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