The organization was founded and incorporated in 2002 by Tracy Fenn, a zoo professional with a passion for primates. Thousands of primates are exploited in the US pet trade, substandard zoos, and entertainment industry each year. Shocked and appalled by the prevalence of and conditions endured by pet marmosets, lemurs and other primates, Tracy knew she had to do something.

In 2008, the organization opened a small-scale primate sanctuary. The first four residents were common marmosets surrendered by regretful pet owners. In 2010, the first two lemur residents arrived, also surrendered pets. Requests for lemur sanctuary placements kept growing, faster than EPF could make space for them. It became clear that there simply were not enough resources being devoted to lemur sanctuary space, so EPF transferred the few marmoset residents to trusted sanctuary partners and made a commitment to specialize in lemur welfare.

EPF is governed by a small Board of Directors with significant background in wildlife husbandry and nonprofit organizations. Board President Dr. Monica Mogilewsky, has significant experience in both lemur husbandry and conservation research with wild-living lemurs in Madagascar. Board Secretary Allison Zak, has a background in lemur research and nonprofit management. Richard Kotarsky and Christie Eddie both have decades of experience working at zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). We are actively working to recruit more diverse talent for our board.

Our Founder and (volunteer) Executive Director Tracy Fenn has over 30 years of experience working with primates of many different species in human care. She oversees five part-time employees, one Sanctuary Manager and four Lemur Caregivers. The team collectively has over 50 years of experience working with lemurs and other primates in human care.

Endangered Primate Foundation, Inc.

Protecting primate welfare

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