Our Mission: Care, Education and Primate Conservation

Florida Primates and Exotics began with a love for smaller primates and a commitment to providing them with knowledgeable care, enrichment, and a safe place to call home. As our journey grew, so did our purpose.

Today, our mission includes continuing the legacy of Dr. Deborah “Deb” Misotti by providing lifelong care, comfort, and security for the gibbons, apes, and other primates entrusted to us. We are honored to build upon the foundation she created while bringing our own experience in captive-primate husbandry, responsible ownership education, and carefully considered placement with qualified homes.

We believe primate conservation begins with education. Through educational programs, guided encounters, volunteer opportunities, and appropriate hands-on learning experiences, we help people develop a greater understanding of primates and the remarkable world we share with them.

Our programs explore the lives of primates both in their natural habitats and under human care. Visitors learn about behavior, communication, nutrition, enrichment, habitat conservation, and the significant responsibility involved in providing lifelong care for a captive primate.

Our work has two connected purposes: providing forever homes for primates that need permanent sanctuary care and helping ensure that captive-bred primates are placed only with properly prepared, qualified, and legally permitted families or facilities. We provide education, care guidance, starter resources, and continued support to encourage responsible husbandry throughout each animal’s lifetime.

By combining sanctuary, conservation education, responsible placement, and public outreach, we hope to enrich the lives of the primates in our care while inspiring people to appreciate and protect these extraordinary animals—both in the wild and in captivity.

Every primate deserves knowledgeable care, meaningful enrichment, respect, and the security of a lifelong commitment.