Further Information
Volunteer at a Primate Rehabilitation Centre in Thailand

The Gibbon sanctuary sprang to life in 1991 when the project founders moved to Thailand to build their dream retirement property. Having lived and worked in the US for many years, they wanted a ‘quiet’ place to enjoy their post-career years in Pharanee’s native Thailand, so they purchased 35 acres of deforested land 42km south of Mae Sot in Tak Province (a mountainous region along the Thai-Myanmar border), and began to reforest it with native vegetation. The once barren, rolling hills were transformed into a flourishing property which grew to support several thousand trees bearing fruits and nuts, as well as twelve species of hardwood.

While developing their farm, a wildlife refuge accidentally came about when a local hunter brought an injured, infant gibbon he had taken from its mother after shooting her from a tree. The founders decided to take her in, purchasing the ape for 500 Baht ($US14 - the only animal they have ever paid for), naming her Chester and learning how to care for this new and interesting family member. Initially thought to be male, Chester (now ‘Miss Chester’) was the inspiration for Highland Farm, which is now the home of more than 40 gibbons from three different species, one sub-species and a slew of other monkeys, peacocks, geese and other creatures.

Gibbons come to the sanctuary along many different paths. Some were kept as pets, others are from bars where they posed for photos with tourists, and some are from zoos, yet their need for special care and love is the same. After settling into the safe and secure surroundings of the project, the gibbons health and happiness quickly improves, and they can enjoy spending their days singing with the other ‘kids’ (as Pharanee calls her beloved gibbons).

The project operates entirely on private funds and donations and continues to rescue and receive gibbons from government officials, monks, missionaries, bars and Thai citizens on a daily basis.