Official Obituary of
Timothy Andrew Ajax
September 10, 1959 ~ January 9, 2026 (age 66) 66 Years Old
Timothy Ajax Obituary
Timothy Andrew Ajax, a resident of Newcastle, Oklahoma passed away in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 66 on Friday, January 9, 2026 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A colleague offered that on Friday, "the primate world lost an extraordinary advocate, teacher, mentor, and cherished friend. Tim Ajax dedicated his life to the ethical care, protection, and lifelong well-being of nonhuman primates, creating a legacy that will resonate for generations. A true force in the sanctuary movement, Tim's deep knowledge, unyielding integrity, and absolute commitment to doing what was right for primates set an unmatched standard. In October 2025, he was honored as the recipient of the prestigious GFAS Carole Noone Award for Sanctuary Excellence-recognition of a career defined by compassion and excellence at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary."
After working with wildlife in rehabilitation and sanctuary settings for 34 years, Tim retired and put the finishing touches that crowns a career defined by vision, dedication and excellence. Tim's path began as a volunteer in 1991 at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation outside San Antonio, TX where he began learning how to rehabilitate and release native wildlife. This Rescue provided a permanent, safe and respectful home to victims of the exotic pet trade such as black bears and mountain lions. He served in multiple roles at the Rescue from Assistant Director to Board Member.
In 2009 he became Director of the 175 acre Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, guiding the care of hundreds of rescued monkeys and laid the groundwork for professional, compassion-driven sanctuary standards that would serve in shaping his life's work. Over the years he has worked with animals ranging from baby squirrels to jaguars, focusing the last 15 years on improving the the lives of captive primates and advocating tirelessly on their behalf.
Tim joined the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary (OPS) as a board member in 2014 and relocated to become its Executive Director in 2018. Under his leadership, OPS has flourished which served to enhanced and elevate the standards of care for the animals. He led the transformation of what was once Mindy's Memory Primate Sanctuary in Oklahoma's only GFAS verified Primate Sanctuary, ensuring rescued primates could thrive in an environment that encourages natural behaviours and psychological well-being. Tim was certified in Wildlife Chemical Capture and the recipient of the 2012 USDA Honor Award of Excellence for successfully placing 300 animals from a defunct facility.
He was also a steadfast mentor and advocate for the broader sanctuary community. When working with staff, Tim was a generous mentor and inspiring leader, always willing to share his deep knowledge and experience. Tim's approachable nature and commitment to collaboration created a supportive environment where team members have thrived. Beyond his professional achievements Tim's talents in photography, gardening and classical guitar revealed the same quiet dedication that defined his career.
Another friend shared, "Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim brought rhythm and joy to life as the bassist for the band Dust Bowl Refugees, blending his passion for animals with his love of music."
Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Shirley Ann Ajax; his sister, Deianira (Didi) Ajax; brother-in-law, Will Dean Smith of Pipe Creek, TX, niece, Chrysta Candice Smith of Austin, TX, many extended family members, scores of other animal protection advocates, and many good friends. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with gratitude and love.
The family has humbly designated the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary, Born Free USA, and/or Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation as appropriate for memorial contributions.
A colleague offered that on Friday, "the primate world lost an extraordinary advocate, teacher, mentor, and cherished friend. Tim Ajax dedicated his life to the ethical care, protection, and lifelong well-being of nonhuman primates, creating a legacy that will resonate for generations. A true force in the sanctuary movement, Tim's deep knowledge, unyielding integrity, and absolute commitment to doing what was right for primates set an unmatched standard. In October 2025, he was honored as the recipient of the prestigious GFAS Carole Noone Award for Sanctuary Excellence-recognition of a career defined by compassion and excellence at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary."
After working with wildlife in rehabilitation and sanctuary settings for 34 years, Tim retired and put the finishing touches that crowns a career defined by vision, dedication and excellence. Tim's path began as a volunteer in 1991 at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation outside San Antonio, TX where he began learning how to rehabilitate and release native wildlife. This Rescue provided a permanent, safe and respectful home to victims of the exotic pet trade such as black bears and mountain lions. He served in multiple roles at the Rescue from Assistant Director to Board Member.
In 2009 he became Director of the 175 acre Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, guiding the care of hundreds of rescued monkeys and laid the groundwork for professional, compassion-driven sanctuary standards that would serve in shaping his life's work. Over the years he has worked with animals ranging from baby squirrels to jaguars, focusing the last 15 years on improving the the lives of captive primates and advocating tirelessly on their behalf.
Tim joined the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary (OPS) as a board member in 2014 and relocated to become its Executive Director in 2018. Under his leadership, OPS has flourished which served to enhanced and elevate the standards of care for the animals. He led the transformation of what was once Mindy's Memory Primate Sanctuary in Oklahoma's only GFAS verified Primate Sanctuary, ensuring rescued primates could thrive in an environment that encourages natural behaviours and psychological well-being. Tim was certified in Wildlife Chemical Capture and the recipient of the 2012 USDA Honor Award of Excellence for successfully placing 300 animals from a defunct facility.
He was also a steadfast mentor and advocate for the broader sanctuary community. When working with staff, Tim was a generous mentor and inspiring leader, always willing to share his deep knowledge and experience. Tim's approachable nature and commitment to collaboration created a supportive environment where team members have thrived. Beyond his professional achievements Tim's talents in photography, gardening and classical guitar revealed the same quiet dedication that defined his career.
Another friend shared, "Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim brought rhythm and joy to life as the bassist for the band Dust Bowl Refugees, blending his passion for animals with his love of music."
Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Shirley Ann Ajax; his sister, Deianira (Didi) Ajax; brother-in-law, Will Dean Smith of Pipe Creek, TX, niece, Chrysta Candice Smith of Austin, TX, many extended family members, scores of other animal protection advocates, and many good friends. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with gratitude and love.
The family has humbly designated the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary, Born Free USA, and/or Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation as appropriate for memorial contributions.
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