Washington, D.C. — Born Free USA, a national leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, has announced its “Baby Blankets for Primates” drive, for its Primate Sanctuary in Dilley, Texas. The organization hopes to collect as many baby blankets as possible for its 630 residents — 22 baboons, three vervets, and more than 600 macaques representing seven different species – by the end of this year. The blankets serve multiple purposes for the primates, providing warmth, comfort, and enrichment.
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According to Tim Ajax, Director of the Sanctuary, “Blankets can provide comfort to some of the residents who once suffered from the exotic pet trade. Just like a security blanket for a human, some non-human primates can feel that same sense of security from carrying around something soft, especially youngsters who have been denied the constant contact they would normally get from their mothers in the wild. Other primates here will use them to play with – throw around, pull, and tug. Some of our residents came from brutal situations and were denied their right to be in the wild. We give them an expansive outdoor, forever home with the care and freedom they require as wild animals. If a blanket can give them pleasure, we want to make sure we can provide one for them. We thank our supporters in advance for any help they can give us!”
The 186 acre Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in the U.S. where the majority of its residents, aged two to thirty-one, live in free-ranging groups in natural enclosures of several acres, providing a safe, permanent home for its residents, many of whom were rescued from roadside zoos, research facilities, or private possession.
Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, explains, “Every day wild animals need to be saved from horrific situations caused by humans who have made a business out of confining them for profit, research and entertainment. Wild animals belong in the wild and these scenarios should never exist. Sanctuaries are filled to capacity, costly to run, and are the only aid we can give these animals. Just to provide proper food and diet alone for our 630 residents costs approximately $150,000.00 a year. We are grateful to be able to help these primates – these are the lucky ones.”
“Baby Blankets for Primates” starts today and blankets can be sent to: The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, PO Box 25, Dilley, Texas, 78017. For the safety of the primates, blankets should be completely intact (no loose threads) and fleece is preferred. New, as well as used, laundered blankets are welcome.
In order to allow the residents the maximum amount of privacy and freedom, with minimal human interference, the Sanctuary is not open to the public. However, the public can support the work of the Sanctuary by sending a baby blanket; making a financial donation; purchasing an item from the Sanctuary’s online wish list; or by “adopting” one of its residents. The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.
More at www.bornfreeusa.org; on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org, (203) 270-8929.