The world is changing rapidly. Global assessments indicate that 2.3 million km² of forest was lost between 2000 and 2012, and in the tropics, where most primate species are found, loss increased by 2101 km² per year.  But why use the year 2000 as a baseline?  The rapid disappearance of tropical forests, the potential impacts of climate change, and the extent of bushmeat hunting have all only been appreciated in the last 50 years. Here I review the changes in the global status of primates over the last 50 years and discuss how the field of primate conservation has evolved to meet the challenges of the changing world.  This analysis reveals a shift from an animal based perspective to one made to accommodate human needs, but what are the achievements of these different approaches, what are their rationales, and where do they lead?  While statistics on deforestation and primate population endangerment are grim, there have recently been positive conservation gains globally and, as an illustration of conservation methods and outcomes, I discuss the conservation efforts around Kibale National Park, Uganda.