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Newcastle sanctuary faces $35,000 rebuild after fire displaces macaques
A heater sparked a fire Friday at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary, destroying a house for five rhesus macaques. Staff evacuated eight monkeys, and no animals or employees were injured.
A fire that began in a heater destroyed a macaque house at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary in Newcastle on Friday, leaving five rhesus macaques without their usual indoor shelter. Staff moved eight monkeys to safety, and no animals or employees were hurt, sanctuary staff said.
Sanctuary manager Carly Gruntmeir said staff arrived about 10 minutes after the building was recorded at 74 degrees at 6:45 a.m. and found it on fire. The indoor houses provide protection from extreme temperatures and a familiar retreat for the primates.
The sanctuary is working to restore a sense of security for the displaced animals and review fire-prevention measures. Project coordinator April Terrell said the monkeys were stressed by the fire, as were staff trying to prevent a similar event.
Replacing the building is expected to cost about $35,000, Gruntmeir said. The nonprofit provides permanent homes for primates surrendered or confiscated from pet owners, as well as animals retired from medical research, and relies on donations to operate.