Owned and operated by Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute, our Primate Sanctuary is home to more than 500 nonhuman primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive and exploitive situations in roadside zoos, laboratories, or private "ownership."

In 2005, we developed an "adoption" program to be used as both an educational and a fundraising tool. Carly, a female snow monkey, is one of our most popular adoptees and arrived at the Sanctuary in December 2004.

As a former "pet," Carly spent years living in isolation, away from others of her kind. Animal Control confiscated her from her "owner" in Nevada. Carly's "home" was a cage in a dark garage: no fresh air, no sunshine, no enrichment. The cage's metal grid floor was covered with her waste, rotten food, and dirty blankets. Carly had been severely neglected and was not given an adequate diet, being fed primarily junk food. She was overweight and had weak muscles due to a lack of exercise. Because there was no door to her cage, she had to be anesthetized while it was opened with bolt cutters.

Since arriving at the Sanctuary, Carly has shown immense improvement, and many of her abnormal behaviors have abated. After much rehabilitation, she now lives with two other snow monkeys, Jerry and Chessie — who were also ex-"pets." You can learn more about Carly and her fellow residents by visiting www.bornfreeusa.org/sanctuary