International Primate Rescue

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rating

4.4

Great


8

Reviews


28

Years in business

We rescue and/or give a forever home to ex lab and zoo primates from different parts of the world, along with primates from the pet trade.

Our Mission

Our mission at the International Primate Rescue is to free unwanted primates from their suffering and to provide the best possible standard of care for them at our sanctuary. We take care of primates that have either been orphaned or have been born and raised in a zoo or at a laboratory ...

Review Description

Our Mission

Our mission at the International Primate Rescue is to free unwanted primates from their suffering and to provide the best possible standard of care for them at our sanctuary. We take care of primates that have either been orphaned or have been born and raised in a zoo or at a laboratory and thus have to deal with behavioral problems and require rehabilitation from psychological disorders. 

At the International Primate Rescue, we also strive to discourage, provide help, raise awareness and educate people that wish to, or already own a primate. Our target is to develop a near wild experience for our primates and eventually make the facilities available to help any apes in need within the future. 

Our History

International Primate Rescue started life as the Marmoset Welfare Foundation in March 1996 in Polokwane, South Africa, where founder Sue Mousley had been caring for primates since 1990. Fascinated by the strange and unstable behaviour patterns of a Common Marmoset monkey named “Meggie”, she was prompted to study behavioural problems and other disorders in captive and/or orphaned nonhuman primates.

The International Primate Rescue sanctuary, the first of its kind in South Africa, received its first monkey, an eight-month old Common Marmoset named “Cheeky”, in April 1996. After a report on national TV in South Africa, the sanctuary was inundated with requests to receive problem monkeys. In 1998, the sanctuary was offered a very disturbed Bolivian Squirrel monkey, and 15 month old Bobby, who is still a resident at the sanctuary, became the first primate other than a Marmoset to be cared for at the International Primate Rescue. 

By September 2001 Sue and the primates were obliged to relocate to a larger property in order to accommodate the swelling numbers of primates in need. In Israel; Iris, a Patas monkey became the first international rescue case and was flown from Israel to the International Primate Rescue sanctuary in South Africa in February 2002. The rescue was widely reported, and IPR has since received numerous requests to assist in international rescues. Up till know the sanctuary has received primates in need from as far afield as Mali, Germany, Hungary and Israel.

Today

The International Primate Rescue sanctuary currently cares for over 60 primates, including Marmosets, Tamarins, Capuchins, Macaques, Squirrel Monkeys and Owl Monkeys. Many are hand reared ex-pets who arrive with behavioural problems and require rehabilitation from psychological disorders. The sanctuary houses exotic primates, who are unable to be returned to the wild, and therefore our time and focus is aimed at ensuring all enclosures are as suitable and comfortable for each individual as possible. The demand for this service is growing relentlessly; we receive a constant stream of requests to rescue homeless primates in South Africa and abroad. Through this, the sanctuary is expanding on a daily basis in order to keep up with the demand.


Contact Person

Sue Mousley

Spoken languages: English
  Very high response rate

International Primate Rescue reviews

Merel Floor van den Dool rating5.0

2024 at Short-Term Primate Carer

IPR is a wonderful primate rescue centre! The owner is very passionate about all monkeys and always puts their wellbeing as her top priority. They get healthy food at set times and they also get a special treat every day. What is also very special, is that the monkeys can run from enclosure to ...
Ignacio Ampuero Inarejo rating1.0

2024 at Short-Term Primate Carer

really disappointed of how I was treated by Sue. The monkeys are ok most of them are cute so it's sad that all the good experience with primates was ruined by the Host's treatment. just for saying a few examples, context: the old house has spider webs, and it has massive spiders too. I have ...
Cheyenne Collins rating5.0

2020 at Long-Term Primate Carer

I cannot even begin to express my love for the primates at International Primate Rescue! Thanks to Sue Mousley, they live happy and fulfilling lives. I know that under her care, no matter what the world throws at the sanctuary, the primates will be fed and loved on. My experience there will never be ...
Lauren McCall rating5.0

2017 at Short-Term Primate Carer

I was a little nervous about travelling alone for the first time, however when I arrived at the airport I was greeted by a lovely man who took me to this placement. I arrived when it was dark so could not really see too much however the people were very friendly and welcoming. I was not sure what to ...
Tanya Unknown rating5.0

2014 at Short-Term Primate Carer

I love monkeys, and it was great to work with them up close. IPR definitely has the best interests of the monkeys at heart, they don't stress them out with over handling but you do get to have monkey time every week where you can hang out with the friendliest monkeys for an hour or two! Most of the ...
Lizzy Unknown rating5.0

2014 at Short-Term Primate Carer

I was nervous about travelling on my own but didn't need to worry. Between the wonderful staff and long term volunteers, & the family run Bosveld tours (who run the excursions & transfers) I couldn't have asked for more, & was treated like family, they did everything they could to make our stays ...

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Life On Land