Many of you know that I’m on the board of both Friends of Animals and the Primarily Primates sanctuary in Texas. I’m thrilled and honored to tell you that on December 6th, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) announced that Primarily Primates had achieved GFAS Verification.

“It is an important and large sanctuary, housing many of the most difficult to place animals, such as chimpanzees, many species of monkeys and parrots. No matter what level of detail was requested of the sanctuary, they provided it without complaint. With more than 400 animals it was quite a task for them.” Stated Patty Finch, Executive Director of GFAS.

Many animals are cast-offs from biomedical research institutions and the pet trade. One reason for this accreditation is the addition of 19 large, outdoor natural enclosures, built since 2007 to house them in proper social groups.

The verified status also provides a trusted means for government agencies and donors worldwide to give to Primarily Primates as an organization worthy of support. Read the complete announcement about the accreditation here, and read more about Primarily Primates in my previous blog posts.

You can see me here at the entrance of the sanctuary during a recent visit.

Remember sanctuaries are an artificial refuge (no matter how nice) for these intelligent beings. Friends of Animals has a project called GRASP which calls for full legal standing for all primates large and small, that is, allowing them the right to live without harm. I hope that someday aliens don’t decide to imprison and impose upon humans the way we do to animals.

And so Intelligent Beauties, here’s a way you can be part of Primarily Primates success. When you purchase our special Primarily Primates Natural Mascara, in Brown or Black, for just $20, you’ll also receive a one-year membership in both Primarily Primates & their parent charity, Friends of Animals–a value of $69.95. You’ll look beautiful, and help a beautiful cause at the same time. Please join us! Sally Malanga, Founder Ecco Bella

He was the darling of the age back in the ’70′s, thought to be “The Missing Link.”  Purportedly part-human and part-chimpanzee, Oliver could walk upright, and reportedly watched television with his owner–while smoking cigars!

Unfortunately for Oliver, his seemingly human abilities drew the attention of scientists, who subjected him to years of testing.  Left blind and arthritic, Oliver was eventually released to an animal sanctuary supported by Friends of Animals.

Project Oliver is an online photo series about Oliver’s life, and the efforts by the Primarily Primates sanctuary to build a new home for him.  Oliver’s new habitat (See illustration below) will have a grass area beneath various climbing structures and other elements suitable for a chimpanzee.  Tunnels from other habitats would enable different groups of chimpanzees to take turns enjoying this new environment.  For many of them, including Oliver, this will be the first time in years that they have been able to walk on grass.

Project Oliver was also created to raise awareness and compassion towards animals who are cast-offs from the biomedical, entertainment and  pet industries.  At Primarily Primates, they have found a loving and caring home.

Check out this heartwarming and captivating film by Andy Cockrum.  It documents how Joshua, an amazing Eagle Scout, designed and built new enrichment features for Oliver’s home at Primarily Primates.

I know how deeply you care about the planet.  As a board member of Friends of Animals and Primarily Primates, I have arranged for you to become a friend of Oliver and the Sanctuary.  When you order this $20 Ecco Bella Mascara, in brown or black, you will receive a one-year membership in both Primarily Primates and Friends of Animals  (A total value of $65.95.)  You’ll love it!