From Harm to Healing is a heartfelt exploration of what it takes to rescue and care for wild animals that have been through the worst kinds of trauma. The book walks readers through the stories of eight primates, each with a life shaped by the exotic pet trade, harsh captivity, or other human-driven harm. Their new home, the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Texas, offers a place of healing, but as the authors emphasize, it’s never as simple as “happily ever after.” The complexities of trauma, the slow road to recovery, and the devoted work of caregivers are the core of this powerful collection.

Reading this book was eye-opening for me, and not just because of the tragic backstories. I was struck by the depth of personality each primate displayed. Willis, the young vervet monkey, instantly captivated me with his joyful spirit. The vivid description of his first few days at the sanctuary (accompanied by high-quality images), rolling in his blanket and tossing his teddy bear with wide, playful grins, warmed my heart. Yet, even Willis’s bright energy has a shadow. The authors point out that despite his enthusiasm, he can’t ever have the large, bustling troop that vervets need for a rich life.

The book doesn’t pull punches when talking about failure or loss, either. The story of Charlie, a Japanese macaque, broke me. His unrelenting stress, his aggressive outbursts, and his tragic death are told with raw honesty. It wasn’t a fairytale where love and safety magically cured everything. It was messy, painful, and often disheartening. His life and death encapsulated the lasting harm captivity inflicts, even in a sanctuary. The authors succeed in showing both the beauty and the heartbreak of their mission.

The writing also brings you inside the emotional and practical struggles of working in a sanctuary. The complicated rescue operation for Gambit, a rhesus macaque confined in a tiny birdcage, reads almost like a suspense thriller. It was a huge logistical challenge and a physical risk for the caregivers. But what moved me the most were the simple, human details: how Gambit’s new world slowly became one where he could heal, although not completely.

This book is not just for animal lovers. I think it’s for anyone who cares about healing, resilience, and the impact of human behavior on other beings. The writing is straightforward and full of feeling, making it easy to connect with each monkey’s story. From Harm to Healing left me teary-eyed at times, but above all, it left me grateful for the hard work of people who are determined to make a difference.

Pages: 200 | ISBN : 1590567323