Event Information Page
We’re thrilled to welcome PRC Members to the sanctuary on Saturday, June 13 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm! Below you’ll find details about PRC Membership and Event Information. Reach out to us at events@primaterescue.org if you have any questions. We’re happy to help!
Membership
The PRC’s Annual Member Event is an exclusive opportunity for PRC Members to visit the sanctuary and witness firsthand the high-quality care that we provide the primates, made possible by their donations! To become a member and receive your invitation, click the button below to be directed to our donation page. Not sure if you’re already a member*? Reach out to us at events@primaterescue.org and we’ll check your donation history and get back to you. Invitations are usually mailed to members in May.
*Current members are those who have made a member-level donation since June 8, 2025.
Plan Your Visit
Parking for the event will be at 2515 BETHEL RD., Nicholasville, KY 40356. Take Bethel Rd/Hwy 1268 off of US 27 south. Our parking area is on the left about 3 miles down Bethel Road. Parking will be in a grassy field and parking attendants will be there to guide you to your parking spot. Please let a parking attendant know if you need special assistance.
Once you have parked, make your way to the Event Registration area where you should bring the Event Pass you received via mail. Don’t worry if you happen to forget your pass – we’ll be able to look you up in our system.
The Event Pass you received will indicate your membership level and how many individuals may visit the sanctuary using your pass. Children 5 years old and under are free. Any additional visitors beyond your membership level will be an additional $20 donation per person 18 and older, or an additional $10 donation per person 6-17 years old.
Event Passes are transferrable! If you are unable to attend the event, feel free to give your event pass to a friend or family member!
Bus transportation to and from the sanctuary will begin at 12:00pm. The last bus down to the sanctuary will leave the registration area at 4:30pm. The sanctuary will close at 5:00pm for all guests. A wheelchair accessible bus will be available.
The event is held rain or shine! This is a fully outdoor event. There are shaded areas on the sanctuary grounds. You can bring umbrellas if needed. Bring your hats and sunscreen.
No pets or service animals are allowed on sanctuary grounds. This is for the safety of the primates, as well as for the safety of your beloved animal.
Portable restrooms are available at both the sanctuary and the parking/registration area locations.
Cash, check and credit cards are accepted for all purchases or donations during the event.
Event Attractions
Tour the Sanctuary – a self-guided, peaceful experience available anytime between 12:00pm and 5:00pm. The line to get into the event at Registration may be longer between 12:00pm – 2:00pm, however we strive to get you to the sanctuary as quickly as possible. For a shorter wait time, you may wish to come after 2:00pm
PRC Gift Shop – located near the Registration area. Support the chimps and monkeys by purchasing some PRC logo items – T-shirts, tote bags, water bottles, mugs and much more! The Gift Shop will be open from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. You can also Become a Primate Pal and help support a primate’s care for one year. Your sponsorship will help provide food, enrichment, and medical care for your Pal. You will also receive seasonal updates about what your Pal is up to at the sanctuary.
Caregiver Talks – learn more about the sanctuary residents and the work of our caregivers. See the event timetable for times and locations.
Kids Area – located at the sanctuary. Bring the kids by for face painting, a treasure box, and a coloring/activity booklet – and it’s all free! Adults are welcome to join the fun!
Raffle Tickets – located at the sanctuary. One ticket for only $5, or buy in bulk to increase your chances of winning a great prize -12 tickets for $50, or 25 tickets for $100. The Grand Prize is a $1,000 Delta Airlines gift card! Each prize has a corresponding ticket collection box where you can choose which prize you would like to add your ticket(s) for a chance to win. We will draw winning tickets after the event live on our Facebook page Sunday, June 14 at 11:00am EST and post that video of the drawing on our social media page. Winners will be contacted via phone to arrange for prize delivery.
Silent Auction – located at the sanctuary. Place your bid on many unique items from around the community, including original chimpanzee artwork! Bidding closes at 4:30pm. You do not have to be present to win. Winners will be contacted via phone to arrange for payment and prize delivery.
Concession Stand – located at the sanctuary. Serving snacks, snow cones, water, and lemonade.
Event Timetable
First bus down to the sanctuary – 12:00pm
Caregiver Talk at the Chimp Outdoor Enclosure – 1:00pm
Caregiver Talk at the Monkey Houses – 2:00pm
Caregiver Talk at the Chimp Outdoor Enclosure – 3:00pm
Silent Auction Closes – 4:30pm
Last Bus to the Sanctuary – 4:30pm
Last Bus Departing the Sanctuary – 5:00pm
Safety Reminders
Temporary barriers will be in place at the sanctuary to maintain safe distances from the primate enclosures. Some primates are more sensitive to new faces, so we have taken measures to give them more privacy. Not all sanctuary residents will be available to view during your time at the sanctuary; however, please do not hesitate to ask about any of the primates. We have a highly-trained and dedicated caregiving staff who provide individualized care to each of our residents. We love to answer questions and talk about the remarkable recovery stories of the apes and monkeys living at the PRC!
For the safety of our PRC Members and the sanctuary residents, DO NOT cross any barriers for ANY reason. If you need assistance, just ask a PRC staff member or volunteer.
We ask that you be respectful of the primates – this is their home.
- Do not yell or make loud noises at the primates.
- Do not attempt to feed, touch, or throw anything to any primate.
- Do not reach towards any primate enclosure.
- Do not climb on any structures.
Keep children close by when viewing any primate areas.
Do not try to pet or chase the peafowl—but they do love to have their photos taken!
Please dispose of your trash or recyclables in the containers provided.
No smoking, tobacco use, or vaping allowed on sanctuary grounds.
We look forward to seeing you soon at the Primate Rescue Center!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Annual Member Event?
Individuals who have made a membership gift since June 8, 2025 are invited to attend. The number of guests included depends on your membership level and is listed on your invitation.
I haven't received my invitation. What should I do?
Please contact us as soon as possible. You can call us at 859-858-4866 or email us at events@primaterescue.org. We will be happy to verify your membership and help ensure you have the information you need to attend.
Can I still become a member and attend?
Yes. New memberships are still eligible to receive an invitation before the event up to the day of the event. The sooner you join, the more time we have to process and mail your invitation. If there is not time to mail your invitation, you can still attend and have your membership status verified at registration.
Can I bring additional guests?
Additional guests beyond the “Admits” number listed on your invitation can be added at registration. Additional guests 18+ are $20. Kids between the ages of 6-17 are $10. Kids under 5 years old are admitted free.
If I am unable to attend, can I give my invitation to someone else?
Yes! Event invitations are transferable. Your guests can fill out the back of the invitation with their details and present it at registration for entry.
Do I need to RSVP?
No RSVP is required.
Where do I go when I arrive?
All guests should report to the registration location next to the parking location listed on their invitation to check-in before boarding the shuttle. There will be signage and volunteers to help direct you.
Can I drive directly to the sanctuary?
No. For the safety and privacy of the primates, staff and guests, all visitors must use the provided shuttle transportation.
What time should I arrive?
The event is open from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. You are welcome to arrive any time during the event. Lines for registration and shuttle may be longest during the 1:00pm to 2:00pm hours.
How long is the shuttle ride?
The shuttle ride is brief, typically only a few minutes.
Will there be parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at the registration location. Volunteers will help guide you to your parking spot.
What will I see at the event?
Guests can explore designated sanctuary areas, learn about the primates and their care, meet caregivers, visit educational stations, shop the gift shop (located near registration), participate in raffle and silent auction, enjoy concessions and more.
Will I be able to interact directly with the primates?
No. For the safety and well-being of both our primate residents and humans, there is never any direct physical contact between humans and primate residents.
Will all of the primates be visible?
Not necessarily. The primates choose where they spend their time and may be indoors, outdoors, napping or simply out of view during your visit. Some of the primates are particularly wary of visitors and are in locations that offer them more privacy.
Can I take photos?
Yes. Photography for personal use is welcome.
Will food be available?
Snow cones, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase during the event.
Will the event take place if it rains?
Yes. The event is held rain or shine. We recommend checking the forecast and dressing appropriately for the weather.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. The event is completely outdoors on concrete, grass, and gravel with some uneven terrain.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Much of the sanctuary can be accessed by wheelchair, though some areas contain gravel, grass and uneven surfaces. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can assist.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets and service animals are not permitted at the event for the safety of those pets.
Why is the sanctuary only open to members this one day?
The sanctuary is not open to the public. Our Annual Member Event is a special opportunity to connect with supporters while maintaining a safe and low-stress environment for the primates.
How can I support the sanctuary if I can't attend?
Membership, monthly giving, Primate Pal sponsorships, donations, wish list purchases and sharing our mission with others all help provide lifelong care for the chimpanzees and monkeys who call the sanctuary home.