Kari Bagnall is the visionary founder and President of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that provides lifelong refuge to nearly 200 New World monkeys. The sanctuary offers compassionate, permanent care to monkeys released from research laboratories, surrendered from the exotic pet trade, or confiscated by authorities, ensuring each individual has a safe, enriched, and loving home for life. Kari was volunteering as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Las Vegas when a baby monkey named Samantha changed the course of her life and inspired what would become Jungle Friends. As part of the sanctuary’s culture, all who visit or volunteer are encouraged to adopt a vegan lifestyle, to cultivate compassion for all of Earth’s remarkable inhabitants, and to join us in the hope that these individual acts of kindness across species will one day reach the critical mass needed to transform the world. Kari’s commitment to compassionate living began over 50 years ago at a yoga ashram in Phoenix, where she embraced a vegetarian lifestyle. That early awakening laid the foundation for Jungle Friends’ unique culture of dynamic harmlessness. Today, the sanctuary welcomes staff, interns, and volunteers from around the world, each playing a vital role in advancing the mission of Jungle Friends. While on-site, they are invited to explore vegan living, deepening their understanding of nonviolence and empathy for all beings. More than a sanctuary, Kari sees Jungle Friends as a living model of kindness in action — a place where hearts are opened, lives are changed, and the seeds of a more compassionate world are planted. She believes that through conscious choices and collective compassion, we can reach the “critical mass” needed to create meaningful global change.
Susan began her career after completing cosmetology school. She received her first job in a wig shop in Las Vegas, which started her path to owning and running her own wig business for the last 40 years. Her journey into “monkey business” began when her son was 10 years old and wanted a monkey as a pet. After he saved his money for many years, he purchased a white-faced capuchin. Soon after, Susan had four monkeys living at her house. After an attack to her housecleaner, Susan realized that her monkeys were not meant to be pets. She contacted Kari at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. She had known Kari when Jungle Friends was based in Las Vegas, before it moved to Gainesville in 1999. That was in 2005, and Susan is still involved with Jungle Friends as the Vice President of the Board of Directors, and also as a monkey sponsor to her former “pets”.
Sara Smith is the assistant to the Executive Director. She has been with Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary since 2001, first as a weekly volunteer and then hired as staff in 2005. During her tenure at the sanctuary, Sara has been a member of the care staff and office. She is familiar with all aspects of caring for monkeys and running the sanctuary. Sara always has been an animal lover and volunteered at a seabird sanctuary previously. Prior to being employed by Jungle Friends, Sara was self-employed doing clock and watch repair for 30 years. She is a Certified Master Watchmaker with an associates' degree in Watch Repair from Parkland College and has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, where she studied computer programing. She and her husband Shannon enjoy fixing things and Shannon is a frequent volunteer at Jungle Friends.
Jennifer's lifelong devotion to animal welfare, particularly in sanctuaries and rescues, underscores her invaluable contribution to our cause. With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our organization.Jennifer's journey began at Big Cat Rescue, where her unwavering commitment to finding permanent homes for big cats blossomed over 20 years of dedicated service in various roles. Her deep-seated belief in the preservation and protection of exotic wildcat species aligns perfectly with our mission at Jungle Friends. In 2013, Jennifer co-founded Animal Warriors, a groundbreaking initiative that mobilizes volunteers nationwide to support sanctuaries and rescues. For over a decade, she has spearheaded efforts to enhance habitats, raise funds, and cultivate a community of compassionate individuals dedicated to animal welfare. Her enduring connection to Jungle Friends spans over two decades, during which she has served both on-site and remotely, fostering profound relationships with our primate residents, staff, and volunteers. Beyond her commitment to animal welfare, Jennifer excels as an Enterprise Account Manager in the Information Technology sector. Her expertise in providing IT solutions to businesses of all sizes underscores her ability to forge strategic partnerships and drive organizational growth. Jennifer Bush epitomizes the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines Jungle Friends.
Beth Camella-Rich brings over four decades of experience in accounting, business management, and leadership. Her career began in various accounting roles, ultimately leading to a distinguished 21-yeartenure at a Fortune 500 company that pioneered the disaster recovery industry. Starting as anaccounting clerk, Beth steadily advanced through the ranks, retiring as Vice President of ContractAdministration. Her career progression was marked by significant achievements, including thecompletion of her bachelor’s degree in accounting and the management of teams across diverse areas such as contract negotiations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, collections, sales compensation, and internal systems development. Her deep understanding of computer software and development further enhanced her effectiveness in these roles. After retiring, Beth and her spouse, Lyn, opened and successfully operated an Artisans Gallery representing over 200 North American artisans. The gallery thrived for a decade before they decided to close it in 2020, motivated by a desire to travel and create lasting memories after a close friend was diagnosed with ALS. It was during their travels that Beth and her spouse discovered Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. In December 2020, Beth and Lyn arrived at the sanctuary in their motorhome with their adorable, well- behaved dogs and volunteered for a month. During this initial stay, they generously donated their time and a commercial popcorn machine, a treat the monkeys greatly enjoy. Since then, Beth and Lyn have returned frequently, volunteering for extended periods, particularly over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Beth’s commitment to Jungle Friends deepened in May 2022 when she and Lyn assisted in the rehabilitation of Baby Skotty for over 2 months, a monkey who tested positive for meth amphetamines. Beth played a crucial role in his care, helping him learn to climb, bottle feeding him, and preparing him for integration with other monkeys. Beth continued to volunteer for extended visits two and three times a year, during which she covered for the Executive Director while on vacation and was instrumental in preparing the Animal Care system for implementation. She continues to monitor and support the care staff with this system. Beth has always had a deep love for animals. Although she initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine, she ultimately chose a different path, realizing her strengths lay in management and business, rather than clinical animal care. Her lifelong passion for animals, combined with her extensive experience in accounting and business operations, makes her an invaluable asset to the Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary Board.
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