Gifts that make a difference

Perhaps today you, like so many others, realized it is one month before Christmas and less than a week to Hannukkah!  Are you looking for a gift that makes a difference?  One that helps change lives? 

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary offers wonderful gifts that share joy with both the giver and receiver!
Is there a person on your list who has everything?  Give them the gift of being a Foster Friend to one of our deserving residents!  Starting at $50.00 a year, our Foster Friends program helps fund our important work of providing compassionate and safe retirement to monkeys in our midst.  Click here to sign up.

Is there an art-lover on your list?  Why not purchase a one of a kind original painting by the renowned Pockets Warhol?  Recently, Pocket’s work was part of a ground-breaking collaboration between non-human and human primate artists Brent Roe, Scott Cameron and Pockets at the Gladstone Hotel.  Pocket’s work will be shown in Rome and Helsinki in upcoming months. Follow him on Facebook too!

Looking for a $20.00 gift idea?  Our 2014 Calendars feature beautiful photos of Rudy, Rosie, Pierre, the lemur boys and family and other SBFPS residents!  It is a great way to bring cheer to an office or cubicle!

Is there a golfer on your list?  A four person golf package at Oak Ridge Golf Course in Whitby is one of the exciting prizes in our Raffle.  Tickets are $25.00 for one or $100.00 for five.  Click here to enter.

Is there a spa enthusiast?  A $100.00 gift certificate for spa services at Elixir Organic Spa is another Raffle prize. Click here to enter.

Looking for a gift to purchase directly for the monkeys?  Please view our Wish List. Most wanted items include Curious George stuffed monkeys for Darwin, faux fur items for Sweet Pea, hammocks and swings of various sizes and dried fruit and nuts.

Each and every one your gifts, letters, cards and donations mean so much! The sanctuary runs with volunteers and on private donations. All monies donated go directly to the care of our precious monkey residents.  If you would like to make a financial gift to the sanctuary this holiday season, you can do so on-line or by mail: 

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

 Thank you!

Friday Facts - Squirrel Monkeys




Little Rudy Patootie

Today in Friday Facts we bring you information about squirrel monkeys.   They are shy, quiet and non-aggressive.  Rudy (affectionately known as Rudy Patootie) is a new resident of the sanctuary, approximately one and a half years old.  He has beautiful colouring and is thriving with new neighbours Cheeko, Pockets and Jenkins.  A sweet little guy, he loves jumping and playing with Cheeko.  His favourite foods are grapes, bananas and dried cranberries. In the warm weather Rudy enjoys being outside “talking” with Seek, Whisky, Minnie and Chili and enjoying the wind in is hair.

Did you know…

·         Saimiri sciureus is the scientific name of the common squirrel monkey.



·         Squirrel monkeys come from Central America and are arboreal primates, living in trees and rarely coming down to the ground.

·         Favourite foods are fruits, seeds, nuts, insects and small bird eggs.  If there is a lack of these items, they can survive on nectar from flowering plants.

·         It is only during infancy, that the tail of a squirrel monkey is prehensile. When they reach maturity, the tail is mostly used for balancing which helps them jump from one tree to another.

·         As with most primates, squirrel monkeys are highly social and live in close knit groups which can sometimes number into the hundreds of individuals. Typically they divide into male, females and youngsters and juvenile sub-groups.

·         Squirrel monkeys squeak and chirp and so far scientists in the field have identified thirty different vocalizations.  We are learning many of them at the sanctuary from Rudy!

·         Although numerous in the wild, deforestation and habitat destruction due to agriculture and tourism development as well as insecticide spraying are causing a decline in numbers.

·         Squirrel monkeys are small (approximately one foot in length) and “cute” so people wrongly conclude they can be pets.  The illegal capture and trafficking of these monkeys as part of the pet trade is of high concern, as it results in decimation of wild family groups.

·         Squirrel monkeys mark their territory by urinating on their hands and feet. Then they rub their limbs all over their body, leaving a scent trail wherever they walk. Scientists believe that this behaviour helps them track other members of the group, control their body temperature or is a form of self-cleaning.

·         You can become a Foster Friend of Rudy by visiting our website!

·         Foster Friends makes a great holiday gift!