The Primate Rescue Center is pleased to host groups for an exclusive Enrichment Workshop, where participants create enrichment items that become part of the daily lives of the chimpanzee and monkey residents. Guided by an experienced member of our team, you’ll create simple, hands-on enrichment projects using preselected materials while learning about primates rescued from a variety of captive situations. Every project has been thoughtfully selected by our staff based on the needs and interests of the primates who will receive it, making this a unique opportunity to combine creativity, compassion and education while contributing to the well-being of the animals in our care.

What to Expect

• Begin your visit with a guided walking tour of the sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the Primate Rescue Center’s history, observe some of the chimpanzee and monkey residents, hear their stories and gain insight to the complex issues surrounding the exotic pet trade, entertainment industry and biomedical research. 
• Following the tour, you’ll gather in our outdoor workshop area, where an experienced member of our team will guide your group through the creation of enrichment projects selected by our staff. No special skills are needed. Using preselected materials, you’ll create enrichment that will become part of our planned enrichment rotation while observing the primates from a safe distance, where curious chimpanzees often take an interest in watching the activity happening nearby.
• Wrap up your visit by browsing our pop-up gift shop, featuring unique primate-themed gifts and sanctuary merchandise.
• Workshops are offered in the morning (9:30am – 12:00pm) or afternoon (2:00pm – 4:30pm), depending on availability. Workshops may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Program Requirements

• Group size must be between 5 and 20 participants.
• Participants must be at least 12 years old. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 12 are not permitted to participate. No exceptions. Total group size, including accompanying parents or guardians, may not exceed 20 people.
• Each group must designate a Group Manager, who will serve as the primary contact for coordinating the workshop with sanctuary staff.
• All application documents must be submitted by the Group Manager at least two months prior to the requested workshop date. Application materials can be mailed to the sanctuary or emailed to Melanie Parker, Volunteer Program Coordinator at melaniep@primaterescue.org.
• A $350 donation is required for each workshop. Your donation helps cover enrichment materials, staff support and the ongoing care of the primates who will benefit from the enrichment your group creates. The donation must be received at least two weeks before your scheduled workshop. Donations may be made through our website or by mailing a check to the sanctuary. You will be sent information about how to make this donation once the workshop is scheduled. 
• Groups are encouraged to carpool whenever possible, as parking at the sanctuary is limited.
• All participants are expected to follow Primate Rescue Center safety policies and instructions and should be respectful of all sanctuary staff, volunteers, interns and animal residents.
• Because the safety of both people and primates is our highest priority, inappropriate behavior or failure to follow sanctuary rules or staff instructions by any member of the group may result in the entire group being asked to leave the sanctuary.

How to Apply

• The Group Manager should begin by submitting the application request form below. Our Volunteer Program Coordinator will contact you within 5 to 7 days after receiving your application request.
• Once the Group Manager receives the application packet, they must complete the following items and mail to the sanctuary or email to melaniep@primaterescue.org at least 2 months prior to the requested workshop date:
  • Completed Group Application
  • Photo or scanned copy of the Group Manager’s driver’s license
• We require that each group member sign a signature page to agree to our Rules and Safety Policies for Volunteer Groups and our Waiver and Release of Liability for Activities at the Primate Rescue Center.
• These signature pages for each group member can be mailed to the sanctuary, scanned and emailed to melaniep@primaterescue.org or brought with you to the workshop.