A Great Reason to Monkey Around

This Saturday, everyone is invited to go bananas at Otto’s Prime8 Memorial Poker Run and Family Day to benefit the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.

Over the years, the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary has become a safe haven for primates to live out their lives in peace and with dignity. Many of the animals that call the sanctuary home have been rescued from deplorable conditions and rehabilitated. Some of the sanctuary’s animals have been on the property since the 1960s.

Otto, a 550 pound Western Silverback Lowland Gorilla that was near death with tuberculosis and septic arthritis, was rescued by the sanctuary in 1968. Known as the “Gentle Giant,” Otto passed away in 2007 at the age of 42. The event on June 11 will take place in his memory.

All funds raised will assist in the growth of the sanctuary and the construction of a new resource center which will be used as a 24-hour veterinary clinic for domestic and exotic animals. According to event coordinator, Tyler Sheinberg, the center will also be utilized as an animal hurricane shelter once completed.

Festivities will begin with a 70-mile motorcycle ride throughout Pinellas County. Pit stops along the route include the Buffalo Wild Wings, the Quaker
Steak and Lube in Clearwater, PJ’s Oyster Bar in Indian Rocks Beach and Island Outpost in Dunedin. Biker’s will end the run with Otto’s After Party back at the sanctuary.

For those not interested in participating in the motorcycle ride, beginning at 10 a.m. visitors are welcome to visit the animals as well as the numerous vendors that will be set up on the sanctuary grounds as part of the family fun day.

“The event is a safe and enjoyable way to spend your weekend and give back to local charity,” said Sheinberg.