- South Africa
- Durban
About Program
Volunteer at a permitted Monkey Rescue and Rehabilitation centre in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. There are two aspects to this monkey rescue and rehabilitation volunteer project. Through the year, continuous assistance is needed with monkey rescues and releases, veterinary visits, caring for the troops going through rehabilitation in large enclosures and those with special needs. Vervet Monkeys-although not endangered- have a very challenging time in South Africa. They are often illegally hunted, hit by cars, attacked by dogs, killed by humans for bushmeat or just pure animal cruelty. The other aspect is baby season (mid-October to early March) when volunteers are needed to act as surrogate mothers caring for rescued orphaned and often sick, baby monkeys. Volunteers in baby season will have carer duties for the first 3 months of the babies lives until they start the long process of rehabilitation with others as a troop, so they can eventually be released safely.
Video and Photos
.jpg?itok=cvDr9Uok "Caring for baby rescued monkeys")
.jpg?itok=humXxZos "The baby monkeys need constant care")
.jpg?itok=59lGN0kp "Volunteers act as surrogate mothers for the rescued baby monkeys.")
Impact
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- Assist on wild monkey rescues, take part in veterinary visits and reporting animal cruelty at the local police station.
- In monkey breeding season in South Africa, help feed, wash and care for rescued baby Vervet monkeys. Many are traumatised from losing their mothers so young, injured and sick so need extra help, kindness and attention.
- Use your imagination to think of animal enrichment projects for the rescued monkeys for mental and physical stimulation while in captivity to reduce boredom. This can be with the adult troops undergoing rehabilitation, the juveniles or the babies.
- In baby season, help prepare formula for the newborns and assist with their nightly feeds. Often volunteers take babies with them to their bedroom to feed throughout the night as often as every two hours.
- Free time can be spent visiting Big 5 Wildlife reserves, beach horse rides, shark diving, experiencing Zulu culture, whale watching, flying over the beautiful coastline or even driving 4 x 4 up the Sani Pass to Africa's highest pass in Lesotho.
Program Impact
The Monkey Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer project stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, striving to protect and rehabilitate Vervet Monkeys, one rescue at a time. The dedication and care provided by the project team exemplify the profound impact volunteers can make in the lives of these precious animals.
The Monkey Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer project carries out rescues 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. On a busy day several rescues and releases can take place. During baby season many babies are rescued but some sadly are too young, sick and injured to make it but over 50+ do survive for which our volunteers care for.
There are roughly around 150 monkeys in various troops undergoing rehabilitation in the larger enclosures at any given time unless a troop release has taken place recently.
Given the nature of working with wildlife, the daily schedule may vary depending on the number of Vervet monkeys being rescued or released. Our work revolves around the needs of these precious animals, making it an unpredictable yet highly rewarding experience.
