Sanctuaries—Asia

Sanctuaries are invaluable to the growing number of displaced nonhuman primates found throughout Asia. Endemic to 22 of the 50 countries comprising Asia, primates are threatened by deforestation, the pet trade, human consumption, medical research, and the photo prop industry. Sanctuaries are tasked with improving individual welfare, despite the various challenges that can make this difficult. In Asia, these difficulties are similar to those seen in other parts of the world; funding, overcrowding, rehabilitation and release, specialized care, and building a rapport with local authorities are only a few of them. Countless dedicated organizations and facilities have created and employ effective methods to ensure that they can care for primates in need. Regardless of these successes, some of the issues complicating sanctuary work can only be resolved by combating the threats contributing to primate displacement.