About
Established in 2000, Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Ontario provides a forever home for monkeys and lemurs rescued from:
- Academic research
- Biomedical (experimental) research
- Commercial pet stores
- Zoos and exhibitions
- Entertainment
- Private pet ownership.
We are home to 23 primates (and counting) from diverse backgrounds. As Canada’s only monkey sanctuary, many imported and captive-bred primates have nowhere else to turn for peace and solace.
At our core, we believe that all animals should have the right to live free of fear or pain caused by human intervention. We are supported by private donations and a solid base of knowledgeable and skilled volunteers who have a combined experience in primate care and husbandry of over 100 years.
We are grateful for each and every individual who supports our cause. Together, we can all make a difference, one act of kindness and compassion at a time.
Our mission
Story Book Farm is a place of safety for primates who have had their wild lives stolen – we offer freedom from fear and a place of healing and recovery from trauma.
What we do
- be a voice and advocate for primates who have had their lives disrupted by humans;
- help prevent further cruelty to primates by providing sanctuary;
- collaborating with schools, local organizations, and public figures and influencers to promote awareness and educate the public about the issues that primates face within a Canadian context;
- facilitate friendships between our residents, encourage exploration and foster freedom of choice;
- help instill residents’ ability and confidence to make their own decisions and control events that affect their lives;
- provide food, shelter and enrichment to the monkeys and lemurs;
- provide on-site health and wellness care like dentistry.
Our Impact
“All Canadians can be proud of the work done by the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, which rescues and cares for primates. Primates are our closest animal relatives. They deserve our help.” – Dr. Jane Goodall, the world’s leading primatologist
Did you know that rescued primates cannot be (re)integrated into wild habitats? Sadly, they would not survive. Instead, we strive to offer the next best thing: a safe environment with nutritious food, creative outlets for physical activity and mental exercise, and control over how they spend their time.
Stories of change
Pugsley was born as a research subject, living in a 4’x4’ cage for the first 13 years of his life. In 2018, a precedent-setting legal agreement meant that he was one of the lucky few allowed to retire.
The research that Pugsley survived impacted his health so badly that he was not expected to live more than a few months after arriving at our sanctuary, but he beat the odds again. Pugsley lived four more years in our care, enjoying companionship from other primates and new experiences like sunbathing, swaying in the wind and climbing into his “spaceship” – none of which would have been possible from a lab cage.
