Story Book Tails

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:35:00.000-05:00

As this Christmas 2011 day dawns, our hearts are moved by love, appreciation, gratitude and wonder for the year that has been. The greatest gifts of love, hope and strength have been bestowed on our residents by friends, new and old. New volunteers, new supporters and new people stepping forward, voting for SBFPS in the Aviva Challenge. As the saying goes "friends we have not met yet".. We did not make it through to the Finals, but the feel we have "won" so much along this journey. Even in our wildest dreams we could not have dreamt of this year - Pockets Warhol becoming known world-wide and bringing awareness to the sanctuary. Our hearts are full as we reflect on our devoted volunteers, Ann, Jen, Little Jen, Leslie, Sam, Kim, Charmaine, Izzy, Erica, Melissa, Jeannine, Vanessa, Sepi, the list goes on. We are so blessed to work alongside Sherri, an inspirational woman, who deals with many demands, personally, professionally in her police work, and still has the will, love and determination to make the lives of the monkeys her priority and give them the best life.

May we all reflect on the blessings and gifts we each receive!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-19T13:46:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to add a couple of pics from Sunday.

Pockets was busy painting with his muse, Charmaine.

Jenkins was being ever so handsome...

And this one of the lemur boys was quite enjoying dinner!! Thanks Steph!!!!!

Pockets' Art Extravaganza - Dec. 6, 2011

2011-12-10T07:22:00.005-05:00

A Pockets' masterpiece (SOLD!!!!)
This one is called Orangutan.
The artist in his studio!
Sherri holds one of Pockets' completed works.

What a night!!!! Pockets has captured imaginations all around the world, and people are putting their money out to buy his paintings and support the Sanctuary! We owe a huge THANK YOU to Al Ridley, owner of Sadie's Diner, for hosting this show.

And to everyone who has helped to get us this far - many many thanks!

And to Pockets...well, Pockets is just amazing!!!

Please keep voting for the monkeys in the Aviva competition!

Al Ridley, our host and owner of Sadie's Diner! Thanks Al!
The crowd studies and interprets the masterpieces on display.
Rachelle is a happy person tonight!!!!!
And so is Sherri!!!!
In fact everyone has a smile and is feeling the excitement!!

Charmaine, Pockets' muse and animator!!!

What an amazing week!

2011-12-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday all! Hope you had a good week.

At the sanctuary, it has been a whirlwind! Pockets Warhol, our creative little capuchin, his muse Charmaine Quinn, along with Erica Jacques, Sherri, and the generous Al Ridley of Sadie's Diner have been featured on news throughout the world, including India, Ghana, Taiwan, UK, US and of course, right here at home. Thanks to the efforts Jeannine Rosenberg, our media volunteer, Pocket's art extravaganza was picked up "on the wires". The level of interest and support has been overwhelming. With coverage by The Toronto Star, CTV National News, CanadaAM, Citytv, CFRB, Global, CBC and even CNN! - many people have learned about Pockets and the important work of the sanctuary.

Follow @PocketsWarhol on Twitter or Find him on Facebook here!

Painting is something that Pockets really enjoys. It provides enrichment, and mental stimulation for him. He relishes in the attention of Charmaine and is happy when he was created something! At the sanctuary we look for activities and enrichment for all of the primate residents. For instance, Sweet Pea loves faux fur, so we ensure she always has something soft to groom. Lexy enjoys her dollies, so we pay special attention that she has one. Chelsea, as you have read here before, is absolutely besotted by rubber boots. She now has quite a collection. Last Sunday, when Ann was cleaning her area, Ann would pick up each boot and offer it to Chelsea, so she could choose whether she wanted to keep it with her or not. We could then clean the discarded ones for that day. Little Cheeko, Pocket's neighbour also gets special attention as we make sure he has mirrored toys to play with. As you can see, everyday our devoted volunteers work with the residents to do their best to have a healthy and happy day.

We thank you all again, and ask you, with deep respect, to please keep voting EVERY DAY in the Aviva Community Fund Challenge. At the time of writing we are in 15th place, which is very worrisome. We need to be in the Top 10 and there are only 6 days left. We so want to provide a safe and "story book" ending to 19 other primates on a wait list to come to us. It is hard to cope with knowing that others are in horrific circumstances and are living with the threat of death over them if they cannot be retired to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary. We are holding our breath with our hearts are in our throats - won't you please vote to save lives and help holiday dreams come true?

Thank you for all your support and interest!

We are in the Semi-Finals!

2011-12-05T18:19:00.001-05:00

We are so close we can feel it! - Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is a NATIONAL SEMI-FINALIST in the $1 000 000 Aviva Community Fund to win $50 000 - $100 000 towards upgrades and expansion to address the needs of the many primates in Canada that desperately require rescuing!

There are 29 other semi-finalists in our category, and the Top 10 go through to final round of judges.

VOTE HERE

Please vote EVERY DAY for the next 12 days (December 5 to December 16) to place us in the final judging round!

Watch our video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmmKaQ7LcMo

Thanks in advance for all your support!!

Like us on Facebook

Watch us on Youtube

Aviva Community Fund - We Need Your Help - Only 4 Days Left to Vote!

2011-11-25T17:32:00.001-05:00

Action Alert! There are only four days left to vote in the Aviva Community Fund. Please, please vote daily to ensure we are in the Top 5. Earlier in the week, "Monkeys in our Midst" was in 4th place, but as of this afternoon, we've slipped to 9th. Only those projects in the Top 10 will be considered for funding. The competition is tight.

Every week we get calls to help individuals in dire need. For example, recently: a lab contacted SBFPS looking to retire monkeys; officials called in Sherri to assist with baboons and macaques currently in tiny, confined "cages" in various owners' homes; the roadside zoo "season" is over, and operators have been looking to "dispose" of "surplus animals" or others are at risk of being locked in dark barns without any windows or sunlight. We've even become aware of monkeys that are being trafficked for the bushmeat trade right here in Ontario. The need is great for monkeys who are in terrible situations through no fault of their own. Please, won't you join your voices and vote to help them?

Please click on the link to vote daily for the next four days. Thank you so much!
http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Aviva Community Fund - We've made it to Round 3

2011-11-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! We are so excited that with your support and over 750 others, "Monkeys in our Midst" has made it to Round 3 in the Aviva Community Fund. This is the LAST CHANCE we have to make it to the semi-finals!

If each person votes every day, we have a good chance to secure the much needed funding to help monkeys in need.

Please, please share with friends, family, colleagues and fellow students. This round ends November 30th at 12:00PM.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Thank you so, so much!

Pockets, our resident Artiste!!!!!

2011-11-11T11:00:00.003-05:00

Pockets is getting ready for a painting session! He has a show coming up, so he must get up early to start creating those masterpieces!
Sometimes the artist gets a better effect using a cloth rather than hands or feet or tail!
Pockets appears to check out the colour that Steph has offered him...perhaps he is not in a red mood today????
Lots of people get involved in Pockets' artistic efforts! And he loves the attention!
"This is my magnificent tail", says Pockets Capuchin. It can be used as a rope, a hand, or even a paintbrush!

Training Mr. Jenkins

2011-11-10T16:16:00.003-05:00

Erica has been working with one of our Spider monkeys - Mr. Jenkins. She is trying to get him to be more gentle in his interactions with people. Instead of the grabbing and pulling that he has done for years, he is beginning to reach out and hold hands without the pull and pinch we have come to expect! Well done, Erica and Jenks!!!

Announcing the SBFPS 2012 Calendar Sale!

2011-11-08T09:30:00.003-05:00

The holiday season is upon us and SBFPS has the perfect gift ideas!!!

We also know you want a flashy calendar for the new year to keep track of all you do, and so here we are providing you with one!

Calendars are $20, + shipping & handling - and are they ever worth it!

Email us at sbfpsanctuary@gmail.com to make your purchase today!

See our sample photos below:

Have a calendar? How about some holiday cards?

Consider becoming a foster friend to a monkey in need, or purchasing a visit to the farm to meet the monkeys.

E-mail us for all your holiday needs!

Happy Holidays!!!

VOTE! Aviva Community Fund Homestrech Update - We are in the next round and need your votes!

2011-10-30T21:04:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much to everyone who is voting in the Aviva Community Fund Challenge! We've made it into the next round, and as of tonight, we are over 1,100!! Please continue to vote daily and share the link far and wide. Top projects are over the 3,000 mark, so we really need to "pull out all the stops" to ensure a better future for primates. In light of the tragedy in Ohio, we need to be able to step up in an emergency situation to help the helpless ones.

Please watch our latest video, and vote at the link below!
http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Thanks so much for your continued support!

Aviva Community Fund - Please vote daily to help us get to 1,000 votes

2011-10-10T00:09:00.000-04:00

Good evening! Hope you are enjoying time with family and friends. Please keep Story Book Farm in mind, and vote daily. We are over the 500 vote mark - can you help us get to 1,000?

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Thank you so much!

Voting Opens Today - October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T11:56:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! We hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Please begin voting today to help make a change in your community and for the "Monkeys in our Midst" who need your support! Please watch the video below!

Click here to vote: www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Please share with all your friends, colleagues, fellow students, family and neighbours. Let's all be part of the solution!

Thank you for your vote and support!

Aviva Community Fund - Get ready to vote beginning October 3rd

2011-09-26T18:17:00.000-04:00

Help make a change in your community and for the "Monkeys in our Midst" who need your support! Please get ready to vote daily for SBFPS in the Aviva Comunity Fund. Voting begins on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 12:00PM. Click here to vote: www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10939

Please share with all your firends, colleagues, fellow students, family and neighbourhoods. As hard as it is for people to believe, there is such a need. The sanctuary receives calls weekly to assist with short and long term care of monkeys in distress locally and abroad.

Thank you for your support!

Buddy Lemur

2011-09-13T09:10:00.004-04:00

Just a quick update on Buddy Lemur!
He had another vet visit - he was not eating or drinking after his accident that broke his jaw. So back to Dr. Holmes we went, and once again our wonderful vet was able to find the problem. One canine tooth was out of alignment and making a hole in Buddy's lower jaw - so out it came. Buddy was given some fluids and some pain meds - and now he appears to be eating again! This is great news!!!!

Thanks again!!!!

2011-09-13T09:02:00.003-04:00

So many people stopped by our booth at the Veggie Food Fair! It was great to see people so interested in the work we do.

A number of people said they would be interested in helping out at one of our upcoming Lumberjack Days! We need to get ourselves a mega-woodpile in order to keep the monkeys warm this winter - so anyone who can help out is very welcome. We will be having these days on Oct. 8 and 29,, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10.

Please let us know if you can help!!!!

It's September!!!!

2011-09-06T14:07:00.003-04:00

A huge thank you to everyone who came out in support of the monkeys on any or all of the four Open Days this summer. Kristen - you are a star! Tina - thanks so much for the publicity! Each and every one of you who make the trek - THANK YOU - and we hope that we will see you all (and maybe some of your friends too) again soon!

Labour Day is over, so now we start prepping for the harsher season ahead!

But first - some news: Susie has had all her tubes and stitches removed and is back with George. The reintro went off without a hitch and both spider monkeys are happy to be together again!
Buddy Lemur is very quiet and uncomfortable with his broken jaw - but he is coming along and we are hoping that he will soon be more like his normal self - but maybe with a slightly more mellow attitude...
And Buddy Goat continues to use his new and improved legs. We strap them on and he motors across the kitchen - looking for food!!!!! He is just the most amazing goat! Many many thanks to Janice Olynich for her continuing care and support.
Lexy's outdoor enclosure is almost ready (thanks Reece!!!!!) Soon we hope to allow Julien access to Lexy's space so the two of them can have companionship. Julien seems to be calmer since his surgery (thanks Dr. Holmes and the TZ team!!!) We are all looking forward to this very exciting event!

And now - we need your help again! The furnace has already had to be on since the nights are colder now, and even some of the days are cool enough that windows and doors must remain closed. We need to prepare for winter by building a huge woodpile - and so we need to get out into the woodlot and bring down some of the dead trees that are out there, chop them up and pile the wood by the furnace ready for burning. There have been 4 Saturdays put aside to do this work - Oct. 8, Oct. 29, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10. The more hands we have to help the faster (and more fun) the work will be. Please get in touch at sbfpsanctuary@gmail.com if you can help!!!!! The monkeys thank you!!!!

Maggie goes to the vet too!

2011-08-16T17:32:00.002-04:00

Susie was not alone in the back of the car on our visit to the vet - Maggie went too.
Maggie is one of 4 - or 5, depending on the day - of the Farm dogs. They are all special and well loved - and if there is something amiss, they are given everything they need.
In this case, Maggie had developed some growths on her tongue and in her mouth - and growths are always scary things. We needed to know how serious this all was...
Dr. Holmes took a look at her and told us not to worry - the growths were not a medical problem, certainly not anything that we needed to worry about - skin tags, only!!!! But he did remove them, and she got some special spa treatment at the same time - nails clipped, a good brushing- and a story to tell all the other dogs when she got home!

Susie goes to the vet!

2011-08-16T17:16:00.002-04:00

Susie, our old and precious black spider monkey, has been suffering from an injury to her hip for a while. She already went to the vet (the wonderful Dr. Jim Holmes of Anderson Veterinary Clinic in Whitby)a couple of months ago, and he did surgery then - but the wound continued to be infected and weep and generally not heal. So we needed to make another trip.
Susie was great - got into the carrier, was really good in the car - and finally fell asleep so she could be checked by the vet. It turned out that there was a small splinter inside her wound - when and how it arrived are mysteries - it was not there on the xrays - could have been in the straw -but in any case, it was removed...
Susie now has some drainage tubes in her side, and she is stitched and glued, and she will be kept calm and quiet and separated from George, until the infection is gone. Then she can have the tubes and stitching removed and she can go home to her regular enclosure. We are all hoping that this will all happen soon...
She is a real trooper, our Susie, a resilient and tough old girl - and we will spoil her with attention and lots of good care....

A great day!!! We thank you!

2011-08-16T17:12:00.002-04:00

Story Book Farm and all its residents want to send a huge thank you out to the people who attended the Open Day on Sunday August 14!!!! You were all great - the monkeys enjoyed meeting you - and your support is truly appreciated!!!!!
We hope that you will come again and that you will follow events as they happen at the Farm on this site or on our Facebook Page!

2011-08-08T10:16:00.002-04:00

After a busy (and hot) four days of tearing down and rebuilding, Lexy's new outdoor area is ready for her inspection! There are still things to be done (like adding the door!!!!) but she has been locked inside for long enough and needs to be outside for a while. So - she is opened up - but she is very tentative ... taking her time to peer out the door, then stick head and shoulders out, and finally come to sit at the top of her ladder and take everything in. I am sure that after we left, she explored her new area. Once all the bits and pieces have been completed, we can try letting Julien out there with her! Things just keep moving along at SBF!!!!
Huge thanks to Reece Cowan for spending his vacation building Lexy's area - and to everyone who came out over the 4 days to help! It could not have happened without you!!!!! Lexy and Julien are grateful!

Julien's surgery

2011-08-03T10:36:00.003-04:00

After a year in the planning, Julien finally had his neuter surgery yesterday. Thanks to Dr. Holmes and his staff, as well as Iga and Izzy from Toronto Zoo! A great success! The next step will be to rebuild a newer stronger enclosure so that Julien and Lexy will be able to share space!!!!

Julien all calm and sedated before being darted

Mr. Jules fast asleep, being put in a net for transport

Anaesthesia

A helping hand
The rare opportunity for Julien's caregivers to be able to be close and actually touch him
Leslie and Jenn even made some fabulous handprints!

All neutered and as if nothing even happened!

2011-08-01T18:45:00.003-04:00

Buddy's new legs!
You have to check out this amazing goat! Two new front legs, and he is raring to go!!!!! Gotta love a goat like this!!!

SBFPS Baseball Tournament a Huge Success!!!

2011-07-28T23:01:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!

Proud to say SBFPS is in its 7th year of hosting our annual baseball tournament in Sunderland, and this year was bigger and better than ever! With 8 teams of 10 people each, and the community to cheer them on, we withstood sweltering near 40 degree heat all in the name of rescuing monkeys!

We had a merchandise booth, as well as a silent auction, all next to the food and drinks, our biggest hit on this hot and humid day.

And to top it all off, we brought in well over our projected target, and fundraised near $4500!!!!!!
Thanks to all the teams that played and contributed, all our supporters and donors, and especially the following companies who donated to the tournament:

Oshawa Community Credit Union

Planet Organic

Chem Dry(Leslie Barrett)

Westburne Ruddy Electric (Travis Paddley)

Black Diamond Golf Club (Andy Sandilands, Ponty Pool)

Goats Milk Soap Company (Anne Dubois)

Metro Toronto Zoo (Ann Walsh)

Sunderland Pharmacy

Foodland Cannington (Kevin Fasolino)

FreshMart Sunderland (Rick Flindall)

Loblaws Lindsay Market (Margaret McRae)

Staples Depot Lindsay

We couldn't have done it without you!

Photos from the event:

Quite the professional swing!

Len running to tag the batter!

Some of our wonderful volunteers: Izzy, Malcolm, Jen, Len and Mike!

Another wonderful volunteer, Ann, staffs our table full of her great photos!

"Mom, I won!! I won the raffle!"

Our lovely merchandise table

Sweet Pea and her new Baby Chimpanzee!

2011-07-05T20:25:00.003-04:00

Sweet Pea, our Olive Baboon, received a wonderful new present on our last Open Day. In fact, it was a motorized, life size, baby chimpanzee!!! It even made noises! Pea loved this so much she decided to groom it and carry it wherever she went, in typical Pea style. Thanks so much to Kimberly for this fantastic gift!!

Youtube Link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocWpnfSoRPI

Pierre and the baboon in the mirror!

2011-07-04T21:07:00.002-04:00

Pierre loves to look at the baboon in the mirror. He smacks his lips together and postures in front of the handsome fellow he sees there. The only thing that distracts him is the tractor - he hates the tractor!

Take Five with Izzy Hirji

2011-06-25T23:58:00.003-04:00

Every day brings new joys, experiences and memories in the barn. As the seasons change, so do the monkeys' lives. Spring brings longer days, summer - sun, warmth, breezes, flowers, more choices and happier times. The monkeys have been enjoying fresh daisies, grasses and watching the Canadian Geese families down by the pond. The goats, horses, Chili (the llama) and Minnie (the donkey) are out in the fields, happily munching on new greenery. The volunteers are a constant, always there to help - power washing the barn, sorting through the worm farm for the marmosets, building relationships, making enrichment and daily thinking of ways to help out.

Today, we want to introduce Izzy Hirji - a remarkable young man who has done so much for primates and great apes locally and abroad. Izzy just finished his first year at the Ontario Vet College and dreams of one day working with gorillas - which we are all confident he will do! Izzy came to us by way of the Jane Goodall Institute, as he is a member of the Youth Council. We are so fortunate to have Izzy with us, as he is our social media guru, graphic designer and a great advocate, and bringing others to volunteer, including a new SBFPS friend - Sepideh!

Q - How did hear about SBFPS and how did you get involved?
A - I was invited to a build day in 2007 to expand the barn and better accommodate the residents. What a wonderful experience! Meeting the warm and welcoming volunteers was phenomenal, and meeting the monkeys was even better!

Q - Who is your favourite resident and why?
A - It's so hard to choose - they all have such amazing stories and personalities! George gets bonus points for sharing his life story (via hoops and hollers) with me every time I'm within viewing range, but I may have to go with Pockets. An endearing and charming yet very clever and deceptive little guy! He always wants to play with me and he giggles at my antics, but then he'll play the 'stupid human' game and try and grab me when I think he's being nice. Funny guy! Gotta love blowing bubbles and playing ball with him - he's never short of great entertainment!

Q - What has been a highlight for you at the farm?
A - I'm going to go with the day that Chelsea came over to the door and groomed my arm through the bars. She had warmed up enough to trust me, and the bond that was created was beyond explanation. To reach out and connect with an animal on such a level, especially when you share some degree of understanding, is one of the most amazing experiences a person can have.

Q - What tips and advice would you share with others who want to get involved and help primates?
A - Do lots of research! Find out all about primate behaviour (so you know what to expect), primates in the wild and in captivity, their plight etc. Develop your passion by reading books that stimulate you on this topic: I have a whole list I can share for anyone interested. Research places you can get involved with helping primates, either indirectly or hands-on: such as at sanctuaries like this or wildlife rehabilitation centres and reserves abroad - the Jane Goodall Institute is a good place to start looking! Why not begin by donating to or volunteering with SBFPS? And finally, get those experiences and find out what you enjoy the most - whether as a career or as a volunteer and committed citizen, keep doing them! The primates need all the help they can get :)

Izzy, Thanks for all that you do!

Buddy gets a cast!

2011-06-06T09:24:00.004-04:00

Dr. Janice bonds with Samantha! Buddy gets back to his food!
A smiling Buddy after he has been released!
The fiberglass sock is removed from Buddy's foreleg.
Preparing the fiberglass sock to create a support for Buddy's foreleg.
Buddy gets fitted for his cast! He is resting over a bale of straw and his horns are held so they can't injure anyone!

Chelsea and Nan get a new bedroom!!!!

2011-06-06T09:07:00.005-04:00

It finally happened yesterday!

At the beginning of the process, Chelsea and Nan were lured into the lovely sunshine so Leonard and Malcolm and various other helping hands could clean out and replace the bottom on the old box. As time went on, the girls came back in - Leonard and Malcolm were needed to help work with Buddy who is having a support made for his front legs.

Once the girls came in, they would not go out again - they watched all the proceedings from one of their perches.

And the new box went up, with terraced walkways to the old box, rope handles to help old Nan get from A to B, new stairways - all sorts of wonderful things that I am sure they spent (and will spend) lots of time exploring! Steph added some lovely trees, and everything looks great for them!

As for Buddy - he was a patient and good goat, had his sock put on and waited until the cast dried and was removed. Hopefully when the process is entirely complete, he will be more mobile!

Another good day at the farm!!!!

SBFPS Summer Events

2011-06-01T14:01:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! I hope it is a gorgeous day where you are! Summer is always a busy time at the sanctuary and this year we are hosting a number of events. The need to help primates in Ontario is growing, so we need to answer the call. This means growing our supporter base, raising awareness, and fund raising. We all like to enjoy the great outdoors during the warm weather and we ask that you include the monkeys in your summer dreams!

SBFPS - Chili Fundraiser

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

6:30 - 10:00

Sadie's Diner & Juice Bar

504 Adelaide Street West

Come on out and enjoy all you can eat vegan chili

Minimum suggested donation $10.00

Chili for Chilli Facebook Event

Would you like to come and take a tour of the sanctuary?

Please join us on the following Sundays:

June 12

July 3

August 14

September 4

12:00 - 4:30PM

Donation $50.00 per adult/$25.00 per child

Tax receipts will be issued

Please register at: storybookmonkeys.eventbrite.com

June 12 Open Day Facebook Event

Baseball Tournament

Saturday, July 23, 2011

9:00AM - 3:30PM

Sunderland Baseball Diamonds

For more information or to register a team, please contact Jennifer jmjmiddle@gmail.com

Hope to see you all soon!

Sweet Pea and Her New Bear

2011-05-29T00:06:00.001-04:00

Good evening all! Spring has been very rainy, but in spite of this, the farm welcomed eager volunteers to help build larger outdoor areas for Cheeko the capuchin and Sweet Pea amongst others. Thanks so much Jen and Leslie for arranging the build day!

In addition to Sweet Pea's new outdoor area, she received a special girl from Diane - a new volunteer. Diane brought - a HUGE white bear for Pea. She was so happy - dragging it up to her perch, laying across it, grooming it and putting her arms around it, even though it was so big she could not get them completely round. The talented Ann Walsh was on hand to take these photos. Thanks Diane for making Miss Pea happy!

Take Five with Jenn Ross

2011-05-13T20:39:00.003-04:00

Good evening! At SBFPS, we are truly blessed to have an amazing group of volunteers who make all the world of difference to the residents. We would like you to get to know them with a "Take Five" feature. Today we introduce Jenn Ross - one of our Barn Managers. With her enthusiasm, determination and care, she brings much to the team!

Q - How did you hear about SBFPS and get involved?
A - I responded to an advertisement for volunteers and was intrigued by “farm” and “animals”, as I grew up on a farm and have always wanted to be involved. I found that although I may not be formally trained in primate care, that I can offer other skills to help make a difference.

Q - Who is your favourite resident?
A - My favourite was Yoshi – he grew old over my first few volunteer years. I had the pleasure of speaking with him, hand feeding him and holding his arthritic hands and realizing what an opportunity I had to meet such a brave man in the human world, who was robbed of a life in the wild. I was privileged to share his last few days with him, to pray he would fall asleep with a full belly, a happy heart and knowing how much we all loved him. We rescued him from an early lifetime of laboratory testing and enriched his life to the very end. He came full circle, once at the hands of probing humans, to relying and trusting us for his elder care. Yoshi will always be missed and will be remembered with a Story Book ending.

Q - Jenn, can you share some highlight of the sanctuary?
A - My highlights are the residents and their greetings towards me when I arrive! Also my friendships with the residents and volunteers. Volunteering at the sanctuary makes me feel like I am making a difference in their life, as well as they make a difference in my own life.

Q - Do you have any tips and advice about getting involved and helping primates?
A - Yes, every little bit can make a difference. We can’t save them all but we can help those in such enormous ways by being actively involved in their care, in educating others, advocating and standing up for them when you see them in danger or in need of rescue. Give what you can give – don’t stretch yourself too thin. Make a commitment and stick with it!

Thanks Jenn for all that you do!

From the Brock University "Thinking about Animals" Conference

2011-04-13T14:14:00.004-04:00

Jen, Sherri and Rachelle during the Story Book presentation. Kim watches over the table... Sherri and Jen set up the display for Story Book Farm at the "Thinking about Animals" conference at Brock University in St. Catharines.

Chelsea meets Mark

2011-04-13T14:03:00.008-04:00

Saturday April 9, 2011 was a very important date for a very special Hamadryas baboon.

For years Chelsea has listened to Mark Hebscher's voice as he broadcasts the sports news on TV. Mark had heard of his unusual fan, and he decided that he wanted to meet this special lady. So, arrangements were made with Sherri, and Saturday April 9, 2011 at 1 pm this historic meeting took place in the Story Book Barn!

Well, cleaning day is generally on Sunday, and since we wanted Chelsea to be at her best for Mark's visit, the barn was alive with many volunteers early on Saturday morning. Sherri, Leonard, Jacquie, Val, Rachelle, Jenn, Charmaine, Dave and Ann had their work boots on and got everything spic and span. Of course, special attention was given to Nan and Chelsea’s area. We even managed to sneak out Chelsea’s rubber boots to get washed!!! Dinners were made early!!!!

When the Hebscher family arrived (Mark, his wife and two sons), Chelsea seemed to recognize his voice from afar. She sat right down in front of her mesh and concentrated on the voice she was hearing, peaking around the door jamb at her visitor. She was a little nervous, but since the most trusted members of her human family were near, she accepted that everything was ok and relaxed. Mark sat right down with her and talked to her for a long time. Chelsea listened intently and you could see she was trying to figure out how the person on TV was now here. There were gifts too - a pretty box of trail mix - the blue tissue paper was especially appreciated - and a new pair of lovely little boots to add to her collection.

It was a wonderful day - and of course everyone in the barn got to meet the visiting personality. But Mark kept coming back to Chelsea. She watched him carefully, chattered to him, offered him her very best shoe, juggled for him - she let us all know that she accepted him and that he was a new friend for her. This is such special treatment - it takes a while generally for Chelsea to open up to a stranger. But Chelsea even offered him her hand. Mark may be back for another visit - and if and when this happens, Chelsea will be very glad to see him. Meanwhile she will content herself with watching him and listening to his voice on TV. And of course, she has her memories...I am sure she will not forget!

Thank you so much Mark for visiting Chelsea and making her so happy!

Thinking About Animals Conference

2011-03-29T17:28:00.007-04:00

Good afternoon! This week, Sherri and SBFPS volunteers will be participating in the Thinking About Animals conference at Brock University March 31/April 1. On Friday morning, Sherri will be part of the "Animals Around Us" speaker panel, presenting"Sanctuaries and their role in long term care of captive primates". We are honoured to be a part of this conference and meeting like-minded people. For more information, please visit: http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/undergraduate-programs/sociology/thinking-about-animals

Story Book Farm in the Toronto Star!

2011-03-25T08:57:00.004-04:00

Good Morning everyone!

The good news today is that the Toronto Star has published a lovely article profiling the work we do at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary! Thank you so much to the Star! Please follow the link to read the article online and feel free to comment or send the Star a nice thank you!

All is going well today at the Farm and we are looking forward to more spring-like weather so that all the people can be outside in the sunshine and fresh air!

Have a great day!

Kim

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/960242--where-sad-monkey-tales-get-a-story-book-ending

Dr. Goodall's Canadian Spring Visit

2011-03-24T17:31:00.004-04:00

Good afternoon all! The lovely Dr. Jane will be in Canada for her spring visit. In Toronto, she will be speaking on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Royal Ontario Museum. In Halifax, she will be the special guest at the Chamber of Commerce Spring Dinner on Tuesday, April 5th. For more details, visit the Jane Goodall Institute website: www.janegoodall.ca

SBFPS Now a Registered Charity

2011-03-18T12:39:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday to all! We are pleased to announce that Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is now a Registered Charity! This milestone will move the sanctuary forward in wonderful new directions. Thank you to Cheryl and Val for your assistance in making this happen!

Everyday we thank you for your continued support. For all donations >$20.00 we will issue a tax receipt. Registered Charity 84081 7910 RR0001.

Thank you!

PHOTOBOOK available now!!!!!

2011-01-25T09:06:00.003-05:00

Check out the new PHOTOBOOK about the residents of Story Book Farm! If you decide to purchase one, $10.00 of the cost goes directly to the Sanctuary! Enjoy!

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary - Happy Endings! by Text and Photos by Ann Walsh, a Story Book Volunteer and Friend | Make Your Own Book

Supreme Master Television, Jenn and Sherri

2011-01-02T16:17:00.002-05:00

Supreme Master Television donating to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary

2011-01-02T16:07:00.004-05:00

2010-12-31T18:33:00.004-05:00

Hi All.
I wanted to share a wonderful moment with you all. This past summer I was contacted by Supreme Master Television who were interested in the sanctuary and our residents. Several members from Supreme Master Television came to the sanctuary to see what we do here. They did some filming and Story Book Farm aired in a two part mini series in the fall. We were all grateful for the opportunity for the media to bring attention to who we are and what we do and I personally appreciated the media coverage to further our cause. I have to tell you though, I was shocked when TV rep Fan sent me an email that Supreme Master Ching Hai was donating $10,000.00 to our cause and to help the animals in our care. OMG!! Talk about shock and AWE! I was speechless, I stared at the email for a bit...before the tears came. Members from Supreme Master Television arrived here on December 31st with many presents and a cheque. WOW! They helped us so much!!!! This year, they answered my prayers for help and I thank them very much. I know my hard working team members utter the same words.....Thank you Supreme Master Ching Hai

Sherri needs grooming!

2010-12-30T14:34:00.002-05:00

Chelsea, one of the Hamadryas baboons, like to groom Sherri - and when she has a chance, Sherri obliges.

Buddy and his blanket

2010-12-30T14:11:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays

2010-12-17T14:03:00.005-05:00

Good afternoon! Here we are a week before Christmas! The year went by so fast at the sanctuary. This year was filled by joy, heartbreak, challenges and victories. We welcomed new residents Buddy, Remelle (Remi) and Chico. The boys are settling in with new friends, surroundings, lots of good food and loving humans all around. Thanks to the drive and determination of Leonard and Sherri and a hardy group of volunteers, the new barn was built just in the nick of time. We lost Skinny. Basil misses her and so do we. Nan required surgery - so lots of worry - but she was a star and is doing well.

As 2010 closes, we thank you so much for keeping the monkeys in your heart.

Happy holidays to you and yours,

Rachelle

More new residents!

2010-12-06T08:33:00.005-05:00

Meet the new lemurs!!!!!!! That's Buddy with his blankets, and Ramelle (aka Remi)

A large welcome to 2 small new arrivals. Ramelle (aka Remi) and Buddy are a couple of little ring-tailed lemurs that come to us all the way from British Columbia. They are tiny; although aged 5 and 7, they weighed in at about 4.5 pounds. They make our other ring-tails look like giants. They are delighted with their new home, although all the space is just a little daunting! But they have great appetites, and are curious about everything. Remi is becoming quite the leaper and bounder, and Buddy wraps himself in blankets and looks shy and coy.
I am looking forward to getting to know them much better and making some small contribution towards their futures!

What I Missed...

2010-11-08T18:38:00.004-05:00

Good evening all! Hope you had a great weekend - the weather was crisp and sunny on the farm yesterday.

In dealing with a family situation, I have been unable to volunteer weekly at the farm since the end of July until last Saturday. I cannot describe to you the emotions I felt driving up with Kim - a little anxious, nervous, happy, bewildered at how the time had passed and filled with anticipation. Would everyone be happy to see me? Would they be mad at my absence? Angry that maybe I had abandoned them and let them down? The car just could not go fast enough. Yet, when I took that turn and came up the driveway...it all melted away. Charlie, Maggie, Sammy came running down the drive...I pulled up and saw the extremely handsome Pierre - Julien sitting on his log and Lexy with her doll. My heart jumped up and beat so fast.. here they were - my family.. my brothers and sisters.. each majestic and beloved in their own way. In the barn lemurs jumping and happy, Mickey and marmosets chirping, Chelsea with her new dolly - a running shoe, Nan, Jenkins, Basil, Koo-Koo and Coco, Pockets.. That warm dense presence, it was like being wrapped in a loving blanket.

and then there was George and Susie! If ever there was a doubt about being loved or missed... George and Susie made it pretty plain how silly that is... chattering, making happy sounds, pushing against the enclosure, wanting scratches and grooming... little Susie... so sweet and happy... and of course George trying to push her out of the way, but she maintained her spot. So much that I missed...these precious moments - gifts of lives, emotions, sounds, touches. It was great to to see Jen, our hard working "little Jen" in the barn and Kim - to be working once again alongside them.

As we heard at another event on Saturday - some say it may just be a drop in a huge ocean, but it is our drop and to the lives it touches it is the universe... this is what I missed..

Avon Canada Fundraiser!

2010-10-03T21:30:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone!

I am happy to announce a new fundraiser for Story Book!

In association with Avon Canada you can purchase one or two products especially designated by Avon.

You can buy the 75ml Cucumber Melon Antibacterial Hand Gel for $3 and/or a box of three Fair Trade Certified soap for $15!! 40% of the cost goes to Story Book for food and heating the barn this winter.

You can email Kim Meehan at kimsavon2010@hotmail.com to place an order or comment on this blog. You can also get in touch with your favourite Board Member to get in on the action.

Let me know if you want to make this available to your friends and family as I will email you an order form so that you can help boost the sale of these reputable products! Think of a Christmas stocking stuffer or birthday gift!

Our newest resident

2010-08-30T16:30:00.004-04:00

There is a new face, a new voice, in the Story Book Barn! We welcome Chico! He is an "old" - we don't know exactly how many years that means - tufted capuchin. And he is doing very well in his new home! It is to be hoped that as time goes by, he can share space with Pockets, our black-capped capuchin...but for the moment, he is living in a lovely new space that Leonard created in the blink of an eye (or so it seems!!!)

Chico is active and moves constantly - like capuchins do - so it is hard to get shots of him. He has almost no teeth left - they are worn down to nothing! And he doesn't seem to use his tail - but maybe he will as time goes on.

He had a very restricted diet previously - a boiled egg, a banana, a peanut butter sandwich - so he is overwhelmed by the variety of food he is offered now. Apparently corn is a big hit!

As we all get to know Chico better, there will be more to say about him - but he is already a member of the family!

That precious moment in time...

2010-06-08T16:41:00.006-04:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! The weather has been lovely, and life is good. On Saturday, Izzy, Ingrid and I were up at the farm. Sherri joined us later in the afternoon, as she was working. All the volunteers comment how being there, enjoying special moments with the animals, amongst great company and in the beautiful setting is such a balm to the soul. We are so lucky (always in a bittersweet way) to have the privilege to know and care for all the creatures at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, including Chili the llama, Amigo, Mickey and Pablo, the lemur family and boys, the sweet, sweet Chelsea, George, Susie and everyone.

Each moment is so special, because in their world, that is "the moment", the intensity, the pure joy, the alarm, the upset (Chelsea screaming because Ingrid said "No" to Jenkins) and the humour (Pockets is hilarious). It is so raw and in the moment - with no facade. For me, it is like a magic spell, that second in time, the touch, the vocalization, the breath...staying, not breathing, trying to hold it, remembering every second, sensation and movement... and capture it in the heart and mind.

For instance, having Chelsea throw down her boot - well now it is a baby running shoe - throwing it to where she is planning to sit beside you. ..you become so thrilled with the anticipation, that she is taking the time, reaching out, and preparing for that grooming session. She then climbs down the ladder and comes over to the door. Her little hands grab the shoe. She sits down, gets comfortable, and looks into your eyes, checking and searching.. then the "num-nums" sounds begin, the language of happiness...and that beautiful little hand comes out to reach out to you, to touch, to groom, to share....and you just sit there, mesmerized by the power of this love, trust and vulnerability. She searches your hand for spots to groom....it just holds me spellbound. These are the moments of life that can never be taken away, not matter what. Like feeling Billy's breathe on my back, the quiet grooming sounds, the contentment, and for a few seconds joy and the transportation of souls joined together ... in a better world of a language without barriers, of equality, of tenderness and knowing all of us are one.

We need to care, feel and just be, to the depth of our souls. We can all make the choice to live this way...

Nan at the Vet!

2010-05-24T08:48:00.006-04:00

She was a star - from beginning to end!

Her pouch needed repairing (again!!). The vet - another star - removed the leaky hole and remnants of (more) almond shells! Then he stitched her up and we brought her home!

When she got back to her enclosure, she and Chelsea had endless conversation about their experiences of the day!

Boot Drive

2010-05-01T20:24:00.003-04:00

On behalf of everyone at the sanctuary, I would like to thank the many citizens of Lindsay, City of Kawartha Lakes and for those visiting for making a difference to us. It was their generosity at the Lindsay Canadian Tire store today that helped us raise more than $400 for the sanctuary. We hope that we have inspired many of you to get involved whether it be through our Foster Friend program, donation through our paypal or supporting us in other ways - donations of food, lumber, fencing, enrichment, hay/straw or perhaps your volunteer time to help us continue to provide our friends with fresh food, wonderful place to live and the freedom to enjoy their lives at the sanctuary. To those of you who took the time to speak with us, it was a pleasure to share with you about what we do and reinforce that there is a need for many animals in our society, including primates. We also are encouraged that you will continue to make a difference, one animal at a time. From all our friends at the farm, we thank you for your donations. We can assure you that your donations will be well spent. With sincere thanks, Jenn - Volunteer

Pockets gets out!!!!!!

2010-04-07T09:16:00.005-04:00

This weekend past, Pockets' outdoor enclosure was finished enough for him to come out and do a little exploring! He was a little hesitant at first - peeking outside and running away - but with the lure of treats, he finally came out into the sun - and seemed to really enjoy his new space. Now he can have a wonderful summer enjoying the sun and the breeze and all the outdoor smells and sounds!

Enrichment

2010-02-09T09:38:00.003-05:00

Every now and then there is time to do a little something different at the Farm. Sunday was such a day for me. I spent time with some of the smaller creatures and tried to give them something different. I brought some old jewelry with me - long ropes of "pearls", necklaces, and a couple of small stuffed elephants on a string.

The lemurs were at first a little shy - but they managed to take apart their enrichment necklace pretty quickly! I will have to bring them something bigger and stronger next time. The lemur family got the stuffed eles - and within an hour or so, at least one of them was examining it closely - and finding it inedible!!!

The brown lemurs were not much impressed by their pressie - but I cleaned their mirror and that was ok with them - they seem to like shiny thngs - so I will be looking for more mirror-type toys for these guys.

The marmosets were fun too - Micky's mirror was cleaned and she enjoyed looking for the marmoset she saw there. And Amigo got a shiny pendant - he handled it, turned it over, looking for the image he saw of himself. But the corn was a hit - especially for Amingo and Micky. Just pieces of corn on the cob hung in the enclosures - watching the marmosets find ways to get closer to the corn and nibbling on it was fun. Pablo's enclosure is more of a challenge - it is really hard to get inside and put anything there for him. I managed to get the corn up for him, but I need to come up with a way to place a mirror or shiny toy for him...

Enrichment is as much of a challenge for the enricher as the enrichee!

As for Chelsea, she didn't care about bubbles this week, but was pleased to groom my boots again and offer me her dolly. She does have a thyroid problem, and is now on medcation for that...we all hope that this will help Chelsea slim down a little and add to her quality of life!

Some pics of Chelsea

2010-02-03T09:31:00.002-05:00

Chelsea is back in her "home" and quite recovered from her adventure at the vet! There is little to report as far as her blood test results are concerned - at least I have not heard anything final.

But Chelsea has been enjoying some close up time with her "people" - Charmaine offered her hair for a grooming session (picture #3). And then she blew bubbles for Chelsea - and Chelsea really enjoyed that - trying to catch the bubbles with her mouth and her hand. The second pic shows Chelsea with her favourite dolly - the one we couldn't find to take along to vet. But Chelsea found it and is again carrying it around with her everywhere she goes. It is still a little green, but beginning to be almost unidentifiable again...

Chelsea goes to the vet! January 25, 2010

2010-01-26T16:17:00.007-05:00

Chelsea is a lovely Hamadryas baboon. She is sweet and gentle, often asking Sherri to hold her hand and allow her to groom Sherri's arm or boot or whatever is close by. Chelsea loves her rubber boots and she has a dolly that is always with her - it amazed us all to see it was really bright green, not black, when Sherri had the chance to get it away from her and scrub it!!!
Chelsea has a very loud voice, and if ever you touch her boot, or she thinks that you might, she screams - and it it ear-piercing. Chelsea has very strong jaws and although her canine teeth have been removed, she could do some damage if she got some part of you in her mouth.
And finally, you all know that Chelsea is a big girl - a really big girl. Some of that must be the result of eating for 2 - no, not because she is pregnant. She shares her enclosure with old Nan who is pretty much blind. Although Chelsea is invited down on the floor for her dinner and Nan is fed on the platform, Chelsea always manages to eat all the goodies out of her dish and then go and help herself to the goodies Nan hasn't managed to locate yet.
Well, it was decided that Chelsea should go see the vet - perhaps her overweight condition had other sources, perhaps she has a thyroid condition. And the only way to know that would be through blood tests. And the only way for that to happen would be a trip to the vet. I volunteered to help. In the back of my mind were all sorts of possibilities - driving for 40 minutes either way with Chelsea screaming in my ear; getting my fingers chomped as I tried to help lift and move Chelsea's kennel in and out of the car, being pushed aside by an escaping baboon at any point during the transfers...
I was not at the farm when Chelsea was convinced to go into the kennel - but there she was, locked inside the kennel, with the bottom tray and blankets all unarranged when I arrived. She didn't look too happy and had a few grumpy words to say (but no screams). Nan had some grumpy words to say as well - she was not pleased that Chelsea would be removed from their enclosure. And George and Susie next door were absolutely freaked out! But Sherri and I removed Chelsea in her kennel and got her into the back of my little hatchback. She WAS heavy and it needed the two of us to lift her. But she sat pretty still, said nothing and spent most of the time looking around and pulling all the blankets into the kennel with her. It was really an uneventful 40 minute drive to the vet's office.
This was the first time the vet or his staff had met Chelsea and there was quite a period of introductions. Chelsea (in her kennel) was plopped on the scales and the result was a whopping 93 pounds. The vet reckoned she should be 45 to 50 pounds, so there is a weight loss plan in Chelsea's future!
The next step was to knock her out so the vet could do an exam and take blood. At first Sherri tried just putting the facepiece (by which the anaesthetic and oxygen flow) over Chelsea's nose and mouth - but Chelsea wasn't having any of that. She wasn't upset or angry, not trying to break out or anything, just turning her head so that she did not have to breathe in the anaesthetic. So the vet (Dr. Holmes of the Anderson Clinic) went into action. A "relaxant" was prepared in a syringe and the syringe was fastened to a long pole so the injection could be given from a distance. He was remarkably quick. Chelsea did not enjoy the shot - she bared her teeth and barked, but really nothing more serious than that.
Then we waited...and waited...and waited some more. Chelsea got comfy, sat up again, did some serious grooming on Sherri's arm...and we waited for her to be relaxed enough that the facepiece could easily and safely be placed over her Chelsea with her kennel door wide open. And that eventually happened...and Chelsea went to sleep.
Everyone coordinated to slide Chelsea out of the kennel onto the table - Sherri kept the anaesthetic over her face the entire time. Dr. Holmes went to work, palpating her body looking for lumps or bumps. He checked the mobility of her joints, hips, knees, ankles; looked at her eyes; flipped her over and did some more. Chelsea's breathing became laboured - but the vet reassured us that it was simply due to the way she was lying and the weight of her body.
Finally he took blood to be sent off for testing for various things, including thyroid.
Then it was time to wake Chelsea up. She was gently slid back into her kennel on her blankets. The anaesthetic was turned off, the oxygen left on...and we waited...and waited...and waited. Chelsea was totally relaxed and it seemed as though she was just going to go on sleeping peacefully. It took a very long time - longer than anyone had really expected. Finally an eye moved, opened slightly. Chelsea swallowed and licked her lips - she was given some water in a syringe to wet her mouth. She was wrapped in blankets since it is natural for primates (us included) to feel cold when coming out of anaesthetic. But she just did not want to become any more active, would not sit up.
Next door there was a kitten being prepared for surgery - to be fixed! The kitten had been put under and was spreadeagled on the table being shaved. Someone got the vaccuum cleaner to clean up the fur, and that noise roused Chelsea. She sat up immediately - a little shaky perhaps at first and seemed ready whatever was next.
"Next" turned out to be tea. Dr. Holmes had got himself a cup of tea while waiting for Chelsea to be mobile again, and when he offered it to her, she was interested. So some was put into a different glass (he wasn't quite willing to share his mug with her!) and he fed it to her slowly. She seemed to enjoy it - perhaps we will give her some cold tea from time to time...
In the car on the way back to the farm, Chelsea was alert and calm. Every time we slowed or stopped, she would "hmmmmph" at us as though she was questioning why we had changed our speed. Maybe she was just in a hurry to get home.
Sherri and I got her back into her enclosure - Nan came down to see her. During all this, Chelsea had had a boot or two with her, but she didn't seem to care. And although she looked everywhere, Sherri was unable to find Chlesea's doll in the morning, so Chelsea had gone to the vet and undergone all this trauma without it!!!!! Now, home safe and sound, she did not want to come out of the kennel. She was given some lovely (diet) lettuce, as was Nan, but Chelsea chose to stay in the kennel to eat it. She was still in the kennel when we closed the barn door.
I hope there will be results from Chelsea's tests soon, and I hope they give us good news. Chelsea is such a sweetheart. I have been honoured over the past couple of visits when she has come down to the mesh and groomed my boots, offered me her dolly, reached her hand out to me.
I look forward to seeing her again on Sunday. And I really enjoyed my experience of taking her to the vet!

Happy 2010 from SBFPS

2010-01-04T13:49:00.006-05:00

We hope you enjoyed the holiday season! May 2010 bring peace, security and comfort to you and your loved ones.

Thank you to all of our tremendous volunteers who worked so hard this past year imparting kindness, good cheer and care to the residents!

We are pleased to share this article with you from the Toronto Star, written by Corey Mintz who cooked for the primates! Thanks Laura for making this happen!

http://www.thestar.com/living/food/article/739262--corey-mintz-feeds-the-monkeys

photo: Corey Mintz

Regards,

Rachelle

Another weekend - another world...

2009-12-07T08:23:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Sunday, I went to the farm after a week away. I had missed the monkeys and was looking forward to spending some time with them. And they did not disappoint. The lemurs "popped" at me as I came into the barn - always a welcoming sound. Little Mickey Marmoset chattered away at me several times throughout the day. And old Susie (when George would give her room) came over to get her head scratched as often as I stopped by their enclosure.
But this was not an ordinary Sunday. The Sanctuary had been breached and it was a horrible feeling.
Sherri, Leonard, Malcolm, Jackie and I piled into the car to drive along Sherri and Leonard's property line to the site where a trap had caught a neighbour's dog the week before. Thankfully the dog was ok - but several other animals were not...their carcasses were strewn about the area, and it only took looking to realize that the bodies had been skinned - the furs removed...by whom, for what purpose??? Unknown as yet - but there is an investigation started...we identified a beaver - the tail was still there although the body had been largely destroyed by local predators. There was a fairly complete little body too - missing only its fur - not entirely sure, but the more I think about it, the more I think it might have been an otter. And other remnants too - maybe 5 animals represented in all in that small area close to the spot where the trap had been found. All illegally trapped on Sherri and Leonard's property by an unknown person. We looked further, trying to find other evidence - traps, carcasses, trails - but there was nothing we could spot immediately. The trap was of the cruel sort - where an animal caught in it will try to gnaw off its leg in order to gain freedon - the dog was already beginning to work on that, but was freed before any real damage could be done.
Who does this? What good would be a few pelts of such small animals? Who treats them, processes them? Who buys them? There must be a market or this would not be happening.

Such an invasion, such a feeling of violation - I am hoping the perpetrator is caught SOON - perhaps in a trap????

Weekends at SBF (1)

2009-11-16T18:10:00.003-05:00

The first nine

months.....

I started going out to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in March of 2009 - and now my week feels incomplete without my Sunday visit to the creatures! Of course I have met some wonderful people in the past while - Sherri and Leonard are two of the finest I have ever come across in many long years of experience!
But the primates are so special. And as I have spent more time there, I have come to know them in some small ways...
Susie was an invisible Spider monkey when I first went to SBF. For the first several weeks, I didn't see her at all, but was told that she was old and not very strong - perhaps not a good prognosis for the future. But with the arrival of spring and the building of the outside enclosures for those creatures who did not yet have one - Susie blossomed. She spent every day (at least when I was there) out on her platform soaking up the summer warmth. She got stronger, she ate better - even switching back to real food from the Boost diet she was on - and coming to meet me. It is such an honour to have this old girl come to the mesh and talk to me, put her head down and ask for a scratch, shift her body so that scratch can be delivered to other areas. George, her enclosure-mate, has always been outgoing and friendly, talkative and sociable (and adored by all), but to get to know Susie has been a real joy.
Then there is Sweet Pea, the Olive baboon who can be sweet or scary depending on the moment and the circumstances. Yesterday she needed to be lured outside so the door could be closed and her indoor enclosure cleaned. The wonderful bottle of peanuts, peanut butter and banana didn't do the trick - but she loves her ju jubes. And she takes them with all the gentleness in the world. She also likes a scratch from time to time, and I was again honoured when she presented herself against the mesh to me and asked me to give her a little rub. I hesitated for a few weeks before I worked up the courage to do this, but now I am ready to grant her request as it comes. There is always vigilance here - Sweet Pea has really impressive teeth and is certainly strong - but she also seems to be grateful for the attention.
And I have seen incredible changes in Lexy and Julian, the Japanese macaques. Their backgrounds are horrific, and they can be very frightening animals. I have no doubt that either of them would attack and injure severely if given the chance. But I have also seen great changes in their behaviour. With the love and kindness they get now - plus good food, enrichment, clean surroundings - they have both calmed down considerably and some of the violence seems to be oozing away. They are both scary still, and I am always extra careful in their vicinity - but they seem to have gentled somewhat, and perhaps one day they will be scratchable too...
　

A Primate Christmas Wish

2009-11-16T17:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! Now that Santa Claus has come to town, we are all wishing for a happy Christmas!

Could you help make the primates warm and cozy for the winter? Currently, their home is heated by an oil furnace. As we align our values and goals to be ever more environmentally diligent and cost effective, our wish is to install an outdoor wood burning furnace with a capacity to heat >6,000 square feet. Can you assist in making this wish come true? If you have any contacts or leads, please feel free to contact Leonard White and/or Sherri Delaney at 705-357-3961. Your monetary donation is also appreciated, and can be made through our website via PayPal or by cheque.

We, along with all the monkeys, including the newest resident - Pockets - appreciate your ongoing support and generosity!

Giving Thanks...

2009-10-10T15:42:00.003-04:00

As the weather changes, and the cold evenings begin, we are getting ready for the winter. The residents are sleeping under their heat lamps, and the barn is warm....

...I reflect back on this summer - the joys and heartbreaks. I am thankful for the kind hearts who have joined our community - hands that joined together on Peace Day to pray for peace for all primates - the hard working volunteers who day after day impart tenderness, caring and love - the precious beings who we share lives and moments with - albeit sometimes for a short time - and for the gift of purpose and meaning we all share.

Every time I am at the farm I am truly grateful for Sherri and Leonard who with their hard working hands and loving hearts are building a world of compassion, kindness and mercy...

Peace

2009-09-17T20:46:00.004-04:00

peace
let it blow in your direction
let it touch you
melt you

and
mould you
Children of Parque Ecologico, Brazil

....please join us on Sunday, September 20, 2009

Peace Day - September 20, 2009 - Peace for All Primates

2009-09-03T14:47:00.005-04:00

Summer 2009 has been very busy at the sanctuary. On August 15, we welcomed over 170 people to the farm to learn about our residents and the work we do. Thank you to everyone who came, and to all the great volunteers who helped out.

On September 20, 2009, we will be hosting Peace Day, along with the Jane Goodall Institute, Roots & Shoots groups, members of Free the Children, and other communities in a celebration of peace. The day will include inspirational speakers, workshops, nature activities, drumming, games, tours of the farm, vegetarian bbq, and readings. The afternoon will culminate in the making and flying of giant peace doves in the pastures - a hopeful symbol for peace! Reserve a seat on the bus from Toronto, leaving Yorkdale Subway Station at 10:00AM - roots_shoots@janegoodall.ca - suggested donation $5.00.

If you are on Facebook, please RSVP on the event: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118193674087

www.janegoodall.ca/PeaceDay2009.php and http://www.freethechildren.com/

See you then!

Rachelle

Open House 2009

2009-07-28T12:51:00.007-04:00

Happy Tuesday! Finally we have a beautiful sunny day - the past weekend we had a number of determined baseball players in the rain, helping to raise money for the sanctuary. Thanks to Russ, Brittany, Connor, Donna and all those who participated. Special thanks to Larry for organizing this event for the third year in a row!

We are excitedly preparing for the Open House on Saturday, August 15th, 2009 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM - $5.00 per person/$15.00 for a group of four. Please visit our website for a downloadable .pdf flyer to share with friends and family. An event has also been created on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=135644594250&ref=nf

Highlights will include small group tours to "meet and greet" the monkeys. Prior to the tours, you will have an opportunity to see a presentation about the SBFPS residents - their backgrounds, likes/dislikes and how you can help make a difference in their lives.

Activities will include a jumping castle, games, making enrichment for the monkeys, a garden tour, nature safari, BBQ, jumble sale, bake sale, silent auction, and a great raffle - including a plasma screen tv!

The money raised through the event will be used to provide energy efficient heating for the barn in the winter months. All proceeds go to the care of the primates!

We are counting down the days to welcome you to our sanctuary community ....

Rachelle

Lexy's New Space

2009-07-21T19:50:00.008-04:00

Happy Tuesday! We are happy to share news of the reno's to Lexy's enclosure. On a beautiful Sunday evening, she walked into a new space...literally and figuratively. Jenn, Sherri, Leonard, Paxton, Anne and Shelley built amazing structural enrichment, interesting nooks and crannies, planted trees, made a waterfall, and put their hearts into making a happy place for Lexy. We are so thankful to Dwight for his generosity in providing high quality, macaque-proof coloured plastic wood.

Inside Lexy was such a good girl, even though her access to the outside was blocked. She could hear the banging of construction, and commotion. At times she did pace excitedly, but was good company for me while I was in the kitchen getting supper ready. At one point she even made that little macaque "oooh" sound, asking for a bit of banana.

Outside the gang was working feverishly to get things ready - apparently Rome can be built in a day! Sherri so lovingly put the final touches in - treats in strategic places, nectarine pieces in the pool, toys and enrichment items.

Now, as you may know, Lexy is attached to her dolly - she loves the kind that has a cloth body and vinyl head, arms and legs. She can be so demonstrative in her love, that the dolly mostly is worse for the wear. At this point, only the dolly's head remains. So, the dolly head was placed in the small pine tree for her.

With bated breathe, the door was opened for Lexy....Jenn held her breath, as we all did... how would she react to the new house? After all this girl has been through, she deserves so much - this year she lost her best friend Yoshi, and we have seen changes in her - she is quieter and a bit more anxious. With tears in our eyes, we watched our brave, strong Lexy, coming out - albeit cautiously, looking all around - and the first thing she went to get was her dolly head. So calmly, she took the head and went to one side of the enclosure, sitting up high and checking things out. As you can see in the photos (courtesy of Anne), she was so calm, relaxed, and showed no signs of stress or anxiety....she loved the pool and sat on the edge, with dolly in hand, dipping its head in the water.

There was a contented, peaceful silence... (expect for Leonard calling out to Sammy to get out of the duck pond!) .. as we witnessed Lexy, exploring her new improved world - full of colour, love and hope.....

Bon Voyage - Our Beautiful Char

2009-07-07T18:01:00.006-04:00

Every day we are thankful for the wonderful people who have come into our lives and those of the precious beings in our care. Charmaine is one of those people - a truly beautiful woman inside and out, who has no bounds to her loving and caring heart. An integral part of the team, she works tirelessly for all animals in need: monkeys, donkeys, dogs, cats, and great apes. Her boundless energy makes Sundays at the farm a joy.

Once again, she is off to volunteer at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in the Malaysian Sabah District of North Borneo - a rehabilitation centre for orphaned orangutans. This is Char’s third time out there – where she daily cares for the young orangutan infants who have experienced deep loss – of their homes, mothers and families. We will miss her so, but we are so proud of her – our beautiful Char.

Yoshi

2009-07-01T19:26:00.001-04:00

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Yoshi.

Yoshi, and his partner, Kayko (deceased 2006), both Japanese Macaques, were the first two primates who gave Sherri the vision for Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary. While little is known of their lives before the Sanctuary, we believe at one time they had been used in a laboratory due to the scarring on their arms and a tattoo on their legs; both are consistent with laboratory testing. They eventually made their way to Sherri and Leonard’s farm where they lived in peace for the past 10 years. Yoshi’s lasts days were spent surrounded by Sherri, Leonard, and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep him comfortable before he gently succumbed to old age. We all have been blessed by his presence in our lives and he is greatly missed by all who have met and loved him.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Happiness is sunshine

2009-06-17T17:26:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! We apologize that it has been awhile since we posted news to our community. With the warmer weather coming, there’s been a flurry of activity to have the enclosures ready – larger and with new structural enrichment. Mickey has her new, old home outside now. We picked up Mickey's cage (it is really like a marmoset condo) from Kimberly. Leonard built it back up outside, so she has indoor and outdoor access. Mickey loves to feel the wind in her hair - you can see it is sensory overload.

The past months have been filled with happiness and sadness, as precious Yoshi physically left us - but we know that he is with us in spirit. We will dedicate an upcoming blog to his memory, so that you can all know his story and what he has meant to the people whose lives he was a part of...

Nan and Chelsea continue to blossom. It is such a thrill for me to see them every weekend and learn their likes and dislikes...for instance, the other day I was cleaning with Sherri, and touched one of Chelsea's many rubber boots. I picked this particular one up and said with a scrunched up nose - "this one looks a bit yucky"...well, Miss Chelsea gave me the baboon raised eyebrow look - which gave me paused and I wondered what had I done...do-uh..I had caused offensive by commenting on the state of her boot! Chelsea and Nan also have a new outdoor area, with ramps that make it easy for sight-impaired Nan to navigate. As Sherri says, Nan sits quietly and takes it all in…

With the nice weather, we have been taking fresh, young shoots off of the big trees, and putting them in the enclosures. The lemurs love to munch on the leaves – they get so excited. We also dig up clumps of grasses and daisies, which Pea and Pierre love.

Julian has come a long, long way. When he first arrived, he was so traumatized, and it manifested itself in frequent self-mutilating behaviours, such as biting and tearing out his hair. We could not even look at him without causing him anxiety - he was our little ghost - as he did not want to be seen. It was a difficult winter, and at times we really wondered if we were doing the right thing and if he could recover from his human-inflicted emotional scars.

Now, as I drive up on Saturdays, and see Julian, or Jules as we call him...he is outside, sitting on the perch, in the sun, with Maggie, one of the dogs, sitting near him (outside the enclosure). He is talking with Lexy and watching Pierre, his baboon neighbour. Just hanging out, watching the world go by - you would not think it is the same macaque. Julian has learnt that he is safe, and that no one will hurt him. He knows we are here for him and together we will heal. A key turning point was a few weeks ago. Shelley and Paxton had made enrichment items for everyone – including fresh cut branches of trees hanging from the mesh overhead along with plastic bottles, filled with lots of green grass and yummy treats. Pierre just ripped his bottle down and started sussing out what was inside. Julian could not seem to get a hold of his, and got frustrated. His first reaction, of stress, what to bite himself, which he started to do. However, he saw the tree branch in his area, paused, and then starting biting that. After a second or two, you could see him getting himself together and tried again for the bottle, which he got. Kim and I were watching this and it was huge to see that he was able to redirect his frustration and anxiety away from himself. Well done Julian!

We are thankful to all the committed volunteers who daily make a difference in the lives of the residents. Amongst them, is the very talented Ann Walsh, one of our regular Sunday volunteers. Her photos of the folks are magical - she really captures their essence and personalities.

Summer 2009 will be a super busy one, with lots of events and outreach happening. Please mark your calendars for August 15th - for our second annual Open House...more details to follow.

Thanks for reading and caring,

Rachelle

Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) - Vegan Potluck

2009-04-21T18:15:00.003-04:00

The days are flying by, so much is going on...last week we had the privilege of volunteering at Dr. Jane's presentation in Ottawa. As always, Jane was gracious and inspiring!

Speaking of presentations - Sherri will be the guest speaker on May 1st at the Niagara Action for Animals Vegan Potluck: http://www.niagaraactionforanimals.org/events.php

Details:
Friday, May 1, 2009
7:00 PM
Unitarian Congregation of Niagara
223 Church Street (beside Delta Bingo)
St. Catharines, ON

Thank you Kimberly for making this happen! If you are in the Niagara area - we hope to see you there!

It's Here! Premiere Edition of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary's Quarterly Newsletter

2009-03-31T18:09:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon! Today was a beautiful spring day - with the promise of sunny days to come! On that note, we are pleased to share with you the premiere edition of our newsletter - Volume 1 Issue 1!

You can download your .pdf version from of our website: http://www.storybookfarmprimatesanctuary.com/_home.asp

Inside you will find updates on our primate residents, details about the new Foster Friends programme, people making a difference and ways you can get involved. Special thanks to Melissa and Ingrid for their hard work; Val for the proofing and Ann Walsh for the beautiful photos of Razzle and Jenkins.

We invite your feedback - please leave a comment or email us at: fishdreamsblue@gmail.com
If you have friends who would like to receive a printed copy, please provide the contact info to the email above.

Take care and enjoy!

Rachelle

Spring is coming....

2009-03-16T18:18:00.007-04:00

Happy Monday! The weather is finally turning to spring (we hope!)- the residents on the farm are happy and outside - Julien is enjoying his new outside area, complete with ladders and enrichment. He and Lexy are watching and communicating with each other. Pierre is looking resplendent - he is such a handsome boy!

A recent visitor to the farm, Marna Gale, is the driving force behind - Big on Beagles http://www.bigonbeagles.ca/ - a rescue organization dedicated to providing homes for beagles in need. She also writes a regular column for the Beach Metro. She wanted to feature Story Book Farm in a column, so up she came for a visit....was excitedly welcomed by the canine welcoming committee: Maggie, Sammy, Lady, Charlie and Bosley....(they so sussed out straight away she was one of them....a true dog whisperer)....and we spent a great afternoon with her. If you are in the Beaches neighbourhood...please check out the Beach Metro, March 10, 2009 to read about her visit. Marna, thanks so much for the great write-up. We are happy to have you on the farm anytime!

So many great things are happening and coming up - including Dr. Jane Goodall's 75th birthday - on April 3rd. As part of the celebration, the Jane Goodall Institute is putting together an email card, with a goal of 7500 personal wishes and messages. Please click here to share your personal birthday message with Jane: http://www.janegoodall.org/splash/landing-generic.asp .

For me personally, Dr. Jane has had such a tremendous impact on my life, inspiring to reach out, to help, to make a difference, to hope, to care, to honour and to respect....I still remember when I was a little girl and saw the black and white footage on t.v. of her, out in the forest, living with the chimps - reaching out and touching David Greybeard...it touched something deep, deep down. In 2007 when I was in Cameroon, volunteering in the forest with the orphaned chimpanzees at CWAF, all of those moments and images kept flooding into my heart and head - how we need to reach out - and help change what we see in the world and how we see it. As Jane states: We need to make a difference, one life at a time...humans, and non-humans...something that we strive to do daily.

with appreciation,

Rachelle

2009-03-08T19:16:00.003-04:00

Hello to all!
March has arrived and is off to a busy start. Our Canadian Tire money drive has surpassed the goal of $500.00........WOW. Thanks to every one who sent in. It's greatly appreciated. A couple of honorable mentions though....

Courtney themed her birthday around our primate friends and asked for things to benefit their lives instead of presents for herself. Thanks Courtney!!!!!!!! That was very unselfish and we really appreciate you helping the monkeys.

On Friday, Rachelle, Stacey and I got the opportunity to speak with a couple of classes from Antonia's school. What an intelligent group of students! We were honored to learn that Antonia had worked very hard with her teacher, Ms. Lowes and the other teachers and students of the school. They raised $232.05 in Canadian Tire money !!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!

We have had spring weather here this week and the monkeys have been able to be outside. YEAH!!!!!When Anne arrived today she immediately noticed how happy everyone was....Yes it was noticable. They were all happy and content. What a great day!

We are starting to plan the spring/summer projects around here with our biggest plans of an addition onto the barn of a kitchen/office/ laundry/team member break time area/ slash, slash, slash....oh did I mention office......slash...slash...slash.

For those of you who have never been here, we currently have a prep area of two stainless steel tables and a large walkin fridge that hogs most of the room. We desperately need a larger space in which to work. So we have started to collect building material for the build. We need 2x4's, plywood, insulation, vapour barrier and probably things I cant think of. If anyone can help we would greatly appreciate it.

Ann W. has come on board as a volunteer and new team member. Ann...welcome!

To all you supporters....thanks....I need ya. I couldn't walk this journey without you!
Sherri

Amber Barrett's Speech

2009-02-26T12:53:00.002-05:00

Hi there! Today, we are happy to bring you Amber's speech. Amber is Cam's sister and they both share a love of animals, nutured by their mom Leslie and aunt Jenn!

Amber's Speech

It’s like a fairy tale only it’s real!

The really cool thing is this fairy tale is located only 20 minutes away, in Manilla!

This fairy tale is called Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary.

Story Book Farm is a sanctuary for primates. My mom, aunt and brother volunteer there all the time, working with the animals. If you do not know what primates mean, the best way to tell you is, Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary has over 6 different types of monkeys, so you guessed it - primates means monkeys.

Some monkeys at Story Book Farm are: George, Suzie, Mr. Jenkins, Lexy, Nan, Pierre, Chelsea and the newest Julian, plus they have many more. These monkeys are at the sanctuary for a reason. Some of the reasons are, the monkeys were used for research testing. Some lived with humans and did not get treated very well and some were just old and not fun anymore for their owners.

There are so many different types of primates: like Pierre who is an Olive Baboon and 6 years old; Lexy, who is a Japanese Macaque and 4 years old; Mr. Jenkins who is a black handed spider monkey and 4.5 years old; and George and Suzie who are black spider monkeys. George is 37 and Suzie is 20.

Some people think that monkeys are cute and sweet, and they are, but they are not supposed to be pets or live in the zoo. They should be in the wild not in captivity, even if they do live longer in the zoo that’s just nature and how things are.

Story Book Farm is not just for monkeys. They have dogs, cats, horses, goats, a duck and a goose and other animals. They all have a special reason why they have come to live here and all of them will retire here for the rest of their lives. They have comfortable living spaces that are warm and they get fresh food and treats at suppertime everyday. My Mom and brother prepare the supper for them. It would include lots of fruits and vegetables, bread or cereal, nuts, and a sweet treat like cupcakes. Because some of them were not raised very well in their previous homes, it is okay to give them treats that they will enjoy. The owners of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, Sherri & Leonard give them toys and special things to play with to keep them occupied, since living here can be boring at times. For instance, they use fire hose for the monkeys to swing on, soccer balls and electronic toys so the monkeys can hear the sounds and press the buttons. Sometimes they are given their suppers in boxes or paper bags they have to rip open to keep things interesting for them.

Lexy carries around a baby doll and holds it to her like she would a real monkey baby. She seems to enjoy having something to take care of.

Chelsea really likes rubber boots for some reason and will bring it over to show you.

Sweet Pea enjoys grooming old fur coats, as if they were other monkey friends.

Mr. Jenkins is a very silly guy. He was used for a movie once. He was supposed to answer a phone in the movie but he didn’t want to and didn’t cooperate, so they got rid of him. This is how he ended up at the farm. You have to be careful when walking by Jenkins because if he can reach you, he may pull you or pinch you. He doesn’t do this to hurt you, just to play - but it can still hurt.

I have only been to the farm one time and I had a great time touring the barn and learning about each of their personalities. The rest I have learned from my Mom and brother who LOVE going every week. The farm is not open for the public because the animals are not supposed to be on this earth for human’s entertainment. They need to be respected. The monkeys are also not handled and cuddled like you might think. As cute as they are, they need to be treated like the animals they really are and not used for our purposes. They love their home and the workers. They get to be outside. They get to socialize with each other through their cages and their lives have been enriched since coming here. They have very different personalities and some can be mad or bothered at times, just like humans.

As much as we can all learn from this farm and the primates, I want people to know that they should not support the use of any monkeys as pets, in movies, products, roadside zoos, etc. All animals need to be respected and allowed to live their natural lives, not trained to live like humans.

...thanks Amber for sharing with your classmates, the stories of the monkeys...

Animal Cruelty - A speech by Cam Barrett

2009-02-18T13:15:00.011-05:00

Today, we proudly share with our Story Book family, Cam's speech. I am sure you will be moved by his words and passion. Cam is 14 and in Grade 8. He lives and goes to school within City of Kawartha Lakes. Has always had a dog and several cats, has loved animals his whole life and hopes to pursue a career in the animal welfare field.

Animal Cruelty
by Cam Barrett

A dog suffocates to death with its mouth taped shut. A cat dies screaming in a microwave oven. A horse collapses as it is being dragged behind a farm wagon, and is savagely beaten with a slab of wood. A kitten is hurtled to the ground and its skull deliberately stepped on and crushed. Animals are suffering and often there is nothing authorities can do about it. These are some very disturbing and upsetting examples of cruelty to animals. These are some of the more extreme examples, and they are hard to believe - but this type of thing does happen as well as other cruelties to animals. Maybe you have even experienced something like this and wished that there was something that you could do about it.

Mr. Piggot and fellow class mates: animal cruelty laws should be stricter! All animals are defenseless to humans. There should be laws against buying exotic animals. There should be a lifetime ban on animal ownership for former animal abusers. The government should help us move towards achieving these goals. I am a firm believer in helping animals because they cannot help themselves. They are completely at our mercy. They need our help.

There should be laws on buying exotic animals. As of today, the jail time is only a maximum of 6 months no matter what offence to an animal. The fine, however, is even less sufficient. It is only a maximum fine of $2,000 and then the accused are let off the hook. We treat animals as if they are nothing like us, but really they are extremely close in our DNA profiles. The chimpanzee is our closest animal relative. We share 98.4% of our DNA according to the Fauna Foundation. How can we not want to help our closest relatives? …and our pets?

A relatively unknown fact is that you can buy exotic pets. Some wild animals are as easy to acquire, and occasionally as inexpensive, as common pets such as a pure bred dog or cat. But even truly exotic animals, including rare species are available. Did you have any idea that a cougar can be purchased for $1,200? These animals are taken from their comfortable habitat to be raised and taught to perform and model. Most of these animals pose an alarming threat to our health when introduced into society. In 1994, a 16 year old boy died from a broken neck caused by one of his uncle’s Siberian tigers living in his back yard. In 1999, a 71 year old women needed 409 stitches to close the gashes on and around her head from her neighbour’s Eurasian lynx. Judging by these astonishing facts and dreadful outcomes of owning exotic pets, wouldn’t you agree that there should be tougher laws against owning exotic animals?

There should be lifetime bans on ownership of an animal if you are convicted of animal abuse. When convicted, the abuser gets a maximum of 6 months in jail and afterwards is able to continue on mistreating animals. Do you think that if a killer had six months without murdering that they would stop afterwards? If an animal abuser abuses once there is no telling that they will stop. When humans get abused they are lucky enough to be able to get a restraining order but for animals they are in it by themselves, they have no voice. Once you have abused an animal, you no longer deserve the right to own another innocent animal.

We as a society should be asking the government to help us, in this crucial time of need. Throughout time there have always been animals in danger and not many welfare organizations receive any public funding. The government should provide more animal shelters and funding, to go towards animal protection. Did you know that animal cruelty laws have not changed since 1982? There are many different forms of animal cruelty -many are over looked by most individuals. Some forms are roadside zoos. These are sometimes visited and viewed as a tourist attraction but really they are like animal penitentiaries - they are taken from the wild to be a source of entertainment. We as a society need to look at these issues and make changes, making animals more of a priority.

Our past and present society seems to think because animals are defense less to us its OK to mistreat animals with little or no consequences. So next time you witness an act of cruelty stop and think… HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT?

...thank you so much Cam for bringing these difficult issues to your class.

...we all thank you for being such a caring, wonderful friend to the monkeys and animals at the sanctuary.

Interview with Sherri Delaney on Animal Voices

2009-02-10T18:31:00.002-05:00

Recently, Lauren Corman, interview Sherri Delaney on the program Animal Voices. Thanks Lauren for giving Sherri the opportunity to talk about the important work of the sanctuary, and the daily happenings and routine on the farm! Please visit and take a listen to: http://www.animalvoices.ca/shows/sherri_delaney

Cheers,

Rachelle

Canadian Tire Money Drive - Now at $193.00!

2009-02-09T18:11:00.007-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! Hope that you got out and enjoyed the spring-like weather. It has been a tough winter, especially on the farm - loads of snow and ice.

We are at 38% of our goal of $500.00 in Canadian Tire Money! It is amazing how those little bits and bobs have added up....We thank each person who has contributed to the drive including- Robert, Diane, Heidi, Christine and friends, Paul, Mark, Erika and staff, and Barbara. So, can you help us for the push of $307.00? We are thrilled that many teachers and students have taken this appeal to their schools and classrooms. Please email me at fishdreamsblue@gmail.com for an electronic copy of the flyer.

We wanted to thank some very extraordinary young people who have shown their commitment and compassion for our residents: Cam, Amber, Sam and Antonia. Whether coming up weekly (and sometimes a few times a week) or speaking out on behalf of the animals, these young people are making a huge difference in the lives of the monkeys. As volunteers, they help with the chores in the barn, preparing dinners, enrichment, and are always thinking about ways to help. I had the pleasure of working with Sam and Antonia (and Mom - Anne) yesterday, and am touched by their gentleness and caring - the shine in Antonia's eyes as she watched Koo-Koo sitting proudly on Coco Puff's eggs (Yes, Koo-Koo's new companion is a little girl (not a male, as Sherri was told) - surprise - so now we have two happy, laughing doves - Koo-Koo and Coco Puff and two tiny eggs. Sam thoughtfully sat at the kitchen table designing a "condo" for George and Suzie...

Recently, Cam and Amber, the son and daughter of Leslie, (an awesome volunteer) took the opportunity through speeches in their classes to raise awareness about Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary and about the issue of Animal Cruelty. Over the next posts, we will share their speeches with you and ask that you read them and carefully consider the thoughts and care contained in them. Thank you Amber and Cam!

Many young people have come to the farm, and it is touching and inspirational to see young ones take hold and allow kindness and compassion to shine in them and to share that with others. Thank you guys...you are the future and you keep us veterans fighting because we believe that tomorrow will be a better day because we see a glimpse of it in your hearts today...

2009-02-04T11:08:00.005-05:00

Wheeeew! I have finally managed to steal away a bit of time so that I can update everyone on the activity here at the sanctuary......Hello!

All the the animals are getting through the winter just fine but I suspect the monkeys would rather be outside. The humans though, are a little tired of the snow, this human in particular!

Sweat Pea was a lucky girl a couple of weeks ago when Rachelle and Kim arrived with several bright coloured faux fur ladies vests that they had found on sale. We gave Pea the choice on which coloured vest she wanted....She picked the dark green one. However, she had a second thought when we put the red one back in the bag for another time......she had decided she wanted that one too! She spent hours grooming her new vest and sleeps with it to this day. What a nice treat for Sweet Pea. Thank-you.

Mickey has settled in beautifully! She is such a sweet little girl and I have to say what a pleasure it is to be with a well rounded happy primate. She had a good life before coming to the sanctuary and it shows! She came here to be with Pablo and Amigo. They are all very content now. Life for them is good.

We have a new Foster Friends program in the works. Its very exciting! Friends of the monkeys can become a Foster Friend to one of the monkeys living at the sanctuary. Becoming a Foster Friend intitles you to certain privledges, a Foster Friend certificate and information on the foster friend you are helping. We hope this new program not only helps the monkeys but helps people learn about the monkeys and the plight they face.

Meet our special friend.
Caitlin is our first Foster Friend. HELLO CAITLIN...and THANK-YOU! Caitlin was so amazed by the Lemurs, Razzle, Kye and Kizmit. Caitlin became a Foster Friend to Razzle after learning her story. We were thrilled. Several weeks went by after Caitlin became Razzle's friend and I recieved another call from Dave, he told me that Caitlin wanted something special for her birthday....she wanted to help the rest of the family, Kye and Kizmit. Caitlin became a Foster Friend to them too! Thanks for thinking of them Caitlin, you're very special. We appreciate your help and............................. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Canadian Tire Money Drive - Can you help us raise $500?

2009-01-19T18:41:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday! We hope you survived the snow storm this weekend.

Exciting news - we are launching a Canadian Tire Money Drive - with the goal of raising $500.00 by March 1st! Every day we work to ensure a loving, safe and honouring environment - which requires regular maintenance to the barn. There is always a need of tools and supplies.

Can you help?

With the Christmas season just passed, you may have Canadian Tire Money from the gifts purchased. Not a handy man? Do not know what to do with those colourful bills? We ask that you donate them to the sanctuary - all those little amounts of $.05; $.10 will add up! So please share this drive appeal with your friends, family, fellow students at school, co-workers, church members, neighbours and teachers.

This would be a great project for your school, scout groups, and social groups - We will keep you informed of the progress!

Canadian Tire Money Donations can be made by post to:
Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
2315 Concession 10, RR#3
Sunderland, Ontario, Canada
L0C 1H0
Attn: Canadian Tire Money Drive

If you are in the city, I would be happy to coordinate a collection point.

On behalf of Jenkins, Razzle, Kye, Kizmet, Rosie, Komoto, Amigo, Pablo, Sweet Pea, Yoshi, Lexy, Julian, Pierre, Smokey, Bandit and Keanu, and all the other "little people" we thank you so much!

Rachelle

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T16:58:00.006-05:00

Good afternoon! We hope you and your family enjoyed the holidays. Here we are going into the second week of 2009. We are looking forward to working with you to make this year an outstanding year for primates here in Ontario and to bring forth their experiences. It is hard some days to get my head around the fact that exotic animals are traded and auctioned off legally here in the province. For example, lemurs are sold in pet stores - which I have now seen for myself. Please join us: become involved; volunteer; educate and take action for primates!

It has been super busy at the sanctuary! Freddy and Duck have a new area, as does Jenkins. Mickey, the beautiful marmoset is keeping Amigo and Pablo (the marmoset boys) on their toes. She had her first meal of crickets - which she loved, but she was not too thrilled with meal worms in her supper! She is very particular in her space and loves to chatter in on conversations. A cute little story - one of the Christmas gifts received was a ceramic wall hanging with three chimpanzees on it. Sherri hung it by the volunteer board in the barn, which is alongside Mickey's area - she was not too pleased about that and kept chattering at Sherri and the ceramic chimps. So Sherri moved it along the other wall, but Mickey could still see it - chattering again, so it had to be hung in the other room.

The wonderful Taylor came up on Saturday - an activist for years, his spirit and compassion are inspirational. Yoshi enjoyed quiet time with Sherri and Taylor, which is such a treat.

While cleaning on Saturday, I had an educational interaction with Pablo and Amigo. As part of their enrichment, they get a treat of crickets tucked into the compartments of an egg carton. While cleaning the floor, I popped the used egg carton on their ledge to get it off the floor and to put it for recycling - next thing you know, they came down - all excited and chirping – “yummy crickets are here”. Alas, there were no yummy crickets...the boys were taken aback and chattered at me, especially Pablo - "Where are they? Aren't they here? Did you hide them?" I had to open the carton and show them that it was empty, but Pablo really had to be convinced. 'Lo and behold there was a cricket shell in the carton. He grabbed it in his right hand, bit it and then looked at me in shock- this was not fresh! How dare I? He flipped the past-due cricket out of his hand and told me what he thought all about that! Every moment I am amazed by these precious beings and how effectively they communicate. Lesson learned here - do not touch the egg carton!

2008-12-20T18:24:00.002-05:00

Hello to all Story Book Readers.
Christmas came early this week in the monkey house. It was a very special time. Santa wasn’t dressed in red nor did he have a white beard or a red nose. Actually his name wasn’t even Santa, it was Cam, Courtney, Leslie, Jenn, and our new friend Lori. This year Cam and Courtney went with one less present on Christmas in order to do something nice for the monkeys. They all arrived one evening with Christmas boxes for each one of the group. IT WAS WONDERFUL! Sweet Pea’s BIG box was filled with shredded paper and mixed in the paper were presents! A stuffed animal, a ginger bread cookie all wrapped up, some jelly beans in a container. WOW! The best present for Pea was that very special soft coat that she found in the box. She takes it up to bed every night to sleep with. Lexy’s box had a new doll in it for her, which she has since adopted as her new baby. Lexy doesn’t like just any doll, she is very particular, but her new doll was a good choice. Chelsea had a Sponge Bob Square Pants water toy in her box, it bubbles when you push the button. She really likes the sound that it makes. New rubber boots were also in her box! Everyone who knows Chelsea knows how much she likes boots. Mr. Jenkins got a stuffed toy snake and he enjoyed playing tug of war with Cam. They all liked their boxes so much. It was very special for us to watch them. Cam and Courtney did such a great job putting the boxes together. Cam and Courtney….you are very special for thinking of the monkeys and giving them such a wonderful day…thank-you!
We are glad you are all a part of our monkey family.

Today, Kathy and Jeff arrived from Toronto to help with the monkeys. They too came with very special presents. Some of Kathy’s students made monkey necklaces with pasta and hemp. Pierre enjoyed his so much. If any of you students are reading. Great job!!! Thank-you.

As I sit here blogging and being thankful and as yet another year is fast coming to an end, I feel really blessed at how many friends the monkeys have and how many people I truly call friend. So to all of you who have helped the monkeys in any way, we are glad you are apart of our extended monkey family, we are blessed to have you. Please know that you have made a difference and the monkey’s lives are better for it. My life is better for it, Thank-you. Sherri

Freddy is a muscovy..

2008-12-08T13:23:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! At the farm there was lots of activity this week, as we welcomed a new friend for Koo-Koo the dove and Mickey, a beautiful pencil marmoset. The boys, Pablo and Amigo were so curious all morning with the preparations and nuzzled her straight away to reassure her and say Hello. Mickey is a well-loved little girl, who needed to be with her kind, so she came to the farm to her new family.

Freddy is growing into a handsome Muscovy duck. His crest is now becoming prominent, as is the red colouring around his eyes and beak. It is quite sweet, as Duck (the goose) laid an egg this week, which she sometimes does. This kicked in Freddy's paternal instincts, so Sherri said he was watching the nest closely and became "big man on campus". He is very protective towards Duck and stays by her side. When we brought them in for the night, they rubbed necks and touched their beaks together. Very touching - showing once again how we can learn so much from our fellow creatures in the art of getting along and being peaceful!

The holidays are just around the corner. These times are very concerning for all of us, escpecially sanctuaries who rely on the kindness and generousity of supporters. We ask that you think of the primates and beings at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary when completing your gifts and shopping. Canadian Tire money is helpful, as are donations, either cash or in-kind, or helping us spread the word. If you are not sure if you have something we can use, please feel free to check out the website, or email Sherri directly at: sherridelaney@hotmail.com. Donations can be made through the website or by mail to:

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
2315 Concession 10, RR#3
Sunderland, Ontario, Canada
L0C 1H0

www.storybookfarmprimatesanctuary.com

Thank you so much and have a great week!

Rachelle

Looking forward

2008-12-05T13:41:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! Can you believe that we are now into December???? So many things have been going on at the Sanctuary - Julian is settling in, and talks to his sister, Lexy. He has a good friend in Kim - she sits with him and he will shift for her, when it is cleaning time.

Freddy continues to grow everyday, he is a big beautiful duck - we are not sure what kind, but he and Duck (the goose) are the dearest of friends, chatting, talking and wanting to be part of the team.

Emma has been adopted by Val, one of our amazing volunteers. Emma is bringing laughter and new adventures to Niles, Val's other companion cat.

Please stay tuned as our 2009 Calendars will be available for download shortly.

Welcome to Julian!

2008-09-28T08:54:00.004-04:00

It's been an interesting couple of weeks...Sherri heard about an incident in the Picton area concerning the escape of a Japanese Macaque from a place that has seen better days. She reached out to those people to assist and we went to the area on a rescue mission a few times! Tracking through woods and fields looking for a medium sized monkey is not so easy.

But that is our commitment. To make monkey lives better, every day for the rest of their lives. Period.

So, last week, Julian was captured and Sherri went on down and he was released to the care of Story Book Farm...where you may ask was he going to fit into the barn? Some construction has been necessary this weekend to accomodate George and Susie to live beside Nan and Chelsea so that Julian can live amongst Lexy, Yoshi, Sweet Pea and Pierre. He arrived on Monday and had a nervous two days of not leaving his nest box. Sherri was becoming very anxious but on wednesday morning he had come down for a big drink and eaten a bit of fruit...whew!! Now came the aggression at his new situation. He was none too happy to have new roommates! He lashed out at Pea and Lexy...wouldn't let Sherri anywhere near.

I went up on Saturday to see what I could see and it seemed that the instant he saw me, he thought I was okay and he started to calm down. I can't take any credit, it was just I seem to be the person for him. He really turned a corner yesterday. I spent some time in the area, talking to Pea and Julian and even Lexy and Yoshi...we had a great time. When Julian got aggressive and started Pea off, I talked quietly to them and Pea calmed down, then he did too.

We decided to try to shift him over to Lexy's area and it only took 15 min, which is really astounding! He was so trusting. He was scared, don't get me wrong. He knew Lexie was around and had lived with her wrath before at the other place. They are actually part of the same family and we hope to get them together in the future.

So, Sherri put some yummy food into the shift cage and I waited patiently to see if he would come over. He made lots of good noises and peeked through the shift door and eventually came all the way over. He didn't even look at the food. I had also thrown in some peanuts, but again, pad no attention. I was amazed at his level of trust. A little overwhelmed at one point too...I am a big softie you know! Once he was feeling a little relaxed I closed the door and we were able to clean out his area and change the water from the inside! He went right back when the door opened again...I think he has shifted before and he is a VERY smart boy! Way to go Julian! I am very optimistic that he will make more progress soon and learn to trust all the souls that are around the farm including the human ones! Sherri will try to shift him today and hopefully that will go well.

On a separate note, little Freddy duck is changing colour and looking beautiful and is extremely happy and content. Charmaine returned from Borneo and came out to help out and went home with a kitten for Dave! Only two left,,,actually Val will be taking one so just one left...Sarah, you need to come and get it! Everybody else is good and hopefully George and Susie will be moved today and enjoy their new area...they will be able to Jenkins again, I think Jenks will like that!

Okay, that's too many words for today...thanks to everyone who reads the blog, we know you're out there now! Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers and keep in touch everyone!

See ya out there...

kim

Sherri's now blogging!!!!!!!!

2008-09-13T17:12:00.002-04:00

Hi Guys. This is a first!!!! So HELLLOOOOO.
Today was cleaning day at the farm so as I sit here typing I am noticing that I smell quite similar to my friends in the barn.... so this will be a short first start.
We have a new arrival, his name was Leonard but we have decided to call him Freddy. He is a baby duck. We are hoping that he will become Duck's new partner and friend. We will be taking it slow as both have been imprinted with humans. We will keep you posted on the progress. Everyone else is fine and still enjoying their access to the outdoors as summer moves into fall. I will bring my blogging to a close for today so that I can ease the noses that are in the house. Take care to all.
Sherri

Thank you for a great summer

2008-09-07T19:01:00.005-04:00

Hi folks - so here we are at September 7, 2008. Hope you had a great summer...The Vegetarian Food Fair is wrapping up, and the colours of the leaves are changing. As we look back over this summer, it has been tremendous for the residents at the sanctuary. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Back in May, Sherri, Kim and I sat down to plan out what the summer could look like, including the idea of the first Open House of Story Book Farm. At the time, it seemed a bit daunting - so many things to do - Woofstock, Dog Days of Scugog, volunteer days, the Open House, and then the Baseball tournament and the Veg Food Fair - phew! So many wonderful things happened during each of these events, for example, the Dog Days of Scugog brought the wonderful Val into the lives of the primates. She has been an awesome volunteer and spent her vacation days helping us getting prepared for the Open House. We could not have done it without her!

The Open House was such a success - we had over 150 visitors to the farm, including the crew of CBC Newsworld - who filmed for 90 minutes in the morning and did a great, factual story entitled "Unwanted Exotics" in the national broadcast. Rob Laidlaw of Zoocheck was also interviewed, citing the lax laws and how it is easier to own a tiger or python, than it is to get a license to drive a cab or run a hot-dog stand. We will be posting the video of the broadcast on our site soon.

As you know, we had rain almost every day, so the thought of a rain-soaked day was possible, but we had fortune smile on us and it was a beautiful sunny day. As I think back on that day, our amazing crew of volunteers is the foremost thing on my mind - so many to thank including: Laura, Sarah, Taylor, Kim, Rob, Malcolm, Cindy, Val, Lucy, Lesley, Dan, Sue and her lovely "lemonade girls", Devon, Chris, Stacey, Jess, LJ, Tracey, Jenn, Lisa, Lesley and Cam, and the whole crew who baked cookies, donated goods and helped in so many ways. We especially want to thank our "web guys" Ken and James. One of the visitors asked how we were able to get so many volunteers to help - for this we are so grateful.

It was amazing to me to see how respectful everyone was of the residents - we had small groups, and requested no talking in the barn to keep things quiet - everyone did so and was so moved by "the folks". George, Mr. Jenkins, Pierre, Razzle, Kye and Kizmet really loved the visits - Mr. Jenkins was watching down to the pasture all the time, watching the activity. Pablo and Amigo, the little marmosets just loved seeing all the new faces, running through the chutes above, checking things out. Sweet Pea was so great too. It was so important that people understand what the monkeys have been through and how they can help.

Thanks to Larry for organizing the baseball tournament - we had eight teams participate, with people coming as far away as Kingston to join. The weather held up and it was a great day too!

In the midst of all of this, we have the privilege of watching the blossoming friendship between Sweet Pea and Violet. As Kim blogged earlier, we saw the first encounters with Violet going into Pea's area. As the summer progressed, it became a regular thing, with Violet coming in to visit Pea, and Pea grooming her and carrying her as she would a baby baboon. Last Saturday, Pea carried Violet over to the water bucket and placed her up on the ledge as if to show her where the water was! Violet stayed with her a long time, and stood up against Pea's face and pushed her kitten cheek into Pea's cheek - it was so moving! In this photo, you can see Pea grooming Violet as she is sleeping. We are so thrilled that Violet and Sweet Pea have each other and have formed this very special bond. As Violet grows, we are planning to make a little "cat door" into Sweet Pea's area so she can come and go.

Thank you again to all the people who have made this summer a memorable one - Laura for coming up so often; Sarah helping with outreach; Kim with husbandry skills; Val and Cindy doing carpentry work; Leslie and Cam; Sue - raising money at her garage sale; Larry helping organizing; and the merchants and vendors who donated goods - to everyone - with thank you so much! At most of all, I want to thank Sherri and Leonard for their compassion, determination and strength to put up with all of us :), and to daily provide an example of how 'everyday' people can save the world, maybe not the whole world, but for each individual - their whole world. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this!

Chelsea and her new purple boot

2008-08-13T21:30:00.002-04:00

Hi folks! Hope you are doing well - we have been very busy getting things ready for the big Open House and fundraiser on Saturday! It was such a great experience working along side volunteers Laura, Val, Cindy, Malcolm and of course Sherri and Leonard last weekend. There was such a buzz in the air, actually, it was Leonard's saw...no, actually good chi!

The precious Chelsea, one of "the ladies" - Chelsea and her mom, Nan was so intrigued by all the activities going on. It is heartwarming to see how far they have come along from last fall when they first arrived - afraid, unsure, not knowing who to trust, but understanding immediately that Sherri was there for them.

Chelsea loves rubber boots - she grooms the soles and makes a quick num,num,num,num vocalization - we know she is happy when she is hugging her boot and "talking". So, as a girl, I thought, instead of a plain old rubber boot, she should have a pretty, shiny one. Off I went on a mission to find cute wellies for Chelsea. I was happy when I came upon a pretty purple Dragon Tales pair, complete with pictures. On Saturday, Sherri put the right boot in her area and I excited sat with Chelsea, expecting her to go straight for it. Well, no, she did not. For most of the day, she totally ignored it and favoured the plain boot. When I returned on Sunday, the pretty purple boot lay there, untouched. A bit perplexed by this..remember..we humans can be dumb about these things...I thought maybe I should play with her and the new boots. So I went and got the pretty purple left boot, sat down and started to groom the boot and "talk" to her...num,num,num,num...she watched, but did not react. I had to continue my chores..as soon as I was out of sight, I heard this num,num,num,num and Malcolm said - "she has the boot ". Going back, low and behold, there she was happily talking, grooming and investigating the grooves and the various textures on the boot. I sat back down with her and we had such a time, exploring the boot and talking num,num,num,num,num...It was such a sweet moment..

..at these times I wonder how can some people not see the soul and beauty of our fellow beings and understand...and am thankful for having such fortune to see and hear them as they speak without 'words'..

Sweet Pea moment

2008-07-28T09:45:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I know you're out there! We had a great Volunteer Day on Saturday but I'll let someone else talk about that-Rachelle or Laura or Sherri please!

I want to relay an amazing story I was privileged to witness. Sweet Pea is an Olive Baboon with some behavioural issues mostly involving self-mutilation when she gets upset. These days she is doing this less and less, as she gets into the groove of the farm. Since the kitten has arrived there is some interaction for her. We have been finding the kitten sitting in Pea's area. There was some concern about her welfare, but she seemed fine. Over the past few weeks she has visited a lot. On Sunday, Violet was sitting in with Pea and Pea was soliciting grooming and trying to play with Violet. Suddenly she moved behind the kitten and made a dominating gesture and then picked up the kitten as any baboon would pick up a baby baboon to play. I see this all the time at the zoo where I work with Olive Baboons. Pea walked on her back legs with the kitten in her hands! It was so cute! Violet was so mellow she just hung there. Pea put her down and starting grooming her. Violet pricked up her tail and was rubbing against Pea. They are such good friends. This is such a positive breakthrough for Pea in her rehabilitation. Let's hope that they can have many more positive sessions! Yay for Violet and Pea! Too bad I don't have any photos of this, maybe another time.

Dog Days of Scugog

2008-07-21T17:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday - Hope you had a great weekend and did not get soaked...which is what happened to us yesterday! Sherri was scheduled to give a presentation on Sunday, but was rained out - too bad, we were all looking forward to it.

Sherri, Leonard, Malcolm, Linda, Stacey, Jan, Laura and I were tabling at the Dog Days of Scugog in Port Perry. It was great to talk to people about the sanctuary and the residents. Most people were shocked and surprised to learn that a) there is a primate sanctuary twenty minutes away and b) that there is a need for a primate sanctuary in Ontario.

Isn’t it surprising that you can buy a monkey for less money than a pure-bred dog? How about all the rigour applicants have to go through to adopt-a-dog (and correctly so), but if you have the cash, you can just buy yourself a monkey, lemur, zebra, camel, red kangaroo or whatever at the exotic animals auctions in Ontario? Pretty stunning, eh? God knows where those poor folks go....

We had lots of positive responses and conversations. If you were one of the folks who stopped to chat - thank you so much! The support within the local community means a lot.

Cheers,

Rachelle

Baseball Tournament - August 23, 2008

2008-07-17T17:41:00.002-04:00

..Hey folks...as I said, we are really on a roll...

Thanks to local support within the Sunderland/Brock community, Story Book is having its second annual Baseball Tournament Fundraiser -

Saturday, August 23, 2008
8:00AM to 8:00PM (rain or shine)
Sunderland Arena Ball Diamonds
20 Park Street, Sunderland

¨ Prizes for First, Second and Third Place
¨ Silent Auction
¨ Raffle
¨ BBQ

Personally, I have not been to a baseball tournament before, so I am really looking forward to it. Apparently last year it poured, but everyone was such a trooper...so bring your wellies just in case!

Cheers,

Rachelle

Open House Flyer

2008-07-17T16:53:00.003-04:00

Hi there! Please find attached the flyer for the Open House. As Kim said, technology can be challenging sometimes. Thanks so much Kim for putting this together.

Please share this invite with friends and family - all activities will be "primate-friendly"!

Cheers,

Rachelle

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary - First Ever Open House

2008-07-17T16:43:00.002-04:00

Hi folks! Hope that you are enjoying the summer so far! We have lots of activities going on at the sanctuary, including the first ever Open House! We invite you to come out and join us on:

Saturday, August 16, 2008
12:00 Noon to 4PM
Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
2315 Concession 10
Sunderland, ON
www.storybookfarmprimatesanctuary.com

The sanctuary is not open to the public, so we are excited to invite friends and families to come and learn about the primates and farm animal residents, who have been rescued from situations of abuse, neglect and ignorance. During the afternoon we will be taking smaller groups of people up to the barn to meet the folks.

There will be plenty of activities for the whole family, including games, face painting, arts and crafts, bake sale, BBQ, silent auction, raffles, merchandise, etc. Story Book Farm is approximately 1 hour outside of Toronto, just north of Port Perry, straight up Simcoe Street.

Please feel free to contact me to RSVP and to have your name added to the tour list. If you have any questions, just let me know.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation to the sanctuary, please visit our web-site at www.storybookfarmprimatesanctuary.com.

Also, if you would like to donate item(s) for the silent auction or bake sale, please let me know and we can arrange pick-up.

Thanks so much for making 2008 GREAT!

Rachelle

2008-07-16T16:16:00.002-04:00

Hmmm, I can't figure out how to add a pdf file. Perplexing, I will keep trying to get it on here, bear with me! As a consolation, here are some more pictures! Enjoy!

2008-07-16T15:48:00.003-04:00

Well, I have managed to create a flyer for the Open House...hopefully I can attach it and everyone can see it! Technology is challenging sometimes, especially when you're crawling around in the dark. If it works, maybe you can print it out to give yourself directions. Hope to see you there!

Oh yeah, in case you're not on Facebook...we are having a volunteer day on Satruday, July 26, 2008 from 10 am until we're done! We will be helping to put siding on the barn, paint, general clean up for the open house and some outdoor caging. Bring your hammer, gloves and appropriate footwear...ie no heels or open toe shoes please!!! Come one, come all!

Welcome to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary!!

2008-07-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

Welcome to the new blog!! We will use this space to let you know what's happening on the farm with all of the folks. Whether it's a need for toys, stories about progress or someone not feeling well, we will keep you informed, especially if you can't come to visit us. We'll be posting pictures and video and let you know about the open house scheduled for Saturday, August 16th! Keep checking for news and leave us your comments! We would like this to be as interactive as possible!

So welcome from Sherri, Leonard, George, Suzie, Pierre, Sweet Pea, Razzle, Kizmet, Kyoto, Lexie, Yoshi, Jenkins, Duck, Komodo, Charlie Brown, Maggie, Lady, Sam, Basil, Skinny, Minnie, Chili, and everybody else at the farm...as well as Kim, Rachelle, Charmaine, Laura and all of the other volunteers!!

Talk to you soon!

Story Book Tails

Merry Christmas

Pockets' Art Extravaganza - Dec. 6, 2011

What an amazing week!

We are in the Semi-Finals!

Aviva Community Fund - We Need Your Help - Only 4 Days Left to Vote!

Aviva Community Fund - We've made it to Round 3

Pockets, our resident Artiste!!!!!

Training Mr. Jenkins

Announcing the SBFPS 2012 Calendar Sale!

VOTE! Aviva Community Fund *Homestrech* Update - We are in the next round and need your votes!

Aviva Community Fund - Please vote daily to help us get to 1,000 votes

Voting Opens Today - October 3, 2011

Aviva Community Fund - Get ready to vote beginning October 3rd

Buddy Lemur

Thanks again!!!!

It's September!!!!

Maggie goes to the vet too!

Susie goes to the vet!

A great day!!! We thank you!

Julien's surgery

SBFPS Baseball Tournament a Huge Success!!!

Sweet Pea and her new Baby Chimpanzee!

Pierre and the baboon in the mirror!

Take Five with Izzy Hirji

Buddy gets a cast!

Chelsea and Nan get a new bedroom!!!!

SBFPS Summer Events

Sweet Pea and Her New Bear

Take Five with Jenn Ross

From the Brock University "Thinking about Animals" Conference

Chelsea meets Mark

Thinking About Animals Conference

Story Book Farm in the Toronto Star!

Dr. Goodall's Canadian Spring Visit

SBFPS Now a Registered Charity

PHOTOBOOK available now!!!!!

Supreme Master Television, Jenn and Sherri

Supreme Master Television donating to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary

Sherri needs grooming!

Buddy and his blanket

Happy Holidays

More new residents!

What I Missed...

Avon Canada Fundraiser!

Our newest resident

That precious moment in time...

Nan at the Vet!

Boot Drive

Pockets gets out!!!!!!

Enrichment

Some pics of Chelsea

Chelsea goes to the vet! January 25, 2010

Happy 2010 from SBFPS

Another weekend - another world...

Weekends at SBF (1)

A Primate Christmas Wish

Giving Thanks...

Peace

Peace Day - September 20, 2009 - Peace for All Primates

Open House 2009

Lexy's New Space

Bon Voyage - Our Beautiful Char

Yoshi

Happiness is sunshine

Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) - Vegan Potluck

It's Here! Premiere Edition of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary's Quarterly Newsletter

Spring is coming....

Amber Barrett's Speech

Animal Cruelty - A speech by Cam Barrett

Interview with Sherri Delaney on Animal Voices

Canadian Tire Money Drive - Now at $193.00!

Canadian Tire Money Drive - Can you help us raise $500?

Happy New Year!

Freddy is a muscovy..

Looking forward

Welcome to Julian!

Sherri's now blogging!!!!!!!!

Thank you for a great summer

Chelsea and her new purple boot

VOTE! Aviva Community Fund Homestrech Update - We are in the next round and need your votes!