Primarily Primates is unique because it is one of the very few sanctuaries that is routinely able to rescue animals in dire situations—a deep source of pride for us. We take in confiscated primates who suffered because of the exotic pet trade, entertainment industry, roadside zoos, biomedical research, and shuttered sanctuaries. In 2025, we took in four chimpanzees, four spider monkeys, one lemur, and three capuchins, which we will provide lifelong care for alongside our 300 plus residents.

We not only take in animals who have run out of luck, our care staff transforms them so they can reach their potential. Their dismal pasts melt away. Here are some updates on our fresh faces!

Spider monkeys Felix, Simon, and Nova have become bosom buddies. Last summer ex-pet baby Felix was found running loose through a San Antonio, Texas, neighborhood.

Shortly thereafter, one-year-old male spider monkeys Simon and Nova were confiscated in California—they were being smuggled in from Mexico. The Wildlife Confiscations Network, which PPI joined last year, identified them as potential matches for Felix. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and the Wildlife Confiscations Network all collaborated to facilitate their safe transportation to PPI.

Nova is sweet and shy and Simon is playful and fun-loving. They continue to help Felix learn how to bond with monkeys instead of humans.

We’ve also welcomed a two-year-old female spider monkey who was found in someone’s front yard in Cibilo, Texas. She was wearing a diaper and had an eye injury. A few hours later, the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services delivered her to PPI for permanent placement. Our veterinary team treated her eye so she could see out of both eyes again. We’ve decided to name this frisky, spirited monkey Sybil.

Crash is our newest ringtail lemur. After keeping him as a pet, his owners surrendered him to PPI because they smartly realized he’d be happier with other lemurs. It is uplifting to see this gregarious and expressive lemur making friends with his own kind for the first time. Care staff let him show lemur Gigi some love through a protective barrier before they fully introduce them. Ex-pets need extra time to get to know their own species because they lack the social skills and body language needed to interact with them. But Crash is a fast learner!

Since their arrival in April from a shuttered sanctuary in Oregon, chimps Herbie, Emma, Jackson and CJ have settled into their new home at PPI nicely. Meeting new caretakers, adjusting to new chimpanzee neighbors and getting comfortable in a different environment has been exciting for these new Texans.

They have even done a little partying—that’s because Emma turned 23 in April and CJ turned 26 in May.

The chimps have been the talk of the sanctuary too! Animal care staff and management have loved every minute of getting to know these four amazing residents. Discovering their different personalities, preferences and mannerisms has been a joyful journey for everyone.

Emma is calm, gentle and still the shyest. However, she loves socializing with her chimp friends and is never timid when it comes to her favorite fruit mangoes.

"Emma is so proper. She often has her hands neatly folded," says PPI Executive Director Krystal Mathis.

CJ is a very curious chimp. Perhaps her inquisitiveness tuckers her out because she also loves taking naps and her blankets!

Herbie loves being the center of attention, and he certainly turns heads when he wears sunglasses and hats, two of his favorite things. He thinks bucket hats are second to none.

Last but certainly not least, Jackson has shown an affinity to water. If it were up to him playtime would be all the time. Jackson ensures that there is never a dull moment at the sanctuary.