In October 2023, the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary officially opened in Perkinston, Mississippi, around 50 kilometers north of the Gulf Coast. The 15-acre sanctuary was designed to give a permanent home to animals that were once kept as pets but could no longer be cared for. The facility now houses spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, kinkajous, rescue dogs, and other animals. Although the main goal of the sanctuary is to provide a safe and natural home for the animals, it has also become a place of emotional healing for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). April Stewart, an Air Force veteran and the founder, explained that her connection with animals helped her manage PTSD symptoms. One volunteer, Army veteran John Richard, shared that his bond with a spider monkey named Louie was more helpful than any treatment he had received in over 20 years. Stewart said that helping animals trust again also helps people learn to trust others and themselves.

The sanctuary depends on a group of volunteers, including veterans, who help with daily activities such as feeding, cleaning, and checking on the animals. These routines help bring back resilience and purpose. The enclosures include air-conditioned spaces and outdoor areas where the animals can move freely. To secure its long-term future, the sanctuary is managed by a foundation created by Stewart, her husband, and two exotic animal veterinarians. Stewart strongly advocated against keeping primates as pets. The sanctuary aims to build a harmonious and restorative environment where both animals and people can experience rehabilitation.