PRIMARILY PRIMATES

Nearly 160 baboons in captivity at San Antonio's Texas Biomedical Research Institute (TBRI) suffered amputations due to frostbite from February's disastrous winter storm, according to...

A woman walks through falling snow in San Antonio, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. Primarily Primates on Wednesday said the animals, including monkeys, lemurs and one chimpanzee, died, as the 78-acre sanctuary has been without electricity since Monday morning. Officials said she “was young at heart, outgoing and spirited.”The sanctuary houses hundreds of animals, including 32 chimpanzees, for life. The animals, the majority of them being primates, were rescued from research and entertainment industries. Since then, staff and volunteers worked around the clock to evacuate animals from the sanctuary and keep the ones that remained safe and warm.

“I’ve never faced a decision like this,” said Chavez, executive director of Primarily Primates, the nonprofit in Leon Springs. On ExpressNews.com: Live updates on road closures, blackouts and moreAnimal sanctuary seeks donations Who: Primarily Primates, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Leon Springs, is seeking donations as severe weather continues. Where: Primarily Primates, 26099 Dull Knife Trail, San Antonio, 78255 See More Collapse“I never, ever thought my office would turn into a morgue, but it has,” Chavez said, her voice cracking. I cannot believe their generosity.”On ExpressNews.com: Primate sanctuary has first public tourChavez also expressed appreciation for the staff at the San Antonio Zoo, which took in 14 primates and 10 macaw parrots. She said most homes near the sanctuary have electricity, at least as of Tuesday afternoon.

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Zoo is asking the community for help in gathering items needed for the Primarily Primates Animal Sanctuary. The nonprofit sanctuary, located in Leon Springs, has had power outages due to the severe winter weather, which has had devastating effects on the animals in its care. The sanctuary is looking for donations that include:BlanketsFlashlightsPropane TanksGeneratorsHeatersDog and cat carriersOfficials with Primarily Primates is asking that donations be brought to 26099 Dull Knife Trail only if it is safe for drivers to do so.