Pharanee Deters (Thai) and William Deters (American) originated the idea of Highland Farm in 1991. The farm covers 35 acres in Thailand's northwestern mountain region in the province of Tak, a rural area with hill tribes and small villages. In 10 years, the land that was once barren rolling hills has been transformed into a beautiful flourishing piece of land. The farm now supports several thousand trees, which includes twenty-one types of fruit and nuts and twelve types of hardwood trees. In addition to developing the farm, a Wildlife Refuge was slowly established. It all started when a hunter brought to the farm a small-injured gibbon he had taken from its mother whom he had shot. The Deters took in the baby gibbon and cared for her many months before she recovered. Presently, there are twenty-six gibbons from three different species that comprise Highland Farm's Gibbon Village.

Highland Farm & Wildlife Refuge continues to receive primates (gibbons and loris) from government officials, monks, missionaries, and Thai citizens. Here they are provided with necessary medical treatment and a caring nurturing environment. Other varied wildlife including birds and small animals also find sanctuary at the farm.

Highland Farm & Wildlife Refuge is private, family supported. Highland Farm’s mission is threefold:

• Reverse Thailand's vanishing forest by implementing reforestation techniques.
• Rescue and provide a permanent shelter for indigenous wildlife that is Thailand's treasures.
• Disseminate information collected on plant conservation and gibbon study (non-invasive research) for educational purposes.

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