PrimateEducation

The American Primate Educational Sanctuary was founded in 2002 by Pam and Don White. We are a non-profit USDA licensed facility that houses primates who can no longer be maintained by private caretakers who thought they would make a good pet. The majority of our primates were rescued from private owners who no longer wanted them. The sanctuary has provided them with a new lease on life, instead of being put to sleep or sold to research facilities. Private ownership and neglect of exotic animals has become a growing problem in the United States. Caring for primates is a huge responsibility and many owners who were looking for a pet, quickly realize that primates require constant dedicated care throughout their lifetime of 30 to 40 years. The primary goal of A.P.E.S. is to educate society on the particulars of primate care. We run on an all volunteer staff which is made up of students from Ohio State, Ohio University, Ohio Wesleyan, Wright State, pre-vet students, OSU vets, Columbus Zoo staff, and other trained professionals from animal facilities.. Our Goals To help educate people who think they want a primate. To help with conservation in Asia and South America with other primate organizations, as well as sharing ideas with other zoos & sanctuaries around the U.S. To practice excellent husbandry, training and housing standards for our animals. To help educate college students majoring in zoology, anthropology and other sciences on what it means to work with exotic animals, while gaining hands-on experience.