On 15 acres in rural southeast Mississippi, April Stewart and her husband have built a place where rescued animals can settle into a safer life. Since opening in October 2024, Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary has welcomed 22 monkeys, many of them former exotic pets. Its residents include spider and squirrel monkeys, and the sanctuary also cares for kinkajous.
Each arrival brings a different history. Some animals need time to grow comfortable with their surroundings and form stable bonds. With help from veterinarians, experienced caregivers, and trained volunteers, the sanctuary provides the steady care and appropriate boundaries they need.
Stewart and her husband are both military veterans, and the sanctuary’s mission extends to others who have served. Through its Unplugged program, veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD or stress can take part in supervised sanctuary work. Caring for the animals gives participants a chance to practice patience, consistency, and trust alongside others who understand difficult experiences.
That connection is personal for Stewart: working with animals helped her cope with her own PTSD. For veteran volunteer John Richard, time at the sanctuary—including moments with a monkey named Louie—has brought a welcome sense of peace.
Unplugged is intended to complement, not replace, care from licensed mental health professionals. The sanctuary also welcomes inquiries from people considering surrendering a pet monkey and offers training for those who want to volunteer.
At its heart, the work is about giving animals dependable care while making room for people to find connection and hope.
