From Captivity to Compassion: A New Future for Primates in Ohio
What happens to primates after their lives in research labs, roadside zoos, or private homes come to an end? For many, the future is uncertain. But in Perry County, Ohio, a new future is being built — one that promises safety, healing, and a second chance.
Tessa Wilde founded For the Love of Primates in 2019 with a bold and compassionate mission: to create and support a sanctuary for primates retired from research, used in the entertainment industry, or previously kept as “pets.” The organization is grounded in the belief that, after spending their lives in human environments, these animals deserve a future filled with peace, safety, and compassionate care.
That mission is now closer to becoming a reality than ever before. For the Love of Primates has successfully secured land in Perry County — a beautiful, peaceful stretch of Ohio that will one day be home to the state’s first GFAS-accredited primate sanctuary.
This future sanctuary will serve as a haven for primates who have lived in unnatural, human-centered environments — especially those kept as pets or used in entertainment. It will offer them the opportunity to climb, play, build social bonds, and simply live as the intelligent, social beings they are. The facility will be custom-designed to meet their physical and emotional needs, with a strong focus on enrichment, specialized veterinary care, and the freedom to live with dignity.
Creating a sanctuary from the ground up requires time, resources, and determination. That’s why education and community support are essential parts of the organization’s work. The For the Love of Primates team is deeply committed to raising awareness about the challenges primates face when kept in domestic settings, and advocating for a future where these animals are no longer kept in human homes. Their efforts aim to encourage people to view primates not as companions or novelty pets, but as sentient individuals with complex emotional and social needs.
The organization is currently focused on raising funds to begin construction, develop sanctuary infrastructure, and prepare for the arrival of its first residents. While the journey ahead involves many moving pieces, every step forward is fueled by empathy, purpose, and a strong belief in a more compassionate future for primates.
At Ohio Animal Advocates, we’re proud to spotlight visionary leaders like Tessa Wilde who are turning compassion into action. You can be part of this important mission by following For the Love of Primates, sharing their story, and supporting their work to build a better world — creating a sanctuary that speaks to justice, care, and second chances.
