One Year Later, WAO Group Are Big and Healthy

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Just over a year ago, we completed the transfer of 107 primates from the bankrupt Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO) to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary. This huge undertaking was a tremendous challenge for everyone involved, and we endured many sleepless nights, our minds churning with how to best assimilate all of these monkeys into our already busy sanctuary. The largest single primate rescue in this country came off without a hitch, and it’s hard to believe that a year has already passed since they bolted out of their transport crates into the south Texas sun.

The babies who were born at Wild Animal Orphanage are now growing up to be big and healthy, with insatiable curiosity and very active lifestyles! They spend their days climbing everything they can get their hands and feet on, nimbly swinging from branches or splashing in their pools until, exhausted, they seek the comfort of their families.

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The stump-tailed macaques who arrived with sores over much of their bodies, and with little hair, have bloomed into healthy monkeys with luxurious coats and bright, active eyes. Even blind Patty, who was thin, scraggly, and fearful, has filled out and now lives a happy life in the company of her fellow primates.

Taking on the large number of primates from Wild Animal Orphanage was a huge challenge, but we are reminded each day of the rightness of our decision. Witnessing these primates transform into healthy, active individuals continues to be wonderful privilege.