Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

09/05/2026

Not sure how to spend your Labor Day holiday? Come visit the primates and friends!! we are open 10 AM to 4 PM on Monday!

09/04/2026

it's a Fun Fact Friday!

Meet Cheeky, the only Bonnet Macaque here at the sanctuary.

Cheeky enjoys sitting in his swing where he can see most of the small primate area. Cheeky also likes drinking from the hose and water play with his red ball.

Cheeky has a big appetite and is always up for seconds at lunchtime. A few of his favorite foods are corn on the cob, broccoli, tomatoes and blueberries.

Fun Fact: The Bonnet Macaque gets its name from a distinct parting of hair on its head that looks like a cap or bonnet.

During your next visit, stop by and visit Cheeky, and his roommate Christian, in the small primate area of the sanctuary.

08/31/2026

It’s a Musical Monday at SPS!

At our sanctuary, musical enrichment has become a vibrant cornerstone of daily life, offering deep auditory and sensory stimulation that brings unexpected joy to our residents and caregivers.

Give Merlin (Macaw) a track with a strong groove—especially "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake —and his true personality shines.

Beyond the entertainment, these musical sessions serve a therapeutic purpose. Studies have shown that music lowers cortisol levels in rescued animals, and playing together builds a deep sense of trust between caregivers and sanctuary residents who may have come from difficult backgrounds.

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

Several of our volunteers checked out the grand opening today!!

08/29/2026

Attending the STEM extravaganza ! Can’t wait to talk to the kids about careers and volunteering with animals!

08/28/2026

Fun Fact Friday: Grooming!

In the wild, chimpanzees form troops (or tribes). Within these troops is a highly intelligent structure of hierarchy and organization that serves to keep the members of the troop safe and connected. The hierarchy and relationships are formed by time, testing, and the seeking and granting of approval.

One of the behaviors that determines or affirms this hierarchy, and the possibility of relationship, is grooming. When chimpanzees groom one another they are showing a sign of acceptance and trust. Grooming bonds specific Chimpanzees together. Not every chimpanzee is permitted to groom every other chimpanzee.

While grooming is an important sign of social acceptance, it also serves a very important role in the health of the individuals and troop. While grooming, the chimpanzee is removing dirt, sticks, and parasites from his/her partner’s body while inspecting for injuries or cuts. Grooming also serves as a mini massage, and helps both chimpanzees relax.

In the videos below, you will see two pairs lovingly grooming one another: Magillan and Sheila are long-time friends and partners, while Shawn and Lucy are bonded sisters.

It is a rare occasion when visitors have the perfect timing to be able to see these animals enjoy this beautiful bonding activity. With that in mind, we bring it to you here. Enjoy watching this fantastic behavior that has formed and protected chimpanzees since the beginning of their existence.

08/26/2026

It's Wishlist Wednesday! This week we are asking for items to assist with our medical exams and keep our animals healthy!

These items are available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/00JAHyKo Animal Scale

https://a.co/d/0iJBVp98 Pre & Probiotic

https://a.co/d/009p45Cr Glucosamine

The pole syringe can be found here:
https://www.campbellpet.com/products/30-precision-pole-syringe?pr_prod_strat=similar&pr_rec_id=bb7ac2cfd&pr_rec_pid=11152967059&pr_ref_pid=11556046803&pr_seq=uniform

Our mailing address is
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation, Inc.
4600 Alternate Highway 19
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Thank you so much for thinking of our animals!

08/23/2026

We will be closing for the remainder of the day Sunday, August 23 , due to inclement weather☔️