Veteran couple opens 15-acre Mississippi Sanctuary for 22 rescued Monkeys

Key Takeaways

• A veteran couple opened a 15-acre Mississippi sanctuary in October 2024 that currently houses 22 rescued monkeys.

• The Unplugged program invites veterans and first responders with PTSD to volunteer, as "By helping the primates learn to trust, we’re also re-teaching ourselves how to trust, and we’re giving ourselves grace with people."

• Volunteer John Richard experienced profound personal benefits, stating, "Being out here has brought a lot of faith back to me."

Healing primates and veterans at a new sanctuary

In rural southeast Mississippi, a 15-acre property is providing a safe haven for rescued primates and military veterans alike. Opened in October 2024 by military veteran April Stewart and her husband, the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary currently cares for 22 monkeys. The residents include spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and kinkajous that were formerly involved in the illegal pet trade.

The organization notes the difficult pasts of the animals in their care. “They come to us with different background stories. Some have [a] history of trauma and need to rebuild trust. They cannot return to the wild. They deserve safety, dignity, and lifelong protection.”

The Unplugged program

Stewart operates the facility with a specialized team of veterinarians and caregivers, adhering to federal animal welfare regulations. Beyond public educational tours, the refuge offers a dedicated initiative for veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD, known as the Unplugged program.

The connection between humans and animals offers profound benefits. Stewart shared her own struggles with PTSD, explaining, “It was destroying my life. It was like a cancer.” She emphasized the mutual benefits of the sanctuary work. “By helping the primates learn to trust, we’re also re-teaching ourselves how to trust, and we’re giving ourselves grace with people.”

The refuge focuses on providing consistent structure and boundaries. John Richard, a veteran who has volunteered at the facility since its inception, highlighted the personal impact of working with a monkey named Louie. “Being out here has brought a lot of faith back to me.” He added, “There’s no feeling like it.”

The sanctuary remains open to conversations with current exotic pet owners looking to safely surrender their animals. Stewart explained her welcoming approach. “We’re not here to judge people. Our main goal is to help the monkeys.”