Programs
Conservation Program
Pacific Primate Sanctuary offers refuge and protection to Central and South America primates, particularly threatened marmoset and tamarin monkeys. Our work at the Sanctuary includes providing the rehabilitative care, which enables primates to recover from the trauma and abuse that they have suffered. We create habitats for primate families to live in safe, natural surroundings. The tropical rain forest of Maui's north shore is very similar to their natural environments, allowing the primates to be outdoors year round.
Internship program
Primatology students and professionals in related fields are selected by our Board for year long resident internships at the Sanctuary providing the unique opportunity of receiving training in all aspects of New World primate care and husbandry. Interns live on site and can observe the monkeys housed in social groups in a naturalistic tropical setting similar to their native jungles, which are often inaccessible. Please see our Internship page for more information.
Volunteer Program
Currently there are 10 non-salaried volunteers responsible for the daily care and operation of the Sanctuary. Over the past 25 years, many of our volunteers have been students. The extensive training they receive at the Sanctuary and their exposure to the philosophy and practice of wildlife conservation has been of great importance to their academic, personal and, ultimately, their professional growth.
On the average, volunteer animal caretakers contribute about 5,500 hours per year. Our two veterinarians donate about 50 hours yearly. The total monetary value of our volunteer labor is in excess of $91, 800 per year. Please see our Volunteer page for more information.
Zoological Horticulture
Our innovative zoological horticulture program started 15 years ago in an effort to provide more "natural" food and forage for the primates. As most rain forest vegetation grows well here, we have started hundreds of trees from seeds to vegetate the habitats for each colony of monkeys. Some marmosets and tamarins have been found to be gumivores (eating exudates from gum trees), and therefore they have special dietary needs. Particular emphasis has been placed on growing plant species related to South American flora.
Environmental Education Program
When there are staff members and time available, representatives of Pacific Primate Sanctuary offer presentations on the subjects of endangered species, rain forest preservation and the changing global environment. Several schools have "adopted" the Sanctuary as their Community Service Project. Many of our Volunteers have been participants in our student mentorship program. Our objective is to assist our children in becoming environmental stewards, educators and problem solvers.