Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, a facility in Palm Harbor, Florida, is more of a prison for animals, than a ‘sanctuary’.

The last time they have renovated was in 2003, when they were forced to, after having their licenses revoked by the USDA, as well as Fish & wildlife. They made the animal enclosures a bit bigger, cleaned up the rust and mold, then reopened to further exploit the animals in their care.

That was nearly two decades ago, and still to this day, their enclosures consist of only concrete, metal and plastic. The enclosures are small and barren without any trees, grass, foliage or enrichment for the animals. Many of the primates are held in their enclosures alone, without any socialization, even though primates are social animals.

Neighbors have reported that the primates can be heard screaming and crying all night long.

The animals look lethargic, sad and show signs of stress, anxiety and potential neurological damage from these conditions.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is not an accredited sanctuary. They are not listed with GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) or ASA (American Sanctuary Association) which means they are misrepresenting themselves as a sanctuary.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary charges admission to enter their facility, which sanctuaries do not allow. They claim it is a “suggested donation” but will not allow anyone inside unless they pay for the fee. Real sanctuaries have limited visitation as well, so in reality Suncoast Primate Sanctuary should not be hosting public events, or even allowing the public into the facility on a day to day basis.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary also charges a fee for, holding and taking photo ops, with their reptiles, another thing that real sanctuaries do not allow.

We ask that Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, and the board members of the non profit, Debbie Cobb, Danielle Parker, Charles J O’Donnell, Chris Focke, and Dale Jacquay:

1. Surrender the three remaining Orangutans in their care to an accredited Sanctuary that has the capacity to give them the care they need and deserve.
2. Become an Accredited Sanctuary with GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) and work towards achieving, and exceeding, their requirements for animal sanctuaries.
3. Join NAPSA (North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance) An alliance that is devoted towards uniting the Primate Sanctuary community, building capacity to provide sanctuary for primates, and eliminating primate exploitation.

Once these demands are met, we are willing to fundraise and help with renovations, enrichment programs and volunteer for the betterment of these animals and their lives. With the help of Bob Ingersoll, from the movie project Nim, and other trained animal caretakers we can move towards providing real sanctuary for the animals kept at Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.