Saving monkey orphans in Africa
Primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees are our closest relatives. Their hands, feet and faces show how similar they are to us. Despite this, monkeys are hunted, killed and eaten in many African countries. Many species are in acute danger of extinction. Their habitat is disappearing and the remaining monkey children eke out an existence behind the bars of a cage or chained to a tree as pets.
Pro Wildlife has been supporting rescue centers for large and small primates in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo for many years. They help to free monkeys that are kept illegally. They also fight against the loss of their habitat and ensure the long-term care of orphaned primates.
Release into the wild is often not possible, so it is all the more important that we enable these chimpanzees and gorillas to live a life in safety.
After a record seizure of 25 small monkeys in Zimbabwe, the rescue station JACK(DRC) expanded its chimpanzee orphanage with the help of Pro Wildlife and took in the surviving 20 mangabeys and vervet monkeys. Since then, more monkey children have been confiscated by the authorities. The main goal is to release the rescued primates back into the wild in safe places.