Founded in 2014 by a passionate couple determined to rescue marmosets, the Exotic Primate Sanctuary has evolved into a thriving haven for various smaller exotic primate species that are non-releasable. Initially focused on marmosets, the sanctuary rapidly expanded as the need for a safe haven for misunderstood primates became evident. Today, the sanctuary stands as a beacon of ethical care, providing a lifelong refuge for every primate that crosses its path.
The sanctuary takes a strong stand against the exotic pet trade, refusing to engage in breeding, selling, or trading primates to sustain operations. Instead, it is deeply committed to educating and assisting primate owners, advocating against the purchase of primates as pets. With all necessary permits and regulations in place, the sanctuary works closely with local government authorities to ensure that the primates' wellbeing remains the top priority.
Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to become home to over 230 rescued, abused, neglected, and rehomed exotic primates. These include Bushbabies (Galagos), Sugar Gliders (actually a type of possum), Tufted Capuchins, Weeper Capuchins, Golden Tufted Capuchins, Cotton Top Tamarins, Golden Hand Tamarins, White and Black Tufted Marmosets, Squirrel Monkeys, and most recently, a very rare endangered Lion-tailed macaque.
To accommodate its diverse residents, the sanctuary features 92 enclosures and cages, including 44 large enclosures, 8 hospital cages, and 40 temporary cages for newly rescued arrivals. As the sanctuary continues to grow, so does its impact—providing a vital lifeline for exotic primates in need.
Volunteer duties
At the Exotic Primate Sanctuary, your volunteer experience will be hands-on and rewarding, with guided duties that may include:
Food Preparation and Feeding:
- Prepare specialised meals, including monkey food and porridge.
- Serve fresh food and water to the primates during morning feedings.
- Monitor the primates during feeding to ensure their health and spot any signs of illness.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Clean enclosures every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with most enclosures offering safe separation areas, even for the large capuchins.
- Regularly inspect and repair enclosures as needed.
- Keep the kitchen, office, and ICU area clean.
- Maintain the garden and contribute to general upkeep on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Build new enclosures for incoming rescues and perform maintenance on existing ones.
Enrichment and Stimulation:
- Get creative on Tuesdays and Thursdays by designing and placing enrichment activities in the enclosures to keep the primates mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Health and Veterinary Care:
- Assist with the introduction of newly rescued primates.
- Provide care for sick primates during vet visits.
- Help administer medication as needed.
- Approved volunteers may assist in the ICU with primates requiring special care.
- Accompany staff on veterinary visits to a specialist veterinarian at a private practice for advanced treatment or surgery, if required.
General Assistance:
- Help with grocery shopping for the primates food.
- Participate in market day activities twice a month.
- Wash, dry, and fold blankets for the primates.
This diverse set of responsibilities ensures that your time at the sanctuary will be dynamic, impactful, and full of opportunities to connect with these incredible animals.
Veterinary students and veterinarians will have the unique opportunity to work alongside the sanctuary's appointed exotic veterinarian at their private practise, actively participating in the treatment and care of the animals they treat during their project time gaining valuable hands-on experience with other exotic animals. This is to be arranged on booking.
