Monkey Island

Monkey Island is a cluster of six mangrove islands off the coast of Marshall that now serves as a sanctuary for about 66 chimpanzees. The islands provide the animals with living space while staff members deliver food daily, including fresh produce, plantains, and grains to support their needs.

The New York Blood Center established a research laboratory on the islands in 1974 and conducted medical experiments on more than 100 chimpanzees there. The facility closed in 2005 and the islands were later converted into a refuge for the remaining animals.

Local caretaker Joseph Thomas has maintained a 36-year connection with the primates, ensuring fair food distribution among all inhabitants during feeding times.

Access to the islands is restricted and requires special permission and boat travel from the mainland. Visitors should plan ahead and understand that the sanctuary prioritizes the welfare of the animals over tourism.

Each island has a freshwater reservoir system that provides clean drinking water when saltwater from the Atlantic infiltrates the surrounding waterways. This system was originally built for the research facility and continues to support the animals today.