Five Rescued Monkeys Find New Life at Born Free USA Sanctuary in Texas

A New Beginning for Rescued Primates

In a heartwarming development, five monkeys rescued from the infamous West Coast Game Park Safari in Oregon are now embarking on a new chapter of their lives at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary located in Cotulla, Texas. This sanctuary is an epitome of hope for animals previously subjected to poor living conditions and mistreatment.

The owner of the West Coast Game Park was indicted on serious criminal charges, including over 370 counts related to animal welfare violations, drug offenses, and racketeering. As a result, the animals were taken into custody, with their permanent care transferred to various sanctuaries across the United States that are designated for such rescues.

The monkeys who have found their forever home at the sanctuary are a mix of species: baboons named Zeus, Monet, and Calliope, along with vervet monkeys named Blue and Bear. Initially, upon their arrival, the baboons were all diagnosed with heart conditions, a prevalent issue when primates are kept in environments that do not meet their basic needs.
This acute medical condition was concerning; without prompt intervention, it could have led to premature death. However, through swift treatment and a nutritious diet that promotes their health and well-being, two of the baboons have regained normal heart function, with the third on the road to recovery.

Liz Tyson, director of Animal Welfare and Advocacy at Born Free USA, expressed her joy at the monkeys' arrival. She stated, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Zeus, Calliope, Monet, Blue, and Bear to their forever home with Born Free. They have quickly adapted to their spacious enclosures and new social dynamics, presenting them opportunities they had not experienced before.” The emotional impact of seeing these monkeys socialize and form friendships highlights how crucial social engagement is for primates. All primates are inherently social creatures, and these species particularly thrive in environments with larger groups of companions.

At the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, the five newly relocated monkeys join a larger community of 210 primates. The sanctuary is committed to providing lifetime care for animals liberated from the pet trade, laboratories, and zoos, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

The need for such sanctuaries is underscored by Born Free USA's mission to ensure that all wild animals, whether in captivity or within their natural environments, receive compassionate treatment and respect. They are dedicated to preventing the exploitation of wildlife and advocate for their natural habitat, aiming to keep them where they rightfully belong— in the wild.

For those wishing to support the cause or gain further insight into the efforts made at the sanctuary, more information can be found on Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary's website.

This recent rescue operation epitomizes hope not just for the five monkeys but for all animals that face hardship. As Born Free USA continues its advocacy and rescue operations, the support of the community and volunteers remains increasingly vital. The organization stands firm in its dedication to giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, making a significant impact on animal welfare today and in the future.