Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

Several of our volunteers checked out the grand opening today!!

08/29/2026

Attending the STEM extravaganza ! Can’t wait to talk to the kids about careers and volunteering with animals!

08/28/2026

Fun Fact Friday: Grooming!

In the wild, chimpanzees form troops (or tribes). Within these troops is a highly intelligent structure of hierarchy and organization that serves to keep the members of the troop safe and connected. The hierarchy and relationships are formed by time, testing, and the seeking and granting of approval.

One of the behaviors that determines or affirms this hierarchy, and the possibility of relationship, is grooming. When chimpanzees groom one another they are showing a sign of acceptance and trust. Grooming bonds specific Chimpanzees together. Not every chimpanzee is permitted to groom every other chimpanzee.

While grooming is an important sign of social acceptance, it also serves a very important role in the health of the individuals and troop. While grooming, the chimpanzee is removing dirt, sticks, and parasites from his/her partner’s body while inspecting for injuries or cuts. Grooming also serves as a mini massage, and helps both chimpanzees relax.

In the videos below, you will see two pairs lovingly grooming one another: Magillan and Sheila are long-time friends and partners, while Shawn and Lucy are bonded sisters.

It is a rare occasion when visitors have the perfect timing to be able to see these animals enjoy this beautiful bonding activity. With that in mind, we bring it to you here. Enjoy watching this fantastic behavior that has formed and protected chimpanzees since the beginning of their existence.

08/26/2026

It's Wishlist Wednesday! This week we are asking for items to assist with our medical exams and keep our animals healthy!

These items are available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/00JAHyKo Animal Scale

https://a.co/d/0iJBVp98 Pre & Probiotic

https://a.co/d/009p45Cr Glucosamine

The pole syringe can be found here:
https://www.campbellpet.com/products/30-precision-pole-syringe?pr_prod_strat=similar&pr_rec_id=bb7ac2cfd&pr_rec_pid=11152967059&pr_ref_pid=11556046803&pr_seq=uniform

Our mailing address is
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation, Inc.
4600 Alternate Highway 19
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Thank you so much for thinking of our animals!

08/23/2026

We will be closing for the remainder of the day Sunday, August 23 , due to inclement weather☔️

08/22/2026

Check us out before catching the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off

08/22/2026

Time to meet another of our amazing volunteers! Here’s Nessy’s story!

When I started at SPS in January 2025, I was at a low in my life, I was having trouble getting employed and was in a toxic relationship. I loved animal sanctuaries and always wanted to volunteer, but was waiting until I was employed to do something like that. Employment was taking so long that I just jumped in. I was hoping to start my career of helping animals anyway so it seemed like a perfect fit.

I was particularly drawn to the ungulates at SPS and was most excited to work with them. I wanted to work with any large mammal really, so the monkeys were just an “oh this could be interesting 🤷‍♀️.” To my surprise, the ungulates found a new home, and I was actually going to be the monkeys’ caretaker! I was like “ok I guess I’ll try this.”

I never EVER thought I would fall in love with primates as much as I have today. Almost every single one at SPS is “my favorite” and I have made so many bonds with not only the animals (primates and non-primates) but with the amazing volunteers!
-🦕Nessy🦕

08/22/2026

Stop by and visit our table tonight! 🍿📽️🦧🐒

Join us Saturday Aug 22! We’ll have a table at the market! This month’s movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off