Finding Sanctuary

Meet the Monkeys

Meet Kiki

Kiki the monkey before her arrival at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary.
Kiki before her arrival at the primate sanctuary. Photo: Born Free USA.

On June 9, 2021, Born Free USA welcomed a new monkey to our primate sanctuary in South Texas. The monkey – a five-year-old vervet named Kiki – was surrendered to Born Free USA by a private individual, who kept Kiki as a pet since the monkey was three months old.

Born Free USA’s primate sanctuary is one of the largest in the United States, home to more than 400 monkeys, many of whom were rescued from roadside zoos, retired from animal experimentation, or, like Kiki, are former pets.

Now at the sanctuary, Kiki will receive high quality medical care, nutritious food, room to roam and explore in a natural setting, freedom from unnecessary interactions with humans, and, crucially, the chance to socialize with other monkeys.

Kiki’s new life begins now, but a long journey of healing lies ahead for her. Please follow Kiki’s rescue and her new life at the sanctuary, and help us provide her with the lifelong care she needs by making a donation!



Meet Gambit

Gambit before rescue.
Rhesus macaque Gambit before rescue. Photo: Born Free USA.

On June 22, 2021, Born Free USA welcomed a five-year-old rhesus macaque named Gambit to our primate sanctuary. He was surrendered to Born Free USA by a private individual in Las Vegas, who kept him as a pet since the monkey was a baby.

Gambit has lived a sad life. He was purchased as a baby when he was tiny and vulnerable. After a change in life circumstances, Gambit was passed to family members of his original “owner” and as he grew stronger and more aggressive – something that is natural when wild animals are kept in unnatural confinement – he was moved permanently into a parrot cage. It was there that he went on to spend almost four years of his life, until the day of his rescue by Born Free USA. His suffering showed in his obsessive pacing and body twisting – signs of mental distress common in captive wild animals.

At the sanctuary, Gambit will receive the life in needs, with nutritious food, medical care, a natural space to roam and explore, and most importantly, the chance to meet and socialize with other monkeys. Gambit has a long journey of healing ahead, and you can help! Please make a donation to support his recovery.



Meet Willis

Willis the Vervet
Willis the vervet shortly after arriving at the primate sanctuary.

Willis was kept illegally as a pet for the first three years of his life. In October 2021, Willis was confiscated by Chicago authorities and transported to the Born Free USA primate sanctuary. Willis could not believe his luck when he arrived at the sanctuary! He was given a large enclosure, a healthy diet, great care, and lots of monkey friends. Since he arrived, he has made the most of every second and spends his waking hours playing, playing, and playing!

Willis has quickly become a staff favorite due to his infectious joy that brings a smile to the face of anyone who sees his antics. We are looking forward to seeing him progress in his journey of recovery. You can be part of this little rascal’s life by adopting him today!


Support the Monkeys!

Born Free USA's primate sanctuary is one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the United States. Because of generous supporters like you, the monkey residents – many of whom were rescued from abusive situations in animal experimentation, roadside zoos, and private possession like Kiki, Gambit, and Willis – now have a second chance for a more natural and happy life.

The costs associated with rehoming a monkey and providing them with lifetime care are great, but the value of a monkey getting the best food, the best care and, most importantly, the company of other monkeys cannot be measured in dollars.

Please be a hero to rescued monkeys. Make a donation to help give them the best life possible.

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Follow Their Stories

Follow live Twitter posts about the monkeys’ progress at the sanctuary below. Or, search on Twitter with hashtags #KikiVervet, #GambitsJourney, and #WelcomeWillis.