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Get involved in the conservation of vervet monkeys in South Africa, at a sanctuary that is a pioneer and innovator in the protection of this primate species. Volunteer opportunities with primates here
The Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Project
Vervet monkeys have long been regarded as pests in South Africa. They were mistreated and often killed because of the damage they caused. Very little was known about this monkey population, which made it difficult for humans and animals to coexist. It was not until 1989 that the plight of these primates came to light, following the discovery of an orphaned vervet monkey baby. Very quickly, it became clear that a sanctuary for vervet monkeys needed to be established.
An NGO founded in 1993
The sanctuary that will welcome you is one of the largest sanctuaries for vervet monkeys. It is an NGO founded in 1993 that has rescued nearly 600 monkeys and takes in many orphaned vervet monkeys every year. Over the last decade, the foundation has developed a programme for primate rehabilitation that is unique in the world. The design of the enclosures is now used in similar projects around the globe. The foundation has also introduced numerous innovations in the rehabilitation of this primate species with the help of volunteers, gap-year students and carers.
Rehabilitation of orphaned baby monkeys
The rehabilitation centre is specifically designed to cope with the large number of vervet monkey babies that are orphaned each year. To date, the centre has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of baby monkeys. They have been rehabilitated and reared in a natural environment and have retained much of their natural fear of humans. The foundation’s programme can return an orphaned baby monkey to the wild within four to eight weeks. To achieve this, the team of carers introduces a baby to a female living in a natural environment within the centre.
In addition to the rehabilitation programme for orphaned and injured primates, the foundation carries out other initiatives such as:
- Research into the lifestyle and environment of vervet monkeys.
- Research into the damage and problems caused by vervet monkeys and the search for possible solutions to enable coexistence.
- An educational programme to inform the public about the role played by the vervet monkey in the ecosystem.
- The Vervet Forest campaign aims to purchase 300 to 500 hectares of native bushland in South Africa into which rehabilitated troops can be released. This land will form a protected forest for orphaned and abused vervet monkeys. As well as providing a sustainable home for the released monkeys, this land will also sustain a thriving ecosystem that will benefit native flora and fauna, whilst creating dozens of local jobs.
Volunteering with vervet monkeys in South Africa
The work of volunteers is essential to the running of the NGO. You will help look after baby monkeys (during the baby season) and will be able to observe them with their foster mothers. Outside the orphan season, this is the ideal time to study the dynamics of monkey groups and the integration of young monkeys. Here are the main tasks you will be asked to carry out:
- Caring for baby monkeys (from around November to February), assisting in the infirmary.
- Observation of orphans with their foster mothers and the integration of adults
- Cleaning the monkeys’ cages, bowls, plates and blankets.
- Support for the introduction and rehabilitation of new monkeys
- Support for monitoring the health of monkeys and administering dietary supplements
- Clearing undergrowth to create firebreaks
- Participation in education and awareness-raising programmes
- Involvement in fundraising and newsletters,
- Long-term volunteers can help with the integration of the monkeys into social groups.
- All year round
- The baby season runs from November to February
- A minimum of 2 weeks; option to commit for 3 or 6 months
Prices
- €921 for 4 weeks – €231 for each additional week
- €552 for 2 weeks
- €759 for 3 weeks
- Discounts are available if you sign up for at least 3 months.
Included in the price
- Housing
- Food (vegan)
- Internet
- Supervision
Not included in the price
- Airport transfer
- Insurance
- Airline ticket
Aged 18 and over
Housing
You’ll be staying in a wooden house called Volunteer Village. You’ll be sharing your room with one other person, but you can have a single room for an additional charge. The toilets are dry toilets and there isn’t always hot water for showers.
Malaria
The foundation is based in a malaria-endemic area. It is advisable to take anti-malarial medication between October and May.
Arrival
You’ll arrive at Johannesburg Airport. You can arrange a transfer.
You have 1.5 days off each week. This is a great opportunity to explore the surrounding area.
Excursions can be organised to Kruger National Park or the Blyde River Canyon.
About the NGO
The foundation (an NGO), established in 1993, runs the world’s largest sanctuary for vervet monkeys. In 2006, it became a member of PASA (Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance) and is also a sanctuary certified by the GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries). Over the last decade, the foundation has developed a unique rehabilitation programme that has helped to revolutionise the way primates are rehabilitated. In the absence of government funding, the sanctuary relies on international volunteers to care for the primates. Volunteering at the foundation is very important. Not only does your financial contribution help the monkeys, but so does your work on all the day-to-day tasks.
