“Pucker up! It’s the best way to communicate with George.” In any other situation this suggestion would seem somewhat bizarre. However, the fact that George is a playful Black Spider Monkey and the sound that comes from the lips when one “puckers up” communicates friendship to him makes the gesture more than fitting.
Friendship is, after all, the uniting force at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary. Friendship, as well as love and compassion for all primates that have been abandoned, abused or used for laboratory testing.
Owner Sherri Delaney has dedicated her time to providing a safe haven for these exploited animals, in hopes that they recover from their mistreatments and return to their vibrant selves.
George is just one example of a primate that Sherri brought under her care. Prior to his stay at Story Book Farms, he was locked up in a dog kennel for several days with his companion Suzie. When George and Suzie arrived at the sanctuary, they had several bacterial infections, and due to their prolonged confinement, they had difficulties moving around.
However, after familiarizing themselves with their new home and after being properly cared for, both George and Suzie returned to their natural behaviour.
On a sunny morning during a tour of Story Book Farm, Sherri explains to me the sad reality that Canada has a lot of issues with animal rights. As she says, many are simply unaware of the abuse that does occur, and as a result, they are often shocked to discover that there is actually a need for a monkey sanctuary in Ontario.
However, as Sherri has learned through years of experience, there are far too few restrictions on the use of exotic animals as household pets. She believes the lack of laws in place is more than enough reason as to why a protective environment is absolutely necessary.
“Unfortunately we can’t change the fact that these animals are caged,” she explains. “However, we can make it the best possible place for them.” These words are representative of the philosophy that Sherri applies to her farm, as she ensures all of her animals are treated with the utmost in love and care.
All of her primates look forward to daily rewards, which may include new toys to play with and learn from, or tasty treats to enjoy after dinner. Many have also been paired with other primates and, naturally, they have formed special bonds and lifelong companionships.
Sherri also has a team of devoted and highly-trained staff members that she says “each bring something different to the table.” Every week she receives assistance from two zoo keepers, Kim and Jackie, as well as support from Laura, Melissa (who has a degree in primate conservation and has specialized in field research observing Mandrills) and many other experts.
With the help of her team, Sherri has begun basic training with her primates to help make feeding, educational activities and routine checkups more efficient to conduct. As well, with an expert team on hand that is able to constantly monitor the primates, changes in behaviour are noticed quickly. Therefore, as Sherri explains, possible problems can be identified and tended to efficiently.
When asked whether any of the primates will ever be ready to be released back to the wild, Sherri can’t help but give a sad sigh. “Their reality is here. They would never be able to survive anywhere else,” she says. “This just proves why we should leave wild animals in the wild.”
Sherri insists that there is nothing more disturbing than to see the multitude of exotic animal auctions that take place in Ontario. As she explains, these auctions are completely open to the public and often result in everyday people bidding on exotic animals for household companions.
She shakes her head as she recalls the time she actually had to convince a young couple out of purchasing a monkey to bring home as their family pet. “Could you imagine?” she asks, explaining how sad it is to think of how these animals will be raised and treated in such an inappropriate environment.
If Sherri had her way, her primates never would have been removed from their natural home to begin with. “Unfortunately with exotic animals it’s all about the ‘cool factor,’” she says. “But it shouldn’t be about humans, it should be about the animals!”
Because Sherri believes that her sanctuary is about the protection of primates, her farm is not open for public visitation. However, she does occasionally offer intimate tours and she is always open to discuss animal rights issues and her farm with anyone who is interested. In fact, she has given many speeches and lectures at schools and community events about the importance of generating a greater awareness for animal rights.
As part of creating a better awareness, Sherri has decided to promote a new “Adopt a Monkey” program. Members will be given the opportunity to adopt a primate from her farm, and in turn for providing funds for a monkey’s upkeep, they will be granted the opportunity to visit and learn about the primates at Story Book Farms.
At the end of the tour, Sherri explains that it is her best intentions to promote the public’s awareness of the dangers and abuse primates’ face and the need to respect and care for all animals. She urges anyone that has any questions or further inquiries to contact her at 705-357-3961 or email sherridelaney@hotmail.com. Visit Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary on the web at www.storybookfarmprimatesanctuary.com.
By Christina Coughlin
Focus on Scugog
Personalities
