Animals who have been used and abused in laboratories need and deserve loving care, and AAVS has been contributing to that care for more than 40 years. Through AAVS’s Sanctuary Fund, donors can support one of our most rewarding programs: providing grants to sanctuaries caring for animals who are no longer used in biomedical research and testing and have been released from labs. Plus, 100% of your donation will go toward helping these animals recover and heal in peace.

Animals retired to sanctuaries can now enjoy healthy, natural foods, stimulating environments, and—most importantly—the social companionship of their own kind. All this occurs under the watchful eyes of experienced caregivers who are also dedicated advocates for animal well-being.

AAVS has been supporting sanctuaries caring for animals released from laboratories since 1983. Thanks to our generous supporters, we have awarded nearly $5 million to worthy sanctuaries.

Click here to contribute to the care of animals in sanctuaries

View the sanctuaries supported in 2025:

Meet some of the residents that AAVS helps support:

SUGAR

Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary, NY

The first several months of a piglet’s life should be a time to bond with her mother and littermates, explore, and play. But Sugar’s life started in a laboratory. From soon after birth until she was three months old, Sugar was used to test personal care products, leaving still-visible scars on her back. Pigs have very sensitive skin, so it’s hard to imagine the immense pain that she was forced to endure.

Thankfully, Sugar and her bestie, Spice, discovered a whole new world at the Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary, where they are both safe and receive lots of love, care, and respect from their caregivers. And they’ve grown into their names—Sugar is gentle and sweet, while Spice is bold and adventurous. They now have the life that every animal should have, free to be themselves, and we couldn’t be happier for them!

TANI

Projet Gorille Fernan-Vaz, Gabon

The first 17 years of Tani’s life were spent at the Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), a laboratory in Gabon where she was born. Her mom, Typhen, and dad, Djoutou, arrived at CIRMF as victims of the bushmeat trade. Although we don’t know exactly how Tani was used in research, during her time there the lab was known for using gorillas in cognitive and behavioral studies and biological monitoring.

Thankfully, Tani, her sister Caroline, and their friend Cola were moved to Projet Gorille Fernan-Vaz in 2014. She has adapted well to sanctuary life and is a boisterous and curious gorilla who loves to explore her habitat. Because she was born and raised in a lab, Tani would not do well in the wild, so she will require specialized lifelong care to ensure her health and well-being—something a sanctuary can best provide.

LITTLE FOOT

Born Free, USA, TX

One-year-old Little Foot arrived at the Born Free USA sanctuary along with her mom, Dee Dee, and aunt Izzy in 2025. Although not much is known about her life before coming to the sanctuary, Little Foot is a healthy baboon with all 10 fingers and 10 toes and was likely born at the same lab where Dee Dee and Izzy were used in research. Sadly, Dee Dee and Izzy had each had one of their legs amputated; it was not disclosed whether this happened as part of an experiment or for medical reasons. But they do a great job getting around and manage to keep up with energetic Little Foot.

In the first weeks after her arrival, Little Foot stayed close to her mom and would squeal if any caregivers looked at her. However, her love of food overrides any fear she may have, as she is quick to approach staff members for food and treats. We are excited that Little Foot has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by her mother’s love—something many primates born in labs never know.

View a complete list of sanctuaries that received grants from AAVS in 2025.

Support the Sanctuary Fund with a donation.