My Nonprofit Reviews
bev k
Review for Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary Inc, Gainesville, FL, USA
Every day I can volunteer at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is an incredible one, so I continue to be there as much as possible! It has been especially rewarding watching the newest monkeys gaining confidence in their new home, and making new monkey friends. It's amazing to me how the staff knows individual monkeys likes and dislikes--as food or monkey neighbors or even sleeping preferences (place, blankets or not, cuddled with another monkey or not)!
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to take in more monkeys in need.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary Inc, Gainesville, FL, USA
After retiring from 45 + years in healthcare, I had the fortune to land in Gainesville and find Jungle Friends. The intent of volunteering a few hours once a week quickly changed to much more and now--almost three years later-- my volunteering is more like a rewarding second career. Sometimes duties are in the office and sometimes it is outside in the monkey yard. Every day something new is learned--about the monkeys, their behavior, care and approaches or even about approaches with a phone caller unwisely determined to acquire a pet monkey, or listening to an anguished " owner" who has recognized the "pet" is a wild animal who deserves a different life.
There is no question that the monkeys and their safety, physical and psychological well-being is the first priority and consideration for any action or decision. Staff and interns are expected to recognize the monkeys by name and to know their typical eating and behavior patterns. This is essential so changes which may indicate a problem in a monkey are recognized and handled early. Diets are individualized for those with special needs--the diabetic, toothless, and elderly. Staff know the different dietary favorites which are used for additional treats. The habitats provide an environment where the monkeys can be as close to the natural as possible. The habitats have been built around trees where possible with additional plants being added for enrichment. Ropes, shade cloth hammocks, recycled child swings, and ladders and mats from old fire hose provide more places for climbing, swinging, and sunning. New monkeys quickly learn to get fresh water on demand for drinking and splashing. Monkey rain (misters) provide cool showers on hot days. With a unique runway system, monkeys are safely moved to other habitats--to change their scenery, neighbors, and to provide a stimulating new place for foraging, playing or napping. There are several monkeys with special needs who have had their habitats adapted so they can continue to be with monkey neighbors, and still climb, swing, and travel about safely. Indoor and outdoor habitats are cleaned on a regular basis. Yes, monkeys are messy, so raking and cleaning is done daily, and "deep cleaning" top to bottom is done on a scheduled routine for inside and outside. If you volunteer and progress to being able to help with cleaning indoors, you will learn the "Sanctuary Shuffle"--the final step in floor cleaning! With the outdoors you will learn that scrubbing the bark of a tree is a required part of getting the monkeys' home ready for them again!
It doesn't take long at all to recognize that all donations--time, supplies, recycled play stuff, or money goes directly to help the monkeys. These monkeys have been taken from their natural life in the jungle, or have been bred to be used in the pet trade or in labs. It wasn't their fault or their choice. The ones who have found a way to Jungle Friends have at least found a place where they will be cared for in a safe place for the rest of their lives. I will continue to support Jungle Friends in all ways I can and encourage others to visit the web site (www.junglefriends.org) to meet some of these special non-human (and even some human!) primates!
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Win the lottery to provide a steady flow of income and the ability to enlarge and bring in more monkeys needing a life long sanctuary home.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
