BORN FREE HOLIDAY ADOPTION

The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is offering a special gift adoption package for a limited time, through December 17. For $52 ( $1 a week), people can “adopt” one of six monkeys from the more than 600 who live at the Texas sanctuary. The gift recipient will receive an adoption certificate, photo of his/her monkey, the monkey’s story, a cuddly plush chimpanzee, and a Born Free USA t-shirt. This package is valued at $87 if purchased separately. About The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary: The 186 acre Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is home to 630 residents -- 22 baboons, three vervets, and more than 600 macaques representing seven different species. Located in Dilley, Texas (1.5 hour drive from San Antonio), the Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in the U.S. in that the majority of its residents – ages two to thirty-one – live in free-ranging groups in natural enclosures of several acres, providing a safe, permanent home for its residents, many of whom were rescued from roadside zoos, research facilities, or private possession.

In order to allow the residents the maximum amount of privacy and freedom, with minimal human interference, the Sanctuary is not open to the public. However, the public can support the work of the Sanctuary by making a financial donation; purchasing an item from the Sanctuary’s online wish list; or by “adopting” one of its residents. Just to provide proper food and diet alone for its 630 residents costs approximately $150,000.00 a year. The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

In recent years, this sanctuary has taken on significant rescues. Fifteen macaques retired from laboratory research celebrated their four year anniversary with Born Free USA in July. In 2012, they took in 107 macaques and one baboon from the defunct Wild Animal Orphanage. Had they not stepped up, these animals likely would have been put to death. And, then just over one year ago, nine baboons arrived from a New England laboratory, and then earlier this year, two more monkeys from a laboratory were able to call Born Free USA their new home.

By adopting a primate, or making a donation, these animals will have a quality of life they deserve, never again knowing the cruelty of a laboratory cage or being kept as a “pet” or used in an attraction. They will live a life rich with large open spaces, fresh air, sunshine, grass, trees, the comfort of others – and most importantly, the chance to just be monkeys.