Ep8 Erika Fleury about primates, finding your niche, and collaboration to make small changes every day!

Erika Fleury is an author and the Program Director of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA), and an unofficial primatologist, and loves to talk about primates!

As Program Director Erika works on a lot of different topics, from legislation, addressing primates not being suitable as pets, grant writing, workshops, and the international animal community, from zoos to legislators, students, and members of the public.

Erika shares what makes a true sanctuary, the different animals who live and found a new home, from cows, tigers, to other primates, about the necessary protocols and procedures to maintain sustainable care and welfare of animals in NAPSA sanctuaries.

Erika highlights how some so-called 'sanctuaries' are not engaging in ethical practices such as breeding and selling primates to the public.

Erika talks about how important it is to explore and use your talents, and how this can benefit primates. It is also important to ask questions like: Do you want to move to a rural area, and are you willing to work hard. Check out the NAPSA volunteer and paid positions are available, to learn more about working with primates, and animal welfare and protection.

Erika is the author of the book: Monkey Business: A History Of Nonhuman Primate Rights examines the diverse issues involved with accepting mankind's closest relative into its ever-expanding circle of ethical consideration. Erika talks affectionately and inspirationally about the amazing women who established primate sanctuaries. Erika's second book is coming out soon!

Erika shares the story on Chimpanzees in Need, now appealing to the entire world to secure a sustained future 42 remaining chimpanzees.

Erika highlights the importance of continued collaboration and conversations, we get further by collaborating - focussing on the things that unite us. To make small incremental changes for primates and others now, which can also help us to unite and work together, even if we have different perspectives.

In conclusion, Erika shares a beautiful story on resilience and having faith in the universe.