Sanctuary Closure - Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen to the monkeys?
Our top priority is the monkeys’ welfare. We are speaking with organisations who share our ethics and can provide the care the monkeys deserve. Decisions are being made on what is best for individuals as well as on a species level.
Wild Futures will continue to retain ‘guardianship’ of the monkeys, wherever they are rehomed. This ensures that the charity can retain some input and oversight for the monkeys in the unlikely event of this being necessary.
Where will the monkeys go?
The monkeys will move to carefully selected specialist facilities that share the same welfare-led ethos as The Monkey Sanctuary and have the expertise, resources and environments needed to meet the needs of each individual monkey.
Some monkeys may be rehomed together in established social groups, while others may be integrated into appropriate existing groups, depending on what is best for their welfare. We will share more information about the receiving organisations once arrangements have been finalised.
When will the monkeys go?
Rehoming the monkeys is a complex process that requires detailed planning, veterinary assessments and careful coordination with receiving organisations.
Moves will take place in the best interests of the monkeys involved. We currently expect the rehoming process to be completed over the coming months, but each monkey will move according to an individual welfare-led plan.
What happens to my adoption?
Our adoption programme has always been about supporting the care and welfare of rescued monkeys while helping Wild Futures carry out its wider charitable work.
As the monkeys move to their new homes, we will contact adopters directly with further information about what this means for their individual adoption. We are committed to treating our adopters fairly and will provide clear options and updates as plans are finalised.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported a monkey through adoption and helped make their care possible.
Are any monkeys going to be euthanised?
Our aim is to find sustainable and appropriate homes for all individuals. However, as you know, all the rescued monkeys, as a result of their experience in the pet trade, have health issues, as well as some now being very elderly. The monkeys at the sanctuary have regular veterinary checks and occasionally these reveal issues that mean that we have to take the difficult decision to euthanise in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. As always we seek advice and guidance from our vets and other industry experts. If this happens during this transition period, we will continue to take responsibility and make the hardest decisions. Our love and respect for every rescued individual underpins everything the care-team and veterinary professionals do to ensure the highest standards of care and welfare.
How long do you have?
We have begun an extensive programme to secure suitable homes for all of the monkeys. While we hope to complete the rehoming process within the coming months, the welfare of the monkeys will determine the pace of every decision.
Each move requires veterinary assessments, transport planning, preparation at receiving facilities and, in some cases, the development of new accommodation. We will not compromise on welfare in order to meet a timetable.
What is happening with the house sale?
Negotiations for the house sale are continuing. The Wild Futures’ trustees are committed to finding the best legal and ethical options for the charity to maximise its ability to fulfil its charitable aims of protecting primates and habitats worldwide. All monies raised by the sale of the house and property will be used, in accordance with charitable law, to support these aims.
Will the charity continue?
Yes. Wild Futures, with your support, has achieved so much, for which we are proud and grateful. And there is still a lot of work to be done… Loss of habitat, hunting, the pet trade and climate change contribute to the sad fact that 60 percent of primates species are threatened with extinction and 75 percent have declining populations. Far too many primates also continue to be abused and suffer in inappropriate conditions in captivity. We will continue to work with our partners to educate and campaign for our primate cousins.
What happens to the staff?
The welfare of both the monkeys and the people who have dedicated their lives to caring for them is a priority throughout this process. Our staff have shown extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism, often over many years, and we are immensely grateful for everything they have done for the monkeys in their care.
As the rehoming process progresses, members of the care team will play a vital role in supporting the monkeys’ transition, sharing their detailed knowledge of individual personalities, histories and care requirements with receiving organisations.
We are committed to supporting staff throughout this process, treating everyone with fairness, respect and transparency, and recognising the invaluable contribution they have made to Wild Futures and the monkeys.
What will my money be used for if I donate now or have already donated?
Wild Futures is committed to ensuring that the monkeys continue to receive the best care possible. While the monkeys continue to live at the Sanctuary, all the normal care costs, including food, healthcare, medications, heating, maintenance, skilled caregivers etc, must be met. There are vital veterinary checks required for the monkeys to move safely to their new homes and where necessary, we want to contribute towards the costs of new enclosures. The care team who know and love the monkeys will also be needed to enable the transition for the monkeys to be as stress free as possible, including sharing knowledge of the individuals’ behaviour and specific needs.
Going forward, all donations will be used to enable the charity to fulfil its mission to protect primates and habitats worldwide, whether in education, captive welfare issues, skills sharing or supporting projects in habitat countries. There is still much to be done.
What about the money I have already donated?
We are incredibly grateful for every donation we have received over the years. Your support has enabled us to rescue, rehabilitate and care for monkeys who had nowhere else to go.
Donations already received have been used, and continue to be used, in support of Wild Futures’ charitable objectives and the welfare of the monkeys in our care. Right now, that means ensuring the monkeys receive the highest standards of care, veterinary support and carefully managed transitions to their new homes.
As Wild Futures continues beyond the Sanctuary, support will also help us deliver our wider mission of protecting primates and habitats worldwide through education, advocacy, welfare improvement and conservation partnerships.