ZooTexas, US

Primarily Primates

Primarily Primates, Inc.

About

Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI) is a non-profit animal sanctuary nestled in Bexar County, Texas, offering a lifelong haven for hundreds of rescued animals, predominantly primates. Far from a traditional zoo experience, this accredited sanctuary focuses entirely on the well-being and rehabilitation of its residents, saved from biomedical research, the exotic pet trade, and the entertainment industry. The facility emphasizes compassionate, individualized, and holistic care, focusing on both physical and psychological health, and is not open to the general public for casual visits.Instead of public exhibits, visitors can understand the sanctuary's mission by learning about the innovative enrichment programs designed to stimulate natural behaviors and prevent boredom. Animals enjoy varied food enrichment, sensory activities like music and painting, and spacious indoor and outdoor enclosures that promote social interaction and choice. The sanctuary is home to a diverse population, including many chimpanzees, lemurs, and various other monkeys, as well as birds and farmed animals, all living out their lives with dignity and appropriate social environments.Primarily Primates stands as a crucial advocate for animal welfare, offering a peaceful retirement for creatures who have often endured traumatic pasts. Its dedication to providing a stimulating and safe environment, coupled with ongoing rescue efforts, makes it a profoundly important institution for animal protection. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

Founded in 1978 by Wallace "Wally" Swett, Primarily Primates holds the distinction of being the first primate sanctuary in North America and a pioneer in rescuing chimpanzees from medical research. For decades, it provided a much-needed home for animals that had nowhere else to go, including those from the pet trade and entertainment industry.In 2006, after allegations of substandard animal care, the Texas Attorney General intervened, leading to a period of temporary receivership. Since 2007, the sanctuary has been managed by Friends of Animals, under a new board of directors committed to upholding rigorous animal care standards. Primarily Primates has since earned accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, affirming its commitment to humane and responsible care. The sanctuary continues its mission, evolving its infrastructure and care protocols, such as expanding chimpanzee habitats and implementing robust enrichment programs.

What to do here

Explore their website (primarilyprimates.org) to learn about their residents, read rescue stories, and understand the critical work they do. Watch videos and read newsletters to get a glimpse into the animals' lives and the care they receive.

Seasonal info

While not open to the public, the sanctuary ensures animals are comfortable year-round, with indoor temperature-controlled spaces and outdoor access appropriate for the weather.

Accessibility

As a private sanctuary not designed for public visitation, specific accessibility features for visitors are not widely publicized. It is designed for animal care, and its terrain may reflect that of a natural, rural environment.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Chimpanzee

Sandhill Crane

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Support Financially

Consider donating or sponsoring an animal resident to directly contribute to their care, food, and enrichment programs.

Learn Their Stories

Visit the Primarily Primates website (primarilyprimates.org) to read about the individual animals and their rescue journeys.

Follow on Social Media

Stay updated on the sanctuary's activities, animal welfare efforts, and rescue stories by following their official social media channels.

Volunteer (Non-Animal Contact)

If you are local and passionate, explore volunteer opportunities for facility maintenance, administrative tasks, or other support roles that do not involve direct animal contact.

Advocate for Animals

Support their mission by advocating against the exotic pet trade, animal research, and the use of animals in entertainment.

Respect Their Policy

Understand and respect that Primarily Primates is a sanctuary focused on animal welfare, and therefore, not a public visitor attraction.

Frequently asked questions

: No, Primarily Primates is a private animal sanctuary and is not open to the general public for visits. Their focus is on providing a peaceful and stable environment for their rescued animals, many of whom have endured trauma, and public visitation can be disruptive to their well-being.
: Primarily Primates provides lifetime care for hundreds of animals, primarily primates such as chimpanzees, lemurs (including brown lemurs), capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, macaques (including bonnet, rhesus, and booted macaques), and baboons (like olive baboons). They also house other species, including kinkajous, various birds (such as sacred ibis, doves, sandhill crane, endangered conjurs, and macaws), and farmed animals.
: You can support Primarily Primates by making financial donations, sponsoring one of their animal residents, or volunteering your time for tasks that assist with the sanctuary's operations, such as facility maintenance or administrative work. Details on these opportunities are available on their official website, primarilyprimates.org.