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Sherri Delaney with at her farm. MONKEY BUSINESS Story Book Farm provides a fun and safe haven for mistreated primates “Pucker up! It’s the best way to communicate with George.” In any other situation this suggestion would seem somewhat bizarre. However, the fact that George is a playful Black Spider Monkey and the sound that comes from the lips 36 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2008 when one “puckers up” communicates friendship to him makes the gesture more than fitting. Friendship is, after all, the uniting force at Story Book Farm Primate Sanc- tuary. Friendship, as well as love and compassion for all primates that have been abandoned, abused or used for lab- oratory testing. Owner Sherri Delaney has dedi- cated her time to providing a safe haven for these exploited animals, in hopes that they recover from their mistreatments and return to their vibrant selves. George is just one example of a pri- mate that Sherri brought under her care. Prior to his stay at Story Book Farms, he was locked up in a dog kennel for several days with his companion Suzie. When George and Suzie arrived at the sanctu- ary, they had several bacterial infections, and due to their prolonged confinement, they had difficulties moving aro However, after familisrizing them- selves with their new home and after be- ing properly cared for, both George and Suzie returned to their natural behav- jour. On a sunny morning during a tour of Story Book Farm, Sherri explains to me the sad reality that Canada has a lot of issues with animal rights. As she says, many are simply unaware of the abuse that does occur, and as a result, they are often shocked to discover that there is ac- tually a need for a monkey sanctuary in Ontario. However, as Sherri has learned through years of experience, there are far too few restrictions on the use of exotic animals as household pets. She believes the lack of laws in place is more than enough reason as to why a protective en- vironment is absolutely necessary. “Unfortunately we can’t change the fact that these animals are caged,” she explains. “However, we can make it the best possible place for them.” These words are representative of the philoso- phy that Sherri applies to her farm, as she Please turn to page 37