MEDIA RELEASE: Connect With Your Animal Spirit at Retreat in Florida Primate Sanctuary, April 1-2 

CONNECT WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT AT RETREAT IN FLORIDA PRIMATE SANCTUARY

CONTACT: Lisa Levinson, lisa@idausa.org, 215-620-2130
IMAGES: http://bit.ly/JungleFriends 

Gainesville, FL – International animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals, is pleased to announce a one-of-a-kind retreat at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida, featuring internationally renowned guest speaker Rae Sikora. This special event is open to all and will be held in beautiful natural jungle surroundings on the weekend of April 1 to April 2.

“We are so pleased to offer this unique retreat experience in Florida, where you can get away from it all and connect with animals and the environment,” said In Defense of Animals President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. “In Defense of Animals is bringing together the most esteemed speakers at the best animal sanctuaries in the world. Don’t miss out; register now to secure your spot.”

Rae Sikora has been a spokesperson for animals, the environment, and human rights for over 30 years. She is co-founder of Plant Peace Daily and the Institute for Human Education, and her programs have been changing people's vision of what is possible to create in our lives and in the world. Sikora has been recognized for her life-changing work as an official inductee in the North American Vegetarian Society's Hall of Fame.

“I am delighted to be joining with In Defense of Animals and Jungle Friends for this amazing retreat in Florida which is sure to be the experience of a lifetime,” said Sikora. “Jungle Friends is one of my favorite places to connect with animals and find inner peace. Whatever your background or belief, come along and experience this special event for yourself.”

On Saturday, participants will have a sanctuary tour to meet Jungle Friend’s “Miracle Monkeys,” practice yoga, meditation, and enjoy a delicious animal-friendly lunch. In the afternoon, retreat-goers will enjoy an uplifting and empowering talk about compassion for all living beings from Rae Sikora. A creative blessing ceremony will follow for participants to empathize with animals suffering around the world, celebrate animal companions, honor those who have died, and create a vision of harmony between humans and other animals.

On Sunday, you are invited to visit the Temple of the Universe for a spiritual talk with “The Untethered Soul” author Mickey Singer, and then spend the afternoon volunteering on a special project at the sanctuary.

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary provides permanent high-quality sanctuary care for monkeys who have been freed from laboratories, kept as pets, or have been confiscated by the authorities. All have suffered physical and psychological trauma, but many fully recover to live happy healthy lives at Jungle Friends.

Retreat Day: Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteer Day (optional:) Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, 13915 North State Road 121, Gainesville, FL 32653
Cost to attend Retreat Day: $40 door price, $35 online registration, and $5 per child 

Find out more and register online now: www.idausa.org/retreats

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Vegan Spirituality is an In Defense of Animals program that helps people explore veganism as a spiritual practice, build communities, and cultivates compassion between like minded-souls.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048