Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

As a member of PETA for many years both my 9 year old daughter and I were shocked and very much saddened by the conditions that the animals are kept in. Before going I was considering volunteering with them because I could see on line they were in need of them. However after seeing the VERY small size of the cages and how bored and distressed the animals obviously were I would NEVER return or support their efforts. When you enter the zoo they gave us a bag of ""MONKEY FEED"" you are to THROW the food at the caged animals and half of it does not make it to them. This act alone seems to distress the animals (HOW WOULD YOU FEEL). Several times during the visits I saw volunteers reach inside the cages to give animals treats. Having worked with other zoos in the past I know this behavior especially with the Chimpanzees would never be done but by a trained professional. This place is HEARTBREAKING!! My daughter and I actually cried at the site of the animals. They should be in larger Zoos or elsewhere the people here may have the very best intentions but the animals are CL:EARLY suffering. When you come in they have you sign something that helps them get grant money for the place. When I left I wanted to cross off my name because the list because of the horrible conditions. I never thought I would say this but there are worse things than death for animals and this place is it. After writing this I found out this place LOST FEDERAL FUNDING PRIOR and also A VOLUNTEER WAS ATTACKED AND THEY DID NOT GET HER medical help for over an hour. PLEASE read the articles before going!! more

I just recently visited the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary and I could not have been happier. I was dismayed that the last review of the sanctuary was in 2005. It is now 2011 and alot has changed! They have had their ups and downs, that is to be expected with an all volunteer sanctuary that gets no government funding. But the volunteers are truly passionate about the animals in their care and with their dedication the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is definitely on the up and up! The cages are actually cleaned twice a day and I saw no evidence of rust when I visited. I was completely amazed to see Cheetah from the Tarzan movies there, he is now 81 years old! and looks to be in fantastic shape. They have alot of older residents there and it's a testament to the love and care the animals receive that they are able to live for so long. All the volunteers were polite and helpful and were willing to answer any questions I had. For those who have not visited in a while I would definitely recommend going back and seeing how far they have come! I plan on going back with my nephews very soon! more