Monkey sanctuary site for sale amid funding crisis

A monkey sanctuary site is set to go up for sale after a period of "financial difficulty", charity bosses have said.

Wild Futures, near Looe in Cornwall, is set to go on the market next week after the organisation reduced staff numbers and paused public visits.

The charity, which has provided a home for rescued monkeys for more than 60 years, said it hoped to find a "sympathetic buyer" who would help them continue to operate from the site or relocate under sustainable conditions.

Director Sarah Hanson said her "dedication to protecting primates and ending the primate pet trade was as strong as ever".

"Our home may change, but our mission remains the same," Ms Hanson added.

The conservation charity cares for 31 rescued monkeys and also supports projects overseas.

The Cornwall facility opened in 1964 and was awarded the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries "Outstanding Sanctuary" Award last year.

Ms Hanson said she wanted to find a buyer who shared the charity's values, and to ensure "our sanctuary continues to serve as a safe haven for rescued monkeys".

"We are doing everything we can to preserve the legacy of this sanctuary and continue our vital work - the mission of Wild Futures remains at the heart of everything we do," she added.

"It's important at this uncertain time to recognise the small but mighty team of colleagues and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver the highest standards of care to primates rescued from the most brutal of conditions."

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