Animal Protection Institute
Encyclopedia
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
that in 2007, as part of its affiliation with the Born Free Foundation
Born Free Foundation
The Born Free Foundation is a conservation and animal rescue organization in the United Kingdom. It originated in 1984 as the "Zoo Check Campaign" by actors Virginia McKenna and her husband Bill Travers along with their son Will Travers and four associates....
, was renamed Born Free USA. Founded in 1968, API's mission was to advocate for the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation. API's slogan was "Saving Animals Is Our Reason for Being".
API was founded by Belton P. Mouras and Kenneth E. Guerrero, both former employees of the Humane Society of the United States
Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States , based in Washington, D.C., is the largest animal advocacy organization in the world. In 2009, HSUS reported assets of over US$160 million....
.
API's primary campaign areas included animals used in entertainment, captive exotic animals, companion animals, compassionate consumerism, farmed animals, and wildlife protection.
API achieved significant results in working with state and local legislatures to pass laws restricting the private possession of exotic animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and other dangerous animals. The organization attempted to get bills passed in North and South Carolina banning venomous snakes and other exotic animals.
API also provided "hands-on" care for animals at its API Primate Sanctuary, located in Dilley, Texas
Dilley, Texas
Dilley is a city in Frio County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,674 at the 2000 census. It is located off Interstate 35 south of the county seat in Pearsall.-Geography:Dilley is located at ....
, where more than 500 primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive situations in laboratories, roadside zoos, and private possession, live in as natural an environment as possible with minimal human interference.