California Monkeys To Retire At Primate Sanctuary In Newcastle

Deanne Stein, News 9

NEWCASTLE, Oklahoma -- A monetary gift by one of television's most legendary game show hosts will give new homes to five California monkeys right here in Oklahoma.

Bob Barker, former host of CBS's "The Price is Right," gave a generous and significant gift to Mindy's Memory Primate Sanctuary of Newcastle, Oklahoma. The donation will allow the sanctuary to take in five rhesus monkeys that are being retired from a California lab.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give a home to these five monkeys from California," said Linda Barcklay, Founder of Mindy's Memory. "Mr. Barker is one of the great champions for animals and their rights."

In addition to elevating awareness of major animal rights and animal welfare issues, Barker's generosity has benefited a number of animal welfare organizations and established academic programs.

"We are incredibly grateful to Bob Barker for this remarkable gift, which will have a major impact on our organization and the primates we care for," said Bob Ingersoll, B.S., M.S., and President of Mindy's Memory Board of Directors.

Mindy's Memory provides a lifelong home for retired research monkeys and ex-pets in a safe and healthy environment. The sanctuary is currently caring for almost a hundred monkeys, several potbellied pigs, a few dogs, cats and other formerly homeless animals.

The placement of the five monkeys at Mindy's Memory was a joint effort between lab staff, Mindy's Memory and the animal advocacy organization Stop Animal Exploitation NOW (SAEN).

"We are elated to have been involved in placing these lab monkeys at Mindy's Memory," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. "Our work is not only about raising public awareness about animal rights; we also want to insure that retired research animals have an opportunity for a new beginning. The animals always win when everyone works together."

The five monkeys will soon travel to Oklahoma after socialization by the facility's animal care staff. They are expected to be in Oklahoma by late summer.

Learn more about Mindy's Memory Primate Sanctuary of Newcastle!