Mississippi Monkey Sanctuary Offers Solace and Healing for Veterans with PTSD
The Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary provides an unexpected source of comfort for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In the tranquil embrace of a joyous spider monkey named Louie, Army veteran John Richard finds solace from the grips of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition he has battled for over two decades.
The transformative bond between man and primate began last fall during Richard's volunteer efforts to assist two veterans in establishing the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary on the rural outskirts of southeast Mississippi.
As Richard works on building enclosures, Louie forms an attachment that extends beyond mere companionship.
His presence offers a unique form of reassurance, something Richard had been desperately seeking.
The sanctuary’s founder, April Stewart—an Air Force veteran who also grapples with PTSD stemming from military sexual trauma—echoes similar sentiments about the impact the primates have had on her life and those of other veterans volunteering at the sanctuary.
Stewart’s 15-acre property is a haven for various rescued animals, including spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, kinkajous, and even rescue dogs and geese.
The sanctuary's objective is to provide these animals with a natural habitat and social interaction akin to their own species, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the primate residents.
The Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary’s approach to healing is unconventional yet profoundly impactful.
By engaging in care for the primates, veterans like Richard and Stewart are able to relearn trust, find grace with fellow beings, and rediscover faith in themselves—all crucial aspects of overcoming PTSD.
Stewart emphasizes that her sanctuary aims not only to provide a safe haven for rescued monkeys but also to ensure their well-being even beyond her own capabilities.
The sanctuary is licensed by the US Department of Agriculture, making it the sole licensed primate sanctuary in Mississippi dedicated to the long-term care of its residents.
As Stewart prepares to welcome the public with guided educational tours next summer, she remains committed to creating an environment where healing and community flourish for both veterans and primates alike.
The transformative bond between man and primate began last fall during Richard's volunteer efforts to assist two veterans in establishing the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary on the rural outskirts of southeast Mississippi.
As Richard works on building enclosures, Louie forms an attachment that extends beyond mere companionship.
His presence offers a unique form of reassurance, something Richard had been desperately seeking.
The sanctuary’s founder, April Stewart—an Air Force veteran who also grapples with PTSD stemming from military sexual trauma—echoes similar sentiments about the impact the primates have had on her life and those of other veterans volunteering at the sanctuary.
Stewart’s 15-acre property is a haven for various rescued animals, including spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, kinkajous, and even rescue dogs and geese.
The sanctuary's objective is to provide these animals with a natural habitat and social interaction akin to their own species, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the primate residents.
The Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary’s approach to healing is unconventional yet profoundly impactful.
By engaging in care for the primates, veterans like Richard and Stewart are able to relearn trust, find grace with fellow beings, and rediscover faith in themselves—all crucial aspects of overcoming PTSD.
Stewart emphasizes that her sanctuary aims not only to provide a safe haven for rescued monkeys but also to ensure their well-being even beyond her own capabilities.
The sanctuary is licensed by the US Department of Agriculture, making it the sole licensed primate sanctuary in Mississippi dedicated to the long-term care of its residents.
As Stewart prepares to welcome the public with guided educational tours next summer, she remains committed to creating an environment where healing and community flourish for both veterans and primates alike.
