International Primate Protection League

Dr. McGreal's compassion for gibbons began in the 1970s during her time in Thailand. She rescued four gibbons being kept as pets and brought them to Summerville, South Carolina, where she established the IPPL Gibbon Sanctuary.

Over the years, thanks to the support of thousands of caring donors worldwide, IPPL has rescued and rehabilitated countless abused and neglected gibbons. Our sanctuary has provided a safe haven for primates rescued from zoos, roadside attractions, private homes, and even research laboratories.

Without the generosity of our compassionate supporters, many of these gibbons would have faced a life of misery or even premature death. Instead, they now enjoy some of the best living conditions in captivity, with nutritious food, comfortable indoor enclosures, spacious outdoor spaces, enrichment activities, and plenty of loving care.

Our Mission

SINCE 1973 we have worked to expose primate abuse and battled international traffickers. We also operate a sanctuary for gibbons (the smallest of the apes) in South Carolina and support primate rescue efforts worldwide, especially in countries where primates are native. Our goal is to keep these uniquely threatened animals safe from human cruelty, negligence, and exploitation, envisioning a world where all primates can thrive in their native habitats.

OUR FOCUS:

OFFERING advisory and financial support for activities that promote the well-being of monkeys and apes, both in the U.S. and overseas

GRANTING financial assistance to primate rescue centers and grassroots advocacy groups that help protect primates and their habitat in countries where primates are native

PUBLICIZING the plight of abused primates and organizing international protest campaigns

CONDUCTING investigations of illegal international primate trafficking; and

OPERATING our South Carolina Headquarters Sanctuary for rescued gibbons who have come to us for a lifetime of compassionate care after former “careers” as laboratory subjects, discarded pets, and zoo exhibits.

DONATE

Please help our gibbons by making a donation today!

Thank You!

Protecting Primates Since 1973

Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League in 1973, and soon after launched a gibbon sanctuary in 1977. Since then, the IPPL sanctuary has been home to dozens of gibbons. Many of our early gibbons were rescued from medical research facilities, but now our gibbons come from a variety of backgrounds.