Our Mission

    Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary is a USDA-licensed, nonprofit 501(c)(3) monkey sanctuary located in a peaceful community in South Mississippi. We exist to provide permanent, lifetime care for New World Monkeys who have nowhere else to go.

Many of the primates who arrive at our sanctuary have endured instability — ex-pets, individuals from the entertainment industry, zoos, laboratories, breeding facilities or monkeys confiscated by authorities. They come to us with different background stories. Some have history of trauma and need to rebuild trust. They cannot return to the wild. They deserve safety, dignity, and lifelong protection.

With a specialized care team that includes two primate-focused veterinarians, experienced caregivers, and trained volunteers, we provide the highest standard of medical, physical, and behavioral care possible — always in accordance with USDA regulations and the Animal Welfare Act.

Monkeys need monkeys. Social structure matters. Stability matters. We work intentionally to build appropriate troop environments that allow each species to live as naturally and socially as possible outside of their native habitat.

But healing does not stop with the animals.

Through our UNPLUGGED program, we extend our mission to veterans and first responders navigating PTSD and stress-related challenges. In a structured, supervised, USDA-compliant environment, participants assist with sanctuary operations and learn the same principles that help our primates recover: consistency, patience, boundaries, and earned trust.

Primates mirror energy. Trust cannot be forced. It must be built.

As our monkeys regain stability, participants often rediscover it within themselves.

At Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, we are not simply housing primates.
We are restoring stability.
We are protecting dignity.
We are building trust — one life at a time.