What is Humane Education?

Humane education is usually defined as the use of education to nurture compassion and respect for living things. In addition to a traditional focus on the treatment of non-human animals, humane education increasingly contains content related to the environment, the compassionate treatment of other people, and the interconnectedness of issues pertaining to people and the planet.

The Heart of Animal Protection

In this section of our website you'll find facts, stories, animal- and conservation-centered lesson plans, fun learning activities, presentations, videos, and a wealth of resources for your personal interest or to create stimulating multi-disciplinary learning environments.

Through our humane education programs, New England Primate Conservancy is committed to leaving a legacy of hope, and tools to create a better tomorrow for all of the Earth's citizens. What we do in our daily lives impacts the future. Every small change in the right direction carries hope.

The goal is responsible stewardship of our planet and her creatures because...education is the heart of animal protection. ​

New England Primate Conservancy
​is a proud member of the
Primate Education Network

Why so much emphasis on education?

​​Let's face it, no one animal welfare organization can save every animal that needs help. Each puts a dent in the problems facing animals and saves a few of the many. For those few animals, there is nothing more important than saving their lives and giving them happy homes. 

But for every animal that finds a safe haven, many more remain homeless, at risk, in squalid conditions, or they're killed. The sad fact remains that the greater majority of animals that need help will not receive it. That fact makes our jobs much bigger than providing safe haven for a few animals.

So here's the good news -- we always like to deliver good news! -- our greater mission is humane education, raising awareness and proposing viable solutions to the problems of animal neglect, abuse and homelessness. 

Helping animals requires a multidisciplinary approach. To that end, the Conservancy is a platform for education, an opportunity to explore the problems facing animal welfare, and a vehicle for action toward achievable goals and solutions.

The bottom line is that all life is precious. If we're kind to animals, we're more likely to be kind to our fellow humans as well. After all, animals teach us to be better people. It's all about kindness and having heart. That's why education is the heart of animal protection.