Primarily a Labor of Love
by Dustin Rhodes
Priscilla Feral, Edita Birnkrant and I, just spent a week at Primarily Primates in San Antonio, Texas -- a place that exceeded all of my expectations. Somehow it's more beautiful, more lush, more charming than I expected. How lucky I felt to be there. Even though it felt like I had stepped into the Garden of Eden -- with gorgeous, colorful animals of various species everywhere -- the amount of work being performed was dizzying.
Everyone there works constantly. There are hundreds of mouths to feed, and watching the caring and competent staff chop vegetables, clean enclosures, provide fresh water, make notes about the animals, check on animals who have special needs, maintain the landscaping, do paperwork, and administer medications is inspiring. How do they do it all?
There are beautiful lemurs, macaques, chimpanzees, baboons, gibbons, several other varieties of primates, an African lion, birds and other animals. The surroundings are pristine and idyllic -- the result of meticulous attention to detail. Stephen Tello, the Executive Director, was taking special, one-on-one care of a chimpanzee named April; she was recovering from surgery. A PPI staff member was with April 24 hours each day -- usually Stephen himself. On the day I left, April was returned to her family. I am moved by this devotion to care. The attention to detail there by hearts so full of compassion. Work at Primarily Primates is truly a labor of love.
We helped chop vegetables and bring the food to the animals -- mostly various primates. I cannot get over the size of chimpanzees or how one monkey grabbed my bucket of sweet potatoes and wouldn't let go. He was strong and determined, and one of the caretakers at the sanctuary had to gently coax the bucket from him. There were so many preferences for us to contend with: who liked cherries and who did not; how blueberries and bananas were highly coveted. I watched chimpanzees eat fresh romaine and broccoli stalks. (I need to eat more like the chimpanzees!). I learned that primates have quite a sense of humor, are mischievous and intelligent.
We learned to clean living spaces -- to pressure wash the floors to get rid of food debris and excrement. This is done every single day, and it's more time-consuming and difficult than we had imagined. As we worked, the thought in our heads that kept reoccurring was how impressive and well-run Primarily Primates is. There are lovely touches everywhere: a fountain here, a beautiful tree there, small gardens, nicely laid paths.
It was moving to see the animals and hear their stories -- some who were used in animal experiments, some discarded pets or 'throwaways' from a zoo -- but disheartening and sad as well. Yet, it was inspiring to see all of these well adjusted animals. The residents there do not exhibit the quirky, unnatural behaviors from years of abuse at the hands of humans -- a true testament to the care, attention and natural space they are given here. Priscilla knows almost every animal by name, their stories, and many have a fondness for her. They remember her visits and special treats.
A trip to Primarily Primates is a life-changing and affirming experience -- a reminder of why animal advocacy work is paramount, crucial. At the heart of it, there should be no need for this place; no need to have these beautiful, complex animals in cages of any kind -- no matter how spacious, clean and natural. These animals belong back on their home continents, living free lives, away from the hands of humans. But until society is transformed, I am grateful this place exists.
