Monkeying Around in Misfitland

Teressa Bullock is the head of a non-profit organization called Monkey Misfitland Rescue, dedicated to providing sanctuary for an assortment of animals, but her focus is providing a home for monkeys from many different backgrounds. Bullock has had a strong love for monkeys since she was a child, and today she lives her dream of caring for them at her sanctuary.  

“Animals has always been my passion ... even when I was a little baby kid, I always wanted monkeys” said Bullock.  

Bullock recently rescued Ms. Molly, a capuchin monkey that had been neglected by previous owners before they found Bullock’s sanctuary and decided to contact her to give her a better life at Misfitland. Ms. Molly is 40 years old but still has a young and loving spirit. 

“She’s been thrown in the garage since her mother got sick and really had no interaction ... they were talking about putting her down.” Bullock said. “She’s so sweet, I’m so thankful for her”. 

Now Bullock provides care for Ms. Molly, who requires special care due to hearing impairments and loss of her teeth from being fed a diet of candy and other sweets by her previous owners. Ms. Molly is a little nervous about being the new monkey in town but loves to snuggle up in her blankets while being comforted by Bullock.  

There’s also Gunner, a macaque monkey that Bullock has had around for a long time. Gunner is highly energetic and friendly, loves to jump and climb get belly rubs, and is a highly curious little guy. While meeting him, he was captivated by my camera. He pressed all the buttons, took a couple of chomps at the lens, figured out the flash feature, and even figured out how to turn it on and off. 

Bullock’s love for monkeys has been one of her strongest motivators since childhood, and this love has only gotten stronger as the years have gone by.  

“It had just become more and more of my passion; it's just an obsession ... everything good that's ever come to me has come through these monkeys.” said Bullock.  

Bullock cherishes the many monkeys that live in her sanctuary and wants nothing more for them than a fair chance at life away from neglectful owners and rowdy monkey neighbors who are prone to aggression.  

That's why Bullock’s greatest wish is to upgrade Misfitland with a bio-dome. These indoor structures provide animals with a simulated natural environment that gives them the everyday physical and mental nourishment they need to truly thrive.  

“My first bio-dome I had macaques in mind ... they love to swim ... I’ve always dreamed of them having a big waterfall ... I want the right trees and plants, bushes and berries, nuts, seeds ... the right thing to hunt.” Bullock expressed.  

Bullock plans to build multiple different bio-domes that cater to the needs of each species, while being open to visitors who wish to connect with nature and experience the primate world at its most natural while keeping the monkeys and visitors safe.  

“I want there to be a platform that people can pay to walk around and view the babies just being them.” Bullock said.  

If you’d like to help Bullock reach this goal, please consider calling Bullock to make donations in the form of old toys, baby blankets, or other approved items that may be of use. “Old toys, old purses ... they could be given to the animals ... it’s like Christmas all over again... they love it.” Bullock said.  

Not only does Bullock love being around and caring for monkeys, but she also loves to share the experience with others. If you’d like to have fun monkeying around while helping Bullock provide sanctuary for these precious primates, you can book a playdate with one of the monkeys at 513-888-8777. 

The next big event to attend is the annual Homecoming, an open house event, at 100 Bullock Lane in Moscow on July 11^th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.