
Better Life for Animals 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:
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Kari discovered the heartbreaking reality of monkeys used in medical research
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Decades of isolation and trauma impact their ability to trust and heal
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True sanctuaries differ from zoos and why that difference matters
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Jungle Friends helps primates rediscover their natural instincts and connections
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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
