suncoast primate sanctuary foundation, inc.

This, so called sanctuary is located on Alternate 19, just south of Klosterman in Tarpon Springsteen. I'm not a fan of private zoos. The chimps are pretty sad looking primates. Don't waste your money. It's right by the highway and there is a lot of road noise and exhaust pollution.

The volunteers were very helpful and informative. One in particular gave the backstory of the monikers they had received which was both sad and moving. It gives a great perspective into the life these animals lived before, and also great for people to see them interact and play.

I thought that rules for zoo-type facilities had outlawed cage-effects. The sanctuary hopes to become the first zoo in Pinellas county, but I truly hope they plan on a more natural habitation. These beautiful creatures were never meant to live in cages with concrete floors and no natural greenery. Many have limited shelter from the beating dun - and those that have a tarp or plastic cover are not going to get any relief from Florida's brutal heat when those covers make things even warmer.The animals appear well- cared for and their cages are constantly being washed down and that's the only positive thing I can say. Even Monkey Island, in Homosassa has a home that is open and inviting for their residents, with trees, tree houses, grass and natural habitation. This facility just felt all wrong to me. Even the diabetes rescue monkeys are kept isolated from each other - in essence, they are still caged, but without experiments being done on them any more. Cage after cage stresses that these are animals who live in societies and families - not separated by fenced walls.I'm sorry. I will not return. I left feeling helpless, my hearts going out to anyone being forced to live this way.

This is one of the few facilities that help owners with their pet primates. Unlike other rescue centers that have taken abused animals. Theses animals have been very well cared for during their lifetimes. I am very proud to have been involved in the great work that these volunteers accomplish. Most of the smaller monkeys were pets and outlived their loving owners. This is a safe haven for these beloved companions to live out the rest of their lives. Pet monkeys, like reptiles and parrots can live an extended life compared to the traditional pet.

They seem to be trying to do good at the sanctuary for the animals. Nice place to visit, it is not Bush Gardens, but interesting and worth the visit. May be a few years past the prime of the exhibit hay day but visit and help them with their mission.All the staff/volunteers really seem to care for the animals and are more than willing to help explain things.

Facility was sad, the monkeys looked sad and the cages were too small. I was not pleased at all and would not recommend to any animal lover.

This place is great most of the primates there would not be alive if it wasn't for the people there. So nice so happy to answer questions - they are saving lives and do such a great job making their primates lives enriched and happy.

Me and my husband had bought a Groupon for a visit to this sanctuary. First I completely understand that these animals would not survive out in the wild. That said people need to send money to them to do some kind of improvement to these cages. Very old and run down. I wanted to start painting !!! Made a donation and also bought a tee shirt. If you look them up or visit please donate as much as you can. I will be making some kind of monthly donation. Just a thought.

I had a wonderful experience here. I loved seeing all of the primates, birds, and alligators. I was surprised to find a picnic area ... would be nice to pack a picnic and enjoy the property even longer. The volunteers were knowledgeable about the animals and knew them by name. They answered questions that people had about the animals.We discovered this through a Groupon and it came with a bag of feed. I could not see how to feed the animals because the cages were too far from the walk way to feed them. A volunteer told me that there were white pipes that I could drop the feed in and it would land in the cage, keeping me and the animals safe. I re-walked the entire property but there was only 1 pipe available to feed the animals. I still had a great time there but I would not suggest purchasing feed if you can only feed 1 animal.This is a very worthwhile cause to support and enjoyable experience and I would highly recommend it.

We visited on a Sunday morning and the weather was great, loved to see all the animals well taken care of and people actually wanting to be there. Our boys 11 and 9 wanted to go around and around to see all the animals again. We will definitely be back.

I heard the sounds coming from the sanctuary as I rode on the Pinellas Trail and decided to pay a visit. I drove to it the following day, not knowing that it was only open to the public Thursday thru Sunday.Returned on Thursday afternoon, not expecting much after reading other reviews. I was not disappointed. Indeed the conditions at the sanctuary are less than ideal, but far better than the neglect that these animals were experiencing beforehand. There were only 2 volunteers that I noticed, one at the front gate and another tending to the animals. Considering that, there was no information about the sanctuary, or its' inhabitants, which was a disappointing. The animals were not very active, and the cages are indeed 'dated', but that is to be expected.Don't expect to be energized if you go. I was just glad that I could make a $10 donation via my entry fee.

This sanctuary provides a home for unwanted primates. It also ha birds, lemurs, and gators. You can feed the primates and give you food with the admission fee.they have a variety of primates from squirrel monkeys to orangutans. it is family and pet friendly.

What people have to remember is that this sanctuary runs solely on donations. No, they don't have state of the art cages or equipment, etc., and yes the place is a little outdated, but what do you expect? These primates are fed and LOVED by people who really care and volunteer their time to care for them. If you want some spectacular atmosphere, go to a zoo. The purpose of this place isn't to please you. It's to give the animals a home - shelter, and food, and hopefully educate visitors at the same time. There are plenty of posts up with names and information of each animal which were very helpful. The workers also went out of their way to speak with you if you had questions. We sponsored a primate Pongo because we feel strongly about the cause and dedication of the sanctuary and fully support what they are doing. The workers there are very nice and helpful and want to spread awareness of the primates. Please don't give bad reviews just because you "feel bad" for the primates - they are getting plenty of love and attention, despite the dated atmosphere of the place. If you really care that much, donate!

Chimps are not well taken care of. Concrete floors and not much room for them to move around. Center for Great Apes in Wachula takes much better care of chimps and orangutans. They have much more room in the cages and walkways so can visit with each other. The sanctuary is approved by Jane Goodall.

The sanctuary is a place where unloved primates, unwanted gators, and a few other animals go when they are no longer wanted. You are able to get close and feed the monkeys. I was even able to hold one of the smaller alligators, which was a wonderful experience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. I would recommend this place to any monkey lover.