From Harm to Healing: Sanctuary Stories of Rescue, Resilience, and Recovery
A new book by Born Free USA’s Director of Animal Welfare and Advocacy Dr. Liz Tyson and wildlife photographer Ruth Montiel Arias, From Harm to Healing, combines photography and narrative to explore the stories of eight monkeys rescued from traumatic and abusive situations and rehomed to one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States, the Born Free Primate Sanctuary.
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With an honest and open approach to the work of sanctuaries, the book seeks to consider the complexities and challenges of life after rescue. It posits the work of sanctuaries not simply as a “happily ever after” for victims of the pet trade, vivisection, and zoos, but as a journey toward recovery that may take years, or even decades. Wild animals such as monkeys remain caged even in sanctuaries of the absolute highest standards. Understanding this, the book explores the ethical obligations and challenges faced by the staff, as well as the monkeys and their individual obstacles, that must be overcome in the journey to recovery.
Ultimately, From Harm to Healing seeks to share the individual tales of the monkeys from their perspective and makes the case that, while sanctuaries are vital to protect animals from further harm, they are not the answer to end animal suffering. Indeed, the only way in which we can end the suffering of exploited wild animals is to tackle the source head on. In the meantime, sanctuaries continue to pick up the pieces and do what they can to help victims of exploitation move from situations of harm to those of healing.
Finding Sanctuary Documentary
Learn more about the sanctuary and the primate pet trade in our short documentary – Finding Sanctuary: Life After the Primate Pet Trade.
Adopt a Sanctuary Monkey!
The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary does not put animals on display for the public nor sell tickets, so we do not receive ticket fees as income. Funding our sanctuary and its residents is possible due to the generosity of animal lovers like you! You can learn more about monkeys at our sanctuary and supply them with food, care, and other needs through our adoption program.