LET’S PICK UP THE PIECES AND START AGAIN THE MONKEY HELPLINE REHABILITATION AND SANCTUARY CENTRE

“Life must be lived forwards, but can only be understood backwards” Soren Kierkegaard 

Within the current plight of humanity, on the brink of environmental meltdown, we find extraordinary beauty where men and women are trying to save wounded and abandoned primates.  A place where Vervet Monkeys are offered an opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate back to a natural system or be sanctuary-cared for forever. 

However, after almost eight successful years the founders of Monkey Helpline Primate Rehabilitation and Sanctuary Centre who established residence at Mayibuye Game Reserve, in Camperdown in KwaZulu Natal,  with the security of a ninety-nine year lease have been forced to move the entire sanctuary and all the primates in their care.

The sanctuary was built with the assistance of donors from around the world and thousands of Vervet Monkeys have been successfully rescued, and cared for and released or provided with life-time sanctuary care. 

Unfortunately the lease was not secure and despite every effort the founders of the sanctuary have literally been forced off the land. The dream of living an eco-blended lifestyle on a wildlife reserve has vanished in the harsh reality of a land invasion through a court interdict.  

The EMS Foundation has provided a substantial contribution for the procurement of land in KwaZulu Natal which will provide Monkey Helpline primate sanctuary with longevity the security that they require. 

Steve Smit started Monkey Helpline in 1995, he has successfully lobbied Ezemvelo Wildlife KZN, to adopt a management policy for all captive primates in KwaZulu Natal. Habitat destruction and modification has negatively effect on all primates in South Africa, humans have annexed territories that primates inhabited for many generations. 

Steve Smith and Carol Booth are continuing to raise funds to rebuild the Monkey Helpline Primate Rehabilitation and Sanctuary Centre. 

Image Credit:

https://www.monkeyhelpline.co.za/

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