036: From Interior Design to Monkey Sanctuaries: Kari Bagnall's Journey

If you've ever wondered how one small moment can completely change the course of your life, this episode is for you.

It started with a baby monkey named Samantha riding on the back of a poodle.

That single image changed everything for Kari Bagnall.

She walked away from a successful career in interior design and built a sanctuary that now gives nearly 200 monkeys a safe and loving home.

In today's episode, you'll hear how one act of compassion led to the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida— a refuge for monkeys rescued from research labs, the pet trade, and neglect.

But this conversation goes deeper than rescue stories.

You'll learn how:

• Kari discovered the heartbreaking reality of monkeys used in medical research

• Decades of isolation and trauma impact their ability to trust and heal

• True sanctuaries differ from zoos and why that difference matters

• Jungle Friends helps primates rediscover their natural instincts and connections

• Compassion can create lasting change, one life at a time

Running a 50-acre sanctuary isn't easy. It takes heart, courage, and nearly $100,000 a month to keep it all going.

Kari shares how she stays committed, the power of connection between primates, and what it really means to give another being a second chance at life.

Her message is simple but powerful: Humans are poor surrogates for monkey friends. They need each other, and they deserve a second chance.

This isn't just a story about rescue. It's about empathy, healing, and what happens when one person decides to do something extraordinary.

Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/036-Kari-Bagnall