have for the primates is shown in everything they do. They want to make the property a great place for these primates to live out the rest of their lives. All of the workers and volunteers were kind and welcoming to anyone that wanted to help these primates.
The Primate Rescue Center has been one of the best kept secrets in Kentucky for years. It is a safe haven for primates from around the country. The staff at PRC work tirelessly to provide a healthy and peaceful life for every single primate. I have been blown away the past four months as a volunteer by the compassion and knowledge of the staff working every day with these incredible creatures. Thank you PRC!
We have been supporters since 1996 and can think of no more worthwhile nonprofit to support. We are also part of the “primate pals” program which enabled us to “adopt” and help support a specific primate. This has give us the opportunity to develop a connection that would have otherwise not be possible. We highly recommend PRC!
I have been a donor for many years and the work that the employees and volunteers do at this sanctuary is beyond awesome! I've been to many of the Open Houses and the grounds, the animals, the whole operation is so well managed, the grounds are kept so clean and neat and the welfare of the animals is the absolute top priority! I just wish more people knew about this place, so that they could see what an impact they are making on the animal's lives! So thankful that we have them right here in our own backyard!
I volunteered for PRC full time for a summer in 2012 and was so impressed. Since then I have continued to keep PRC at the top of my donation list. I LOVE that PRC prioritizes the health and well being of their primates over all else. This truly is a place of peaceful sanctuary, not a place for people to come visit.
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The PRC is a fantastic organization. It's clear that the welfare of the primates in their care is always their top priority, and receiving bthe updates they send about those primates is something our daughter always looks forward to.
The Primate Rescue Center (PRC) is a wonderful organization devoted to the care of approximately 50 primates at their facility in Kentucky. The PRC works diligently to make the public aware of the perils associated with the breeding and selling of primates around the world. The PRC has opened our eyes to the inhumane treatment that primates are often subjected to when they are kept as pets, used as research animals, or housed in wild animal facilities without proper stimulation or habitats. My wife and I have enjoyed being a PRC Primate Pal for Maggie, a Crested Black Macaque. The PRC does a great job of keeping us up to date on Maggie’s well-being. We have been extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the PRC communicates with its supporters. My wife and I highly recommend that other people concerned with the well-being of animals consider supporting the outstanding efforts of the PRC.
I love what the primate rescue center does for rescued primates! After working a volunteer event I knew I wanted to sponsor a primate and continue to make a difference on a monthly basis! I receive updates each month from the rescue center regarding the primate I have sponsored and even enjoy purchasing toys and other gifts for my primate each Christmas. The primate rescue center has made a huge difference in the lives of each and every primate they have rescued and cared for!
My daughter has volunteered at PRC in the past. The love and level of care they provide is just heartwarming. Great staff. Great facility, Great organization.
I am a Primate Pal for the lovely chimpanzee Martina, and have sponsored Zulu, another chimpanzee, as a gift for a friend. I have found PRC to be incredibly well-run and very good at reaching out to supporters. The time I visited, I saw a tidy and competently run facility adhering to high standards. I love all of the enrichment activities for the primates. I really love it when they put out a call to Primate Pals for things like peanut butter! It's easy to go to the store, and fun to think about the primates eating the peanut butter you send them. Or playing with toys, or whatever it is you want to donate. The organization's commitment to the top sanctuary protocols and standards is exemplary. I am proud of these folks, and so happy to be affiliated with them.
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I learned of Primate Rescue Center several years ago when, as a journalist, I interviewed the director for a radio story. I was so taken with the commitment and professionalism of the place. Always, the primates come first. They are not handled by humans, except as necessary for their health. In other words, they are allowed to be as wild as they can be, within safe bounds. To think that we have this amazing sanctuary here in a rural part of Kentucky makes me very proud. No longer a journalist, I now support the center as much as I can.
I worked with a colony of monkeys and was limited on how much I could do outside of policy with them since they were on a facility. I wanted to do more so I found this sanctuary and became a primate pal of Rodney and it brings me so much joy to get newsletters and pictures of my chimp. They have even contacted me when I had to switch my checking account info and we chatted about how he was doing. They are so personal and care so much about these animals. They are doing great work and really make those animals priority!
Primate Rescue Center is an amazing organization run by truly wonderful, amazing people who genuinely care about their primate residents. They are the real deal when it comes to compassion, empathy, dedication, and integrity. The animals always come first, and they are all so deeply loved and cared for. I’ve had the privilege of working with and visiting the center a few times, and I hold Eileen and the entire crew in the absolute highest of regards!
The Primate Rescue Center is truly an inspirational nonprofit. They work tirelessly to provide the primates in their care with the safe haven they deserve. The animals wellbeing is the top priority, and 100% of all donations go towards their care. I had the opportunity to intern and volunteer at the PRC, and experience first hand the incredible cause that they serve. The PRC changed my life, and they change the life of each primate resident for the better. After the hardships these animals have been through, the PRC is a necessary forever home dedicated to their health and happiness.
I have volunteered at the Primate Rescue Center for over 8 years. I am so proud of the outstanding sanctuary they have created for the chimps and monkeys. They steadfastly adhere to their mission statement and their commitment to providing the best possible life in captivity for these primates. PRC is a model of “quality of care” in the areas of nutrition, vet care, enrichment, staff training, cleanliness, enclosures and their love for these marvelous beings. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to put the needs of the primates first, because this is their home.
I have volunteered for this organization, and I am so glad I did! They do incredible work supporting our primate friends. The director is tireless in her efforts to create better lives for the monkeys and chimps that have been rescued. The staff are incredible -- hard workers with positive attitudes. And of course, it is great fun being around the non-human primates. I would recommend this organization to anyone who is considering volunteering.
Never in my life have I met a team that is all so driven to do one thing so meaningful and selfless. The amount of time, energy, love and care that comes from the amazing caregivers that volunteer their time there is inspiring. It’s what makes me so proud to be on a team so filled with kindness. They do all they can to give these beautiful animals the absolute best life they can. It truthfully inspires me everytime I come around.
This is a wonderful place for primates to be taken care of for the rest of their lives. All of the primates are rescue animals from different backgrounds that need a safe and secure place to live. They cannot be released into the wild, because they have spent their lives behind bars or in small dwellings that humans created.
This rescue center is awesome, and they really take great care of all of the primates. The staff are wonderful, too.
This is one of my favorite non-profits, and the help they provide for primates are just absolutely incredible! They house a huge variety of primate species, and not only provide the right housing, but make sure all of their needs are met individually. These primates have been through torture that none of us coukd even begin to fathom. This place helps them and gives them a place to go, as they are not able to survive in the wild, through no fault of their own. They also focus on education of not only how they got there, but education about each different species and why we as people should care. I would rate it a hundred stars if I could!
A superbly managed and professional organization with the utmost respect for the animals. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and promote the welfare and well being of the animals served.
I ❤️ Primate Rescue Center! I love supporting such an amazing organization! I look forward to the annual member event! I enjoy seeing every primate thriving in an absolute wonderful setting. The staff and volunteers are top notch!
I donate every chance I get. These primates are a wonderful source of enjoyment for people who love them. PLEASE DONATE to keep these great sites going!!
I have witnessed firsthand the wonderful work that the Private Rescue Center is doing to save and care for these beautiful primates. They are dedicated to making their lives better. It was inspiring to see how much they love the primates.
The Primate Rescue Center is such a special non profit organization. My husband was first introduced to them approximately 20 years ago. He was invited to their one time a year open house and took me with him. It is an amazing place, all the volunteers and workers are so caring to all the primates. From learning how they feed, house and care for them was just heartwarming. All areas are clean and conducive to the betterment of the primates living. It is fascinating to watch how they play and interact with each other in this safe environment. These animals deserve a safe and, as natural as can be, place to live out the rest of their lives. Thanks to the Miller's and the staff who have the heart to continue and maintain the Primate Center.
The Primate Rescue Center is an incredible sanctuary that cares so deeply about all of the primates (human and non-human) that walk through the door.
I interned at PRC back in 2015. It is the best ran sanctuary I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. The staff cares so deeply and purely for each primate they care for. It was a dream to be a part of their mission, and I will for years and years to come.
PRC does wonderful work helping primates from all across the country. It’s so important for these animals to have a safe and enriching environment to live their lives. They receive wonderful care and are truly loved.
The PRC is an amazing place that provides a home, and a second chance for primates who have been rescued from labs and/or the pet trade. They provide top notch care, and give these primates wonderful lives.
Giving Support to these beautiful animals in any way I can is my favorite thing to do. The amount of love their caretakers give them is extordinary and it’s so obvious each one of them loves doing it.
I love the care and attention they give their primates. It means a lot to see that level of attention.
Love this place!! Every worker and volunteer is so passionate about giving the primates the life they deserve!
After working in biomedical research with primates and seeing how these beautiful creatures lives were affected, I am forever grateful for the Primate Rescue Center. I can sleep better now knowing that some of them made it to a safe haven. I see photos of chimpanzees playing in kiddy pools and having birthday parties. These animals sacrificed so much and deserve this care.
Thank you Primate Rescue Center.
Lesley
I've started volunteering with the PRC and the work they do is amazing! They are a very well-run facility and the primates are very well taken care of.
The PRC welcomed me in and let me feel like a part of the team caring for these beautiful primates. Their level of care resembles high quality zoos I've been involved with in the past. They certainly deserve recognition in their efforts in rescuing sick, abused, or neglected primates.
The Primate Rescue Center is an incredible sanctuary for chimpanzees, a variety of monkeys and even goats and donkeys. The staff is small but extremely dedicated and provide excellent care to all the animals who are lucky enough to call the PRC home. They do a wonderful job providing daily enrichment, fresh browse and healthy nutritious meals. As a former volunteer I have seen their dedication first hand and can not speak highly enough about the Primate Rescue Center. I truly appreciate the care they provide for the animals.
The Primate Rescue Center is an incredible organization doing amazing work for primates. It's a home for animals who needed a second chance after an unfortunate start in life, but now they receive an exceptionally high level of care from dedicated professionals committed to seeing the end of the primate pet trade, lab testing, and use of primates in entertainment. They are making a difference.
The Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, KY exemplifies what it means to truly care for animals. The caregiving staff have shown that the health, safety and quality of life of the residents is of the upmost importance. The PRC also has a wonderful internship program for college students that educates the next generation about how to care for rescued animals appropriately.
I'm currently an intern for the PRC and have had the privilege to work alongside the care staff for the past 3 months. They do everything in their power to make sure that all of the residents are happy and healthy, and are always finding new ways to better the quality of life for each of the primates. I am so thankful that the primates who came from such difficult backgrounds get to live out the rest of their lives in such a beautiful and positive environment.
I volunteer weekly at the Primate Rescue Center and from my very first day on-site for orientation I could see how well the animals are loved and cared for. The staff is so passionate about their work. So many of the primates came from bad situations but every caregiver, volunteer and intern works so hard to provide the residents with a safe, happy and stable environment that they can truly call home. I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the animals at the sanctuary and participating in making them meals and fun enrichment. It feels so good to be able to contribute to such a wonderful cause in such a personal way.
I've been involved with the PRC since 2009 when I started volunteering there. It's a peaceful sanctuary space that is home to many monkeys, several chimpanzees, a dog, goats, and peacocks. The small staff works tirelessly with the help of volunteers and interns not just to provide meals and basic care for the animals but to really make their lives wonderful. I have observed how much thought is put into enrichment and how the staff cater to each resident's needs and preferences. We all hope that one day sanctuaries like the PRC will no longer be needed, but until we humans get our acts together and learn that monkeys and chimps are not pets and have no place in laboratories, I'm grateful that the PRC exists as the best possible place for animals to live out their lives.
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I was so lucky to volunteer at the Primate Rescue Center in 2009 and 2010 while living in Cincinnati, Ohio. This place is so great that I used to drive two hours and change each way just to spend time there! The caretakers are very committed, and I've seen just how far they can stretch their resources to make sure the monkeys and chimps in their care have all that they need. It's an expensive undertaking to run a center like this, and yet we need more of them across the country. Everyone is firmly committed to educating the public about the fact that monkeys and chimps do not make good pets. That education - and that understanding - are the only ways in which we are ever going to stop the trade in wild animals. For anyone who seeks to understand one of the reasons why a place like Primate Rescue exists, I highly recommend reading _Animal Underworld_ by Alan Green. I live in New England now, but I look forward to visiting the PRC again soon. It's a place that leaves its mark on all who are lucky to be a part of it.
This place gives hope to all primate lovers. What a wonderful little paradise on the middle of nowhere that provides such great care to their residents. Everyone involved has so much passion and love for the animals and run this nonprofit facility with perfection.
I have been a volunteer for the Primate Rescue Center for 4 years. It is superbly run . You can tell by how happy the primates are, how joyful the staff and volunteers are and how peaceful and restorative the environment is. Every aspect meets the most stringent definition of the word SANCTUARY. Every donation no matter how small or large ,time, cash, or item is greatly appreciated and always needed and used. There couldn't be a more honorable non profit.
I've been a long-time supporter of the PRC and the work they do, but my recent experience as an on-site volunteer has brought it all so much closer. Getting breakfast ready for the chimps and watching them dig into it is something I look forward to each week. The staff is amazing and treats me like family. I hope to stay involved for many years to come!
The Primate Rescue Center is one of the best nonprofit organizations that I have had the pleasure of working with. The care staff, board of directors and other volunteers are very passionate about creating the best environment for the primates onsite. I was truly blown away by their level of dedication to the primates.
I have volunteered with the Primate Rescue Center for several years, both on-site and off, and I can't say enough about the great facilities and the care the primates get. I adore the primates and the staff are hands down some of my favorite beings on the planet. The work they are doing here is important and amazing and I'm proud to support them.
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I have volunteered with the Primate Rescue Center for several years, both on-site and off, and I can't say enough about the great facilities and the care the primates get. The primates and staff are hands down some of my favorite beings on the planet. The work they are doing here is important and amazing and I'm proud to support them.
I have been a volunteer here for a number of years. Faithful devotion to the wellbeing of the residents is evident the moment you see the sanctuary. The staff is a group of professional, caring and dedicated people who truly create a safe haven and home for for these primates. I am proud to be a volunteer.
I was introduced to the PRC in June of 2015 when I was accepted for a spot in their summer internship program. I applied for the internship to fulfill a co-op credit that I needed for my undergrad degree in Animal Studies. However, from the start I knew that my experience at the PRC would mean much more to me than a college credit. Not only did the workers fully involve me, along with the other interns, in all of the daily routines--including feeding, cleaning, enrichment and other activities that sporadically came about--they really welcomed and encouraged me.
Of course, working with the primates was the best part of it all. With 11 chimpanzees and nearly 50 smaller apes and monkeys on the facility, it was amazing to observe how each resident differed. Having never worked in a facility with exotic animals before, I was completely fascinated. I mostly became familiar with the chimpanzees because they are housed close to where the interns work. During my time there, I observed many primate behaviors such as grooming and hooting, and I also learned about the dominance pattern within the group. Seeing these behaviors first-hand definitely sparked an interest in primates within me, and I plan to continue researching them.
My experience at the PRC benefited me in so many ways. Obviously, I got some first-hand experience with primates and learned a lot about them. I also, in turn, learned a lot about myself and what I would like to do with my career after college. When I tell people that I am an animal studies major, their first response is usually, "Really...what jobs can you get with that?" The workers at the PRC made me feel like there is hope for my degree, and reassured me that there are jobs out there for people who have an interest in animals. My internship at the PRC reassured my desire to work at a rehabilitation facility for exotic animals after I graduate. I wouldn't trade my time at the PRC for anything, and I'm so glad that such a wonderful non-profit exists so close to home.
THIS IS A GREAT AND IMPORTANT CHARITY TO SUPPORT, THE RESCUED CHIMPANZEE HAVE COME FROM LABS WHERE THEY HAVE SPENT YEARS BEING ABUSED FOR MANKINDS BENEFIT, PRIMATE RESCUE CENTER LOOK AFTER THESE CHIMPS AND HELP THEM TO HAVE A MORE HAPPIER LIFE. I GET REGULAR UPDATES AND LOTS OF IMFORMATION ON THE CHIMPS, DAY TO DAY LIVING, BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS.
Great work at taking care of some beautiful creatures. I always enjoy the yearly supporter visitation day, too.
Ten years ago, I lived and volunteered at the PRC for almost two months. I saw firsthand how well the primates there are treated. Cages are regularly cleaned, chow is always supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables and enrichment is always provided. Moreover, great care is taken to ensure the safety not only of the primates but of their human caretakers as well. I have been a supporter of the PRC ever since because I know my charitable donations are being well spent!
The PRC is one of the best nonprofit organization I've ever seen. They are VERY dedicated to the well-being and happiness of their rescued residents. They utilize their funds for the primates not high salaries. They keep employees down to a bare minimum and use volunteers extensively. The founders even add their own funds as needed to care for the primates. They are perpetual advocates for the well-being & ethical treatment of all primates. Enough words cannot be said about this organization!!!
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I Do A Lot Of Volunteering For A Lot Of Organizations. I Have Never Encountered An Executive Staff Before That Eats, Lives & Breathes Their Organization (And The Support Of Others That do Similar Work) Like ThIs One Does. Total Dedication Is An Understatement! They Are Even Mindful Of Human Impact On Their Residents So Much That They Only Open Their Doors Once A Year For A Private, Invitation-Only Fundraiser In Order To minimalize Stress On Their Primates. This Facility, Like No Other That I Have Ever Encountered (Human Or Animal Oriented), Puts The Health, Comfort, Well-Being And Happiness Of Souls Under Their Care Above All Else. April Is Sooooo Dedicated That She Even Networks With Other Primate Facilities To Find Homes For Abused Or Neglected Primates Across The Nation. She Is An Advocate For Primates 24/7/365. She Is Dedicated Not Only To The Animals ThemSelves But To The Education Of The Public That Primates Are Not Domesticated Pets In An Effort To Prevent Future Need For Rescue. This Facility Is Ever Mindful Of The Safety Of Their PrIMates And Staff. Preservation Of Quality Of Life Is A Definite Priority Here. I Can't Say Enough About The Quality Of This Facility!!!
I have had the opportunity to visit the PRC on members day. It is a well taken care of community of primates. All the staff is knowledgeable and very caring. The primates and monkeys are happy and care free. It is obvious that they are well cared for and respected. The various housing for them are neat and clean. April and her staff are top notch!
The Primate Rescue Center is a star - they know what they're doing and they do it well. The staff has heart, compassion and the smarts to give rescued primates the very best possible sanctuary life. They change the lives of so many deserving animals. It's a beautiful thing.
This sanctuary is a leader due to its' history of making real change in the animal advocacy world. I am honored to be affiliated with the Primate Rescue Center, and I hope to be working with them for many more years to come.
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This organization is one of the best out there. Everything they do is for the benefit of their primate residents. It is heartwarming to see these animals, who have often been through much trauma, live out the rest of their lives in peace, comfort, and while getting the physical and mental stimulation they need. I also admire how the PRC remains involved and active in helping to change the legal and cultural issues that cause sanctuaries to be needed in the first place. The PRC is a prime example of a true animal advocacy organization.
Outstanding non-profit for which I proudly volunteer. There is a shared kindred spirit and devotion to the daily care of animals that desperately needed rescued and desperately needed a home. This organization is also eager to educate the community so everyone can make a difference in primate lives.
When I retired from another nonprofit, the Primate Rescue Center was where I chose to volunteer. I have been volunteering now for almost 2 years, once a week. This center is a wonderful place to be ! The folks at the Center have their priorities in order with the care of the primates being the number one duty of everyone, staff and volunteer. They are very caring with the volunteers as well as the animals, training volunteers for all duties needed. I have always had a love for primates and have learned so much from observing them! I feel fortunate to have this opportunity right in my back yard !
The Primate Rescue Center is a wonderful place. I have been volunteering there once a week for
almost eight years. The care staff there are exceptional. The Primates get the best of care. It is a beautiful place for the Primates to live the rest of their life out. I have learned so much from volunteering there. The care staff has so much passion for helping the primates. I truly love everything about the PRC and feel I am so fortunate to be a part of it. Thanks so much to the PRC for giving the Primates a good and happy life. Its sad to think of where they would be if not for the PRC.
My experience at the PRC as a summer intern was unforgettable. Not only did I expand my knowledge of husbandry care activities, but I was also able to get creative and learn how to enrich the animals in new and exciting ways. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I received this summer to work with not only great animals but a wonderful staff as well! The caregivers and volunteers assisted me in the personal growth that I have experienced this summer. I loved learning how to properly interact with apes versus monkeys as these skills will surely be of use in my future. The PRC residents receive the utmost care from the staff and are surrounded by a stimulating environment. I am sincerely glad to say that I interned at the PRC this summer as it is a truly wonderful place! :)
The PRC is truly a one-of-a-kind place. I feel very fortunate to have spent the summer here as an intern. The care for the animals is above and beyond exceptional, and the staff and volunteers are all extremely kind and welcoming. For me, not only did I feel like I was helping out animals in need, but also I learned a great deal as well. I got to see first hand the interactions of many chimpanzees with one another in a group dynamic, as well as dominance and display behaviors, lip smacking in monkeys, and even a routine vasectomy performed (by a veterinarian) on one of the newest members. Overall I consider my time there a blessing, and would rate the Rescue Center and its members as a top-notch organization.
By far one of the best opportunities to volunteer I have ever experienced. Participating in such a noble pursuit of work had profound impacts on my life. I cannot thank the staff enough for their dedication, willingness to share their knowledge and their commitment to the welfare of the animals they serve.
What a wonderful sanctuary! The love and dedication of all who work and volunteer there is apparent- the chimpanzees and monkeys all have beautiful habitats with tons of enrichment, good nutrition, and all look happy and healthy. Love PRC!
My son and his friends were all about playing with stuffed monkeys. But the stuffed ones were no comparison with the real, living, beautiful primates that two of them were able to see during the center's open house. The work the PROC does to save these "babies" is overwhelming, heartwarming, and priceless.
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I was fortunate enough to be able to visit this primate sanctuary during the recent NAPSA workshop and was absolutely blown away. The habitats for the monkeys and chimpanzees were so clean and FULL of enrichment items. The staff truly loves and cares for all the primates there and it was evident. I feel so lucky to have been able to see such a beautiful place, but the faces on the monkeys and chimps were the best- happy, confident, and loved. A big thank you to Primate Rescue Center for stepping in and helping these unwanted exotic pets and used biomedical subjects and to be a place of healing and hope.
I learned of this organization after voting in a chimp art contest. Although I'm involved in a number of animal rescue/rights charities (ASPCA, HSUS, etc), this was my first exposure to a sanctuary that focused on Primates. The literature that I've received has been enlightening and I'm looking forward to learning more about the Primate Rescue Center and improving the welfare of Primates in general.
I participated in a chimp art contest to vote which one is the most artistic. All of the chimps were rescues and in various locations. The most amazing work is being done by these primate rescue centers by taking in these poor animals who have suffered horribly due to inhumane testing in labs. It breaks my heart to think these intelligent and talented chimps endured such pain and probable isolation. The fact that some where taken from their natural habitats or born in the labs and subjected to this testing their entire lives is a crime. Bless these people who are caring for these magnificant animals who have suffered way too long. It is probably a hard adjustment for them and with patience and love they can finally live out their lives in freedom.
This is a wonderful charity that helps poor chimps that spent there entire life being
Prodded and poked in labs
I've only recently been introduced to this site, but am impressed with the work and dedication demonstrated by the individuals who are doing a very noble job. Anyone who renders aid, comfort, and love to innocent creatures who are helpless, defenseless, and powerless in the face of humans, and is willing to do what it takes to rescue these animals and give them the wonderful, happy life they deserve is worthy of any and all help that can be given. Please keep up the great work, and know that your efforts are recognized and appreciated.
This charity is the light at the end of tunnel and for most of these emotional creatures it is a dark tunnel.
Until animals are freed from the oppression of laboratories, this is a step in establishing what these animals need and shouldn't ever experience. rather than being disgarded criminally as clinical waste these animals are given a second chance, from whatever their background maybe. This is a worthy and indeed needed charity and I commend the emotional intelligence behind it, Thank-you from me and the wonderful primates that you have saved.
What an amazing place! I hate to imagine what would happen to monkeys in need in our region if the Primate Rescue Center was not in existence. 100% of donations are used for the care of the monkeys and chimpanzees, it is nice to know that the funds are being put to such a great cause. You can give with confidence!
I had the privilege to visit the primate center this year and was thoroughly impressed. I love how in the best interest of the animals, they do not allow regular visits to the center, but instead work to allow the animals to have the most natural experience possible. Also, they are creative in finding toys that the primates will enjoy and use that as a way for people to contribute to the center.
The Primate Rescue in Nicholasville, KY is a wonderful place for God's creatures that need a home. My daughter worked there for a long time before her death. She absolutely adored working there! They are so good to the animals! I have many pictures and videos of her enjoying her work! I wouldn't take anything for them! This place is Heaven on earth for our chimps and monkeys, etc. Thank you, Primate Rescue Center for being you....with your zeal and love for the animals happy life there. I'll love you forever!
I so respect this organization and their work. It's so important to spread the word that primates should not be made pets or used in experiments or entertainment. I'm glad the Primate Rescue Center gives these animals a healthy, peaceful home.
The Primate Rescue Center is an important and wonderful organization. Its mission is to alleviate the suffering of primates wherever it occurs. The Center currently provides lifetime care for 11 chimpanzees and over 40 monkeys who have found a safe haven there. In addition, the PRC collaborates with a nationwide network of primate sanctuaries to rescue and relocate animals in need. I've visited the facilities at several Open House opportunities and was extremely impressed by the facilities, the grounds, the obvious good health of the animals, and the affinity the animals had for PRC staff.
Primate Rescue Center does wonderful work by alleviating the suffering of primates purchased as pets and those housed in horrific conditions around the globe. We've known April and Clay Miller for years (when Gizmo was new to the family). Anything the Miller's do, they do 110%.
Having been supporters of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) for a number of years, it was a simple choice to navigate to, and support, a facility that's in our own local community.
This month we attended the Members Only Spring Gala and were able to see first hand how our and the support of others helps the center and it's residents.
To April, Clay, and all the volunteers, keep up the great work!
I was a summer Primate Husbandy intern at the PRC in 2010. I spent that summer working with the PRC staff and getting to be a part of their daily efforts to provide a loving, fulfilling home to these rescued primates. The reality for primates in America right now is that we need more places like the PRC for them to go in peace in a respectful loving environment where they are encouraged to live their days socially and happily. I am thankful that we have places like the PRC to set the standard and give fellow sanctuaries something to strive for.
The Primate Rescue Center Is a wonderful place. Primates rescued from all over the US wind up here. Most have a story. Each are treated with dignity. The enclosures are made to exacting standards, to maximize the comfort, enjoyment, and safety of the residence. The food is balanced to meet the residence's dietary needs. The center also tries to educate the general public about the different residence, and why it is not a good idea to try to make pets out of these creatures. As a child, my Grandmother rescued an abused Chimpanzee named Tammy. She had issues caused by the abuse. Back then, there were no Primate rescue facilities close by. The only offers to take her were research labs, to us, that was not an option. My mother , who knew about the true nature of Chimpanzees, allowed This chimp to finish out her days in an area that was safe both for her, and humans. It was not an easy task, to keep her well fed, and her enclosure clean. It took a lot of hard work. When she passed away many years later, it was a sad time for us all. I have seen first hand how the Primate center operates it's facility. The enclosures are clean, no easy task to be sure. the different residence run the gambit when it comes to Primates. The personel do a great job researching the needs of individuals in their care. Someday, i hope they raise the necessary funds to have a full fledged visitors center for educational purposes. This Center is vital to the rescue and rehabilitaion of these animals. It provides a vital service. The Staff work long hours with little compensation. They have dedicated themselves to the well being of their many charges.
I have had both employed and volunteer working experience at the Primate Rescue Center over the past 5 years and I gave absolutely nothing negative to say. I am never surprised when I visit the center year after year for the Open House in May in terms of the friendliness of the staff and most importantly, the care that is given to the residents at the PRC. Each animal is extremely well cared for and given the enrichment he or she deserves. Many of the residents came from horrid living situations before joining the PRC crew and while it is impossible to reserve the damage done to them in their past, it is obvious that the primates know they have a bright future at the PRC. I know without a doubt that the staff at the PRC takes into consideration EVERY detail necessary to maintain such an upstanding and recognized facility and I'm certain that will remain the truth for many, many years to come! Thanks for all you do!
The dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Primate Rescue Center is truly inspiring. The primates who are fortunate enough to reside in this sanctuary receive the best possible enrichment, diet, veterinary care. The animals, most of whom have been abused or neglected in the past , are able to live out the remainder of their lives in a nurturing and comfortable environment.
The dedication to the animals and the commitment to their well being is amazing. My grandson has spent time on the compound and has returned with a renewed love of these primates, that is due to love and care given to the primates by the staff. Jo Anne
As a management consultant with experience and expertise with non-profit organizations, I have been extremely impressed with all aspects of the Primate Rescue Center. A facility and organization of this size requires sound operational practices ranging from care and feeding, maintainance, financial management, project management, fundraising and staff/volunteer management. The operations and leadership at the Primate Rescue Center are top notch and highly efficient. What's more impressive still is how these strong practices are just the starting point for the dedication and commitment shown by April Truitt and her staff to the animals in there care and the advocacy of animal rights across the world.
Our company helps in every way to keep safety to the staff and animals. I have witnessed over the years is the worker, Eileen, Melanie, and Nikki pour their heart and soul into each animal. They know and understand the hardship they have been through. It is a very amazing place. Each primate has a story, it is truly a miracle to watch how they act when they first come to Primate Center and a year later. They are much better.
Primate Rescue Center is unlike any place else. The commitment and dedication to these animals is amazing, and the staff does it on a shoestring budget.
The Primate Rescue Center is an amazing place. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to the philosophy that the center was built on which includes their mission statement of caring and providing sanctuary for rescued primates. This also includes working to educate the public about the laws to end the pet trade in the US and abroad. My experience as a volunteer has taught me a great deal and I am appreciative to be able to be a part of this agency.
This is a 365 days 24 hours a day organization that provides quality care to unwanted primates. The enclosures are stimulating and the highest quality. The primates would have no hope without the day in and day out work of the dedicated staff.
i did not know much about primates. actually i am probably tupical of the general public. i visited the Primate Rescue Center on line 2 years ago and was captivated by primate pictures. i think the staff not only does an incredible job of taking care of the ptimates but also of educating people like me. i understand and care so much more about primates now.
Great place for all primates. It's a wonderful place where abused and neglected primates go when they have nothing else. I especially like that it isn't open to the public. It isn't about people comming to see cute chimps and other primates, but a place where they can be themselves.
I had the honor of meeting April Truitt, founder and director of Primate Rescue Center when she contacted me about providing sanctuary for 5 chimpanzees she was instrumental in rescuing. I reluctantly agreed to meet her at a facility where they were being temporarily housed. Although, emotionally wrapped up in their heartbreaking story - I did not feel I had the experience or facility to house these very, very strong animals. I said to her, it only makes sense that since you were the one to give them their freedom from the terrible conditions in which you found them - that YOU should take them. Long story short, she did just that and did a bang up job with their care. I went to visit the facility after the chimps were settled into Primate Rescue Center and I was blown away by the professional housing and the equally professional staff and volunteers dedicated to the care of these and other primates. Ms Truitt also does her part in trying to stem the flow of the exotic pet trade - as if she doesn't have enough to do with the center. Kudos to all she does for our furry relatives. Cindy Carroccio, founder - Austin Zoo and Sanctuary
The Primate Rescue Center is run with precision and care. I have seen animals arrive on death's doorstep, then fill out and flourish at PRC, enjoying life as a monkey (or chimp, or gibbon, or baboon) like they had never been able to experience previously. The caretakers are chosen with care by the owner. Attention to health (mental as well as physical) of the animals is a priority. The animals are fed with proper diets according to their species, they are offered enrichment activities regularly, and the grounds are kept clean and organized. Volunteers there pour their soul into helping out. As someone who went on to study veterinary medicine and environmental policy, I learned a great deal in my time as a volunteer/worker there.
Ten years ago I began volunteering at the Primate Rescue Center (PRC) while attending college in Lexington, KY. As a volunteer I cleaned enclosures, chopped fruits and vegetable and made toys for the dozens of monkeys and 11 chimpanzees calling the PRC home. Although the animals at the PRC come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common -- though in the past they have suffered much at the hands of humans, they now lead happy and healthy lives thanks to the dedicated people at the PRC.
Not only has the PRC had such a positive effect on the lives of countless animals, it has also had a huge impact on the people who are fortunate enough to spend time there. My favorite part of volunteering was watching the animals, and my fascination with their behavior quickly turned to a career. I earned a PhD in psychology and my area of research is primate cognition -- how monkeys and apes think and learn. As an expert in primate behavior I can truly say that the care the animals receive at the primate rescue center is second to none.
Donald is a 200 pound chimpanzee that loves pineapple, leeks and frozen yogurt treats. Despite the fact that he is the alpha male of his group he is kind, soft spoken and rules with a gentle hand. He is all this in spite of his horrible past as a household pet kept for years in what became a concrete prison of isolation in Georgia with 3 other chimps who were rescued and now romp happily together at the Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville Kentucky. Along with the caregivers and the other volunteers like myself I help care for the 11 chimpanzees and 40 monkeys here at the PRC. Being a volunteer at the Primate Rescue Center has become a huge part of who I am. Here at this 30 acre sanctuary these monkeys and apes who have been victims of laboratories and private pet owners have found second chances at happy lives. As a volunteer I am an example to my two children that one person can make a difference in the world and as a teacher I encourage my students through my actions to become active, responsible members of their communities. Through my example I can help foster empathy for my animal friends in which we all share the earth. Since I began volunteering at the Primate Rescue Center I feel I have become part of the solution and joined in a network of thousands of people working to make the world safer and more humane for living creatures. And in my opinion you'll never find a more grateful comrade than an animal. Especially someone like my good friend Donald!
I started working at the Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, Ky., in March 2010. I work every Saturday, from 9 a.m., until we finish for the day, usually after 5 p.m. The center was founded by a Nicholasville couple back in 1987 as a rescue site for primates who were living in research and entertainment conditions, or for families who purchased the animals when they were young and quickly discovered they were not appropriate as pets. Today, the center is home to over 40 monkeys, 11 chimpanzees, a baboon and a Siamang Gibbon, plus a pygmy goat, a burrow, many peacocks, and Tigger, the dog. As a volunteer, I am not permitted to have any physical contact with the animals, but I am able to enjoy interacting with them from a safe distance. My tasks when there include chopping fruits and vegetables for the primates, making their daily meal, cleaning animal enclosures, seasonal gardening and grounds work, and sorting donated produce from local grocery stores. The PRC employs four full-time caretakers who work directly with the primates. The PRC is not open to the public in order to maintain the sanctuary for the residents. The monkeys are adorable, and fun to watch, but my favorites are the 11 adult chimps, with whom I play hide and seek, run “races” along the outdoor enclosure fencing, and just enjoy watching play together in their beautiful, peaceful Kentucky home.
My comany offers its service at deep discounts for this awesome non-profit. When we come out to wash, we enjoy the atmosphere. The Monkeys are treated like family and in a comfortable place. The staff/volunteers seem to enjoy thier roles. This is a TRUE non-profit. The cause is just and noble.
The Primate Rescue Center is an incredible sanctuary that truly lives up to its name "primate rescue". It houses 11 chimpanzees that were rescued from deplorable conditions and over 40 monkeys that were either former pets or lab animals. The PRC has offered these animals a place to live out their final years in comfort receiving the very best of care from a dedicated and highly skilled staff. I can not speak highly enough about the PRC and all that April and her staff have done to not only help primates in their care but to also educate the public about the perils of keeping primates as pets. I feel that it is such a wonderful place that I have driven nearly 200 miles round-trip to volunteer there on a monthly basis for the last 7 years.
The Influence of the PRC: I began volunteering at the PRC in the Spring of 2008 while I was completing my Psychology B.A. at the University of Kentucky. My research focus (at the university) was on animal behavior and cognition and I was working with a comparative psychologist at the university. Through my professor and others I learned about the PRC and was immediately interested in becoming involved. During the Spring I received school credit as an intern at the PRC and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. With my current interest in animal behavior and cognition I was struggling between what species I wanted to focus on for my future graduate studies- dogs or chimpanzees. After only a couple of weeks, my mind was set on working with and caring for chimpanzees and other primates. Before my time at the PRC all I knew about chimpanzees and other primates was what I had studied in books regarding their cognitive abilities and behavior. Now I had these wonderful beings standing in front of me and I could truly see all of what I had studied and imagined take place right before my eyes. While this previous knowledge grew and expanded I also became aware of the issues that seemed to be brushed over, if not ignored all together, in my college classes. I learned about the existence of the inhumane treatment of primates in zoos and traveling circuses, the unnecessary situations of primates as pets, and I became aware and educated about the bushmeat trade. I realized that a lot of these tragic situations typically occur due to ignorance of the species at hand and I became inspired to promote awareness for the safety of these animals. I spent 7 months at the PRC before moving for graduate school. My time there involved the necessary cleaning of enclosures, preparing food and enrichment activities, and I was even permitted to carry out some observation time focusing on chimpanzee social behavior. In that time I feel that my love for animals and science were molded in a way that would not have formed had I been deprived of this experience. Now I am a doctorate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette studying chimpanzees with the Cognitive Evolution Group. When I have completed my degree I hope to take my knowledge of chimpanzees’ cognition and behavior to a sanctuary, or possibly a zoo, to ensure the well being of these amazing animals in captivity, while standing against the breeding of captive primates. I have dedicated my time and life to not just studying chimpanzees for the benefit of humans, but studying chimpanzees in order to better understand them so that we can ensure a better life for those forced to live in captivity. I have been inspired to make a difference for these animals. I do currently work with chimpanzees in an environment that I do not support and this is an issue that I have raised with my professor. I still am confident that my studies during my graduate career will facilitate an understanding of these animals and set the stage for additional innovative enrichment techniques to be implemented for captive primates. The PRC has made me aware of how many captive primates need people who know how to care for them properly and it is because of all of the amazing nonhuman primates and people at the PRC that my goals are what they are today. I am looking forward to another internship at this facility during the Summer of 2010.
I am a professor of philosophy who teaches courses in bioethics, including animal ethics. My daughter first discovered the PRC in 2000 while doing research in her first year of college. She was so impressed with the clean and inviting atmosphere for the animals and the efficient, vigilant staff, that she began to volunteer and worked there during summers. She is now a PhD in comparative psychology whose research has been featured in the New York Times, but she often says that she learned animal care and so much more from working at the PRC with April Truitt and her team. Largely because glowing reports of my daughter and discussions with April, I enthusiastically agreed to become a Board Member in 2002 and have enjoyed working in this capacity ever since. I have learned so much about primates by helping the PRC thrive; I've written better and taught better thanks to open discussions with April and the staff as well as engagement in the complex issues of running a sanctuary. As an academic, I come with all the prejudices most of us have, including a wary attitude toward people who claim to know a lot about animals. April has made herself an expert who can to toe-to-to with anybody in the primate community. To take just one example, she helped craft Kentucky's state-of-the-art exotic animal law. I've not often seen the rhetorical dash and cold logic that she displayed when arguing before the state legislature. I'll end by saying how grateful I have been to the PRC for the opportunity to work with such a strong organization. It gets 5 stars from me!
As a member of the carestaff of a large NIH funded primate facility, I was accustumed to probably the strictest criteria of any of the primate centers in the United States. While always passing above and beyond the best of any primate facilities, this also meant constant and beyond normal pressure to attain a passing grade at all USDA,OHSA,IACUC, etc. inspections. At times this severe scrutinity overwhelmed the staff, and left little time to properly interact with the animals in their care. While the obvious is the lack of interaction with the animals, it took an even larger strain on the caregiverers. This constant pressure, turned many a caregiver with great promise and potential away to a more compassionate setting. The Primate Rescue Ceneter of Kentucky is just such a place. It is most difficult to strike at least a neutral cord between these two most importantant goals. PRC seems to leave these statistics behind, and excells above and beyond. PRC is the model we as primatologists and animal lovers should strive for. It is, in my humble opinion, PRC is one of the very best in their field. For some reason, animal groups (of which I have almost thirty years as an animal professional) seem to compete with each other, rather than work together. I have not experienced this with KPRC, nor do I expect too. PRC is the future standard all primate centers should be judged by. I look forward to that day. Sincerely, Carly Selchow-Burr