September 4, 2025 (Ontario, Canada) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary (SBFPS) as of August 5, 2025.
Verification means that Story Book Farm meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Story Book Farm as an exceptional organization.
“We are happy to announce the recent Verification of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, a peaceful and private permanent home for a variety of rescued primates,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is the first GFAS certified primate sanctuary in Ontario and only monkey sanctuary in Canada. We are proud to recognize their effort to achieve Verification. The sanctuary team’s dedication to the GFAS Standards of Excellence means Story Book Farm’s residents receive high quality veterinary care, nutritious diets, engaging enrichment and the freedom to exercise choice. The remaining days of their lives will be marked by safety, respect and love in their true sanctuary home.”
” We are incredibly honoured and grateful to be recognised by GFAS. This reflects the work that we do constantly to improve the lives of monkeys and lemurs who did not choose to be in captivity – monkeys who have been allowed to retire after completing their research obligations, monkeys and lemurs who have been saved from abuse and neglect at roadside zoos or have suffered as pets.” said Daina Liepa, Executive Director of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner.www.sanctuaryfederation.org.
About Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is a Canadian registered charity and is the only monkey-focused sanctuary in Canada. Our monkeys and lemurs come from various backgrounds – as pets and victims of the exotic animal trade, after having been seized from roadside zoos by animal welfare authorities because of abuse and neglect plus the very few monkeys that are allowed to retire after having fulfilled their use as research subjects in labs.
Our mandate is to provide a place of safety. We offer freedom from fear. We are a place of healing and recovery from trauma. At Story Book Farm we believe that all animals have rights: that animals have the right to live free of fear or pain from humans and that we can all make a difference, one being at a time.
More information about our residents and the work we do can be found on our website: https://www.storybookmonkeys.org/