Background of Current NAPSA Member Sanctuaries

The sanctuaries have varied histories and specific expertise areas, but also many commonalities. Each developed out of the need to care for animals. The sanctuaries’ missions are to provide for the lifetime care and welfare of captive animals by providing professional care and housing. The following are shared features of the current NAPSA member sanctuaries:

• Each sanctuary is a non-profit organization. In the U.S. they are recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the IRS.
• Each U.S. sanctuary is licensed and inspected by the USDA. The Canadian sanctuary is permitted and inspected by the Minister of Agriculture and the Department of Parks and Fisheries – the Canadian equivalents to the USDA and USFWS respectively.
• Each sanctuary is governed by a Board of Directors, and abides by all applicable federal, state/provincial and local regulations and ordinances.
• NAPSA member sanctuaries represent 80% of the 600+ chimpanzees cared for by North American sanctuaries.  Our population includes chimpanzees from the pet trade, the entertainment industry, and the research industry.
• The Directors, board and staff of the member sanctuaries have a combined total of more than 900 years of experience in caring for chimpanzees.
• Each member sanctuary provides emergency and preventive veterinary care to their chimpanzees, either through experienced consulting veterinarian agreements or staff veterinarians.
• NAPSA member sanctuaries are working with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to develop standards of accreditation for chimpanzee sanctuaries.
• Each member sanctuary has experienced measurable improvements in physical and psychological health of their chimpanzees retired from research or the pet and entertainment industries.
• The NAPSA member sanctuaries are not open to the public like zoos, but engage in public awareness of their mission and provide educational opportunities to the public, including online resources and internships.
• In order to increase their effectiveness, the member sanctuaries cooperate with a wide range of professionals to augment their programs in veterinary care, financial management, human resources, public affairs, behavioral management and fundraising.

Member Sanctuaries