Texas Snow Monkey Sanctuary Merges into Animal Protection Institute

Animal Protection Institute
Friday, 3 March 2000

SACRAMENTO -- The Animal Protection Institute (API), a national non-profit animal advocacy organization based in Sacramento, CA proudly announces that the Texas Snow Monkey Sanctuary (TSMS) of Dilley, TX is now operating as a division of API.

The Sanctuary's mission to provide a free-ranging environment for primates in need remains unchanged with API providing managerial support.

"The high quality of care already provided at TSMS was a deciding factor for us," says Alan Berger, API's Executive Director, "as was the potential for providing a sanctuary for more rescued primates in the future. We welcome the opportunity to extend our animal advocacy work into the direct care of animals in need and to help TSMS gain the long-term stability and financial support they deserve."

Lou Griffin, TSMS Director, concurs. "When we needed a responsible, compassionate organization to help TSMS grow for the future we turned to the Animal Protection Institute," said Ms. Griffin. "We are highly appreciative and proud to be a part of API."

In the near future, API and TSMS plan to:

- Welcome 20 baboons formerly used for research at the Boston University Medical Center. Special caging that will allow the baboons to gradually adapt to their new environment awaits the arrival of the newly retired research subjects, expected before the end of March. A five-acre fenced enclosure that will allow the baboons to live in a free ranging environment will soon be constructed. Partial funding was provided by the Ahimsa Foundation and Boston University. Upon arrival of the baboons a media tour of the facility will be arranged. Contact API for specific details.

- Continue updating TSMS buildings and structures. API funded the construction of new offices and living quarters for the TSMS site manager and interns.

Located approximately 80 miles southwest of San Antonio, TSMS began when Edward Dryden, a wealthy and eccentric Texan, rescued them from certain death in Japan and imported them to the Lone Star State in 1970. Since that time, TSMS has adapted to meet not only the needs of Japanese macaques, but also other displaced animals -- including vervet monkeys, and the former research baboons mentioned above.

For more information, or to contact Animal Protection Institute, see their website at: www.api4animals.org