A moving and engrossing photographic narrative exploring the lives—past and present—of some of the rescued monkeys currently residing at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in South Texas, USA.
From Harm to Healing combines photography and narrative to explore the stories of eight monkeys rescued from traumatic and abusive situations and rehomed to one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States, the Born Free Primate Sanctuary.
With an honest and open approach to the work of sanctuaries, the book seeks to consider the complexities and challenges of life after rescue. It posits the work of sanctuaries not simply as a “happily ever after” for victims of the pet trade, vivisection, and zoos, but as a journey toward recovery that may take years, or even decades. Wild animals such as monkeys remain caged even in sanctuaries of the absolute highest standards. Understanding this, the book explores the ethical obligations and challenges faced by the staff, as well as the monkeys and their individual obstacles, that must be overcome in the journey to recovery.
Ultimately, From Harm to Healing seeks to share the individual tales of the monkeys from their perspective and makes the case that, while sanctuaries are vital to protect animals from further harm, they are not the answer to end animal suffering. Indeed, the only way in which we can end the suffering of exploited wild animals is to tackle the source head on. In the meantime, sanctuaries continue to pick up the pieces and do what they can to help victims of exploitation move from situations of harm to those of healing.
“All nonhuman primates are profoundly complex, intelligent, and emotional beings who are born to live in dynamic and ever-changing societies with family, friends, and competitors. Tragically, these sentient beings kept as pets have had their opportunities to live full natural lives in freedom snatched from them at birth. Those lucky enough to find their way to sanctuaries do not experience immediate good lives but embark on a long journey of recovery as they navigate living alongside those of their own kind for the first time. From Harm to Healing tells the stories of eight monkeys rescued from the pet trade. Some heartwarming, and some heartbreaking, this important book gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the U.S.”—Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., Author of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy―and Why They Matter
“The exotic pet trade rips wild animals away from their homes and families, causing unimaginable stress and suffering to individuals and entire groups of primates who live in complex societies. The trade disrupts ecosystems and in some cases pushes endangered species to extinction. This important book takes you behind the scenes of a ruthless trade and shines a light on the hard work behind the creation of a new and torture free life for eight beautiful individuals, who were lucky enough to have found a home at the primate sanctuary. Neatly illustrated and written, it highlights that keeping wildlife in captivity is not only cruel for animals but dangerous for people. How many more tragic stories does our society need to encounter, till we finally do what is right—keep wildlife in the wild.”—Britta Jaschinski, Conservation Photographer
“A deeply evocative book, with outstandingly beautiful images. A book to treasure as a celebration of free-living animals, now thankfully rescued. A lovely tribute to those who dare to care.”—The Revd. Professor Andrew Linzey, PhD, DD, HonDD, Director, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
“Reading a book about monkeys should not make you weep. But this one does—so much unnecessary suffering is caused by the primate pet trade. Scientists like to analyze data from large sample sizes, but case studies can often illuminate an issue with greater clarity than graphs and statistics. From Harm to Healing documents the lives and in some cases the deaths, of just eight monkeys. Sensitively written, some stories have a joyful outcome, some a tragic one, whether for the monkey or the former owner or both—the phrases ‘large canine teeth’ and ‘life-changing injuries’ appear more than once. Should be required reading for anyone considering acquiring a ‘pet’ primate—or indeed any exotic pet!”—Ian Redmond, OBE FZS FLS—Tropical Field Biologist and Conservationist
