A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) workshop in Tacoma, Washington. The focus of this year’s workshop was planning for the future of primates who are in sanctuaries now as well as for those who are still being used in laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade. For two days we had the opportunity to hear from NAPSA’s steering committee and other experts in the field, including Primate Rescue Center’s own co-founder, April Truitt. We discussed different ideas and perspectives regarding the care of captive primates such as best practices for retiring primates from laboratories, and the effects visitors can have on sanctuary residents. Each NAPSA member sanctuary is committed to giving the best life possible to the primates in their care, to ending the suffering of non-human primates through animal welfare laws, and educating the public about the important issues primates all over the world are facing. During this workshop we were able to come together as a group passionate about primates and learn from each other.
Speakers presented information on topics such as self-injurious behavior in captive primates, macaque handling, and compassion fatigue.
Each steering committee member gave an update on his or her sanctuary and answered questions from the workshop attendees.
PRC Assistant Executive Director – Eileen Dunnington, NAPSA Program Manager – Erika Fleury, and PRC Caregiver – Laura Clifford
Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch Caregiver – Rebecca Woodward, Chimp Haven Caregiver – Bre Bain, PRC Assistant Executive Director – Eileen Dunnington, PRC Caregiver – Laura Clifford
The last day of the workshop was a tour of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, in Cle Elum. We were able to see their beautiful facility and meet their seven amazing chimpanzees.
NAPSA members are committed to improving the lives of primates and being a voice for the voiceless. I am extremely proud that the Primate Rescue Center is among this group and I look forward to the progress that NAPSA member sanctuaries will continue to make for primates. To learn more about all the ways NAPSA is making #progress4primates, you can visit their website here. As always, for ways to help the monkeys and chimps in our care, please visit our website for information on how to donate or how to become a member or volunteer!