06/20/2026
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary operates entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team—those who welcome guests at the front gate, care for the grounds, prepare nutritious meals, and provide daily caregiving for our primates.
We'd like to introduce you to some of our volunteers over the next few weeks. If you'd like to join our team, please stop by next Sunday, June 28 at 10:15 AM for a volunteer open house!
Meet Erika!
Erika serves as the Enrichment Coordinator and a Small Primate Caregiver at the Sanctuary, where she helps create a more stimulating and joyful life for the sanctuary’s 36 small primates. She has been volunteering for 3 years this week!
Enrichment refers to activities, experiences, and environmental changes designed to encourage natural behaviors, reduce stress and boredom, and support an animal’s physical and emotional well-being. Through creative toys, puzzles, foraging opportunities, and interactive experiences, Erika helps ensure the monkeys have daily opportunities to explore, learn, and stay engaged.
What she loves most about her role is being able to focus on the fun and meaningful parts of care; developing thoughtful enrichment plans, organizing special celebrations, and watching the animals respond with excitement and curiosity. As part of her role, she is also in charge of planning and hosting birthday parties for the Small Primates, something she absolutely loves. Creating special treats, enrichment activities, and memorable experiences for each monkey makes the celebrations one of her favorite parts of volunteering. Seeing the primates enjoy these activities and knowing they benefit from them is deeply fulfilling for her. The work is not only rewarding, but something that truly speaks to her heart.
One of Erika’s favorite moments happens the instant she arrives at the sanctuary. As she walks in from the parking lot, P*e Wee, a capuchin monkey, often spots her from across the grounds and immediately begins calling out and making excited sounds. Another special greeting comes from Pongo the orangutan, who often chortles with excitement when he sees her. Those enthusiastic welcomes remind Erika just how strong the bonds between caregivers and animals can be. Moments like these highlight the trust and connection that form over time and how much the animals recognize and value the people who care for them.
At home, Erika’s love for animals continues. She shares her life with three dogs: Toby, Jax, and Sadie, and a playful kitten named Ellie. She also spends time caring for several stray cats in her neighborhood. When she isn’t volunteering, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, traveling, and dancing.
Being part of the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary means a great deal to Erika, and she feels grateful to contribute to a place dedicated to compassion, care, and giving animals the enriched lives they deserve.
If you see Erika around the sanctuary, be sure to say hello; she’s always happy to talk about enrichment and the amazing primates she cares for!
