Volunteer Groups

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is built on the hard work of our volunteers. If you belong to a group or organization that would like to volunteer some time and effort to help the monkeys, we would love to have you come out to volunteer. We can accomplish so much when we have groups come out for the day!

Organizing your group

  • Please choose one person to act as coordinator for your group volunteer day. The coordinator should contact us by emailing volunteer@junglefriends.org to make arrangements. Weekends are best, but volunteer days can also be arranged on weekdays.
  • Plan to stay for 4 hours, usually from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Different hours are possible, but please understand that we are always working around the monkey care schedule.
  • Volunteers should be 18 or older. (In some cases, special arrangement may be made for younger volunteers if accompanied by a parent or guardian; please check with us in advance.)
  • We can handle up to ten volunteers in a shift. Larger groups can split into multiple shifts.
  • The coordinator should make sure that everyone in their group receives and understands the information below regarding work schedule, paperwork to be completed, and appropriate dress.
  • You will be able to tour the sanctuary and meet the monkeys after your volunteer shift.
  • Everyone in the group should review the rules and information in the Volunteer Packet. Directions to the sanctuary are also included in the Volunteer Packet.
  • Everyone in the group must complete the paper form in the Volunteer Packet (and bring it with you) or submit the Online Volunteer Application form.

What to bring and what to wear 

  • Wear closed shoes, such as sneakers or boots. No flip-flops, sandals or other open shoes.
  • Wear comfortable clothing for outdoor work, and remember that sanctuary work can be hard on your clothes -- dirt, stains, and tears can definitely happen, so dress accordingly.
  • Bring rain gear, jackets/sweatshirts or dress in layers, appropriate to the season.
  • Bring work gloves, if you have them.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray are necessities.
  • If you wear a hat or sunglasses, be warned that the monkeys like them, too, and will do their best to steal them from you. Don't wear anything on your head if you're not okay with losing it to the monkeys.
  • Do not wear jewelry. Again, the monkeys will steal it if they can, and what they steal they get to keep, so don't tempt them!
  • You can bring your cell phone, but if it falls out of your pocket within a monkey's reach you will lose it forever. They love electronics.
  • You are welcome to bring a brown-bag or potluck meal for a picnic lunch at the sanctuary after your shift. Vegan food only, please -- no meat or dairy.
  • And don't forget your water bottle.
  • We would apperciate it if you would bring a small donation of unsalted nuts, dried fruit, or a monetary donation. 

Jungle Friends Romance

Goober Meets Fiona
It was love at first sight for Fiona...she knew what she wanted and she wanted Goober!