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Volunteer with Primates

Volunteer with primates if monkeys are your favorite animals and you have always dreamed of seeing them up close...

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Volunteer work with Primates

Primates are our closest relatives. Unfortunately, their population is dwindling with some species facing extinction. Endearing baby orangutans, mischievous monkeys, and impressive gorillas, do you want them to remain part of our world? Are you ready to help? To avoid losing the company of these treasured inhabitants, we need volunteers who are eager to roll up their sleeves and help with primate conservation.

Animal projects in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia are waiting for passionate volunteers to help with rehabilitation efforts and conservation at a sanctuary. Are you intrigued by these furry creatures? Excited to discover some of the most exotic destinations? Pack your bags, join a sanctuary and rescue the endangered primate species. Welcome to the jungle!

Why volunteer with Primates?

The majority of the primate species on our planet are at risk for extinction while more than 70% is declining in population according to IUCN . The chimpanzee and the gorilla are our closest living relatives. Their DNA almost matches that of humans. You may be wondering what is causing these dwindling numbers and what we can do to rescue our friends and keep them in this world? Continue reading to find out about projects in Africa, Asia, and South America that are waiting for your help.

Climate change

First of all, climate change has a serious impact on primates as temperatures and rainfall start to vary greatly in their natural habitat. While the world continues its economic and industrial expansion without maintaining an ecological balance, more species will continue to become extinct. The world is showing signs that it's out of balance through natural disasters and changing climates. Wildlife of our world remains powerless against the impact of the human race on our planet. Something need to change.

Logging, mining and palm industry

An important factor in the decline of these species is the logging and mining industry. The cutting down of trees is continuously taking away more of their natural habitat. Local communities living close to forests are poverty-stricken and desperate for income. Unaware of the immense environmental impact this has, they continue these harmful practices. The palm oil industry is a tragic example of how primates are being rid of their environment to make room for palm plantations.

Poaching

Considering our modern times, hunting and animal trade would seem a thing of the past. Unfortunately, there are people willing to pay exuberant amounts of money for exotic pets. Money remains a huge motivation for poverty stricken local communities to poach them and one of the reasons behind the dwindling numbers.

Disease

Increased contact with humans can result in monkeys, chimpanzee, orangutans, and gorillas catching certain diseases they aren’t immune to. This has caused an epidemic among certain species in the past and is why contact with humans is strongly discouraged in most cases.

Get ready to become a wildlife volunteer and contribute to the conservation of the monkey, get friendly with the chimpanzee and work hard to save these precious species. Prepare for an unforgettable international experience and don’t forget to take your precautions for your stay in the jungle. Some insect repellent and light clothing will be at the top of your checklist.

What will I do as a volunteer for Primate conservation?

Monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, orangutans and lemurs, they all need your help. Once you’ve decided which animal volunteer project you want to be part of, you’ll be ready to embark on your international primate adventure. One thing is certain, you’ll be seeing a lot of them. If you decide to work at a rescue or rehabilitation center, you’ll be able to get close and cuddle some of the animals. Other centers may prohibit this if they are focused on research and maintaining the monkey population. All centers have as their main objective to conserve primates but they each have a slightly different approach.

Rehabilitation centers vs Research centers

Some volunteer projects are dedicated to the rehabilitation of primates while others are focused on tracking and observing them. Rehabilitation projects rescue injured or orphaned primates that have been victims of animal trade. These creatures require care and rehabilitation. In some cases, they even need this permanently as they don’t have the ability to adapt to their natural habitat.

There are wildlife projects which will allow you to touch the animals while other project strictly prohibit it. The ultimate goal is to release animals back into their natural habitat. Avoiding human contact makes this easier. We’ve listed a few tasks and activities most organizations will require:

  • Food preparation for the animals
  • Feeding animals
  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
  • Observation and monitoring of primates
  • GPS tracking
  • Troop identification
  • Rescuing of primates

Everything depends on the needs of the project. The voluntary work will vary depending on the time of the year and the wildlife that has been rescued at the rehabilitation center. Rest assured that there will be enough going on and don’t forget to enjoy your time in the jungle.

Most projects rely on volunteers for help so there may be a set schedule with work to fulfill. This will teach you a lot about our fellow furry friends and give you a better understanding of the problem at hand. Pack some light clothes and observe these curious creatures in their natural habitat. Your time at the sanctuary will be meaningful. You'll be sure to make some monkey friends!

What language skills are required?

English is the main language on all projects so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of English. This is important to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would be great if you gain a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going. Knowing some Spanish words will kickstart your volunteer adventure.

Best places to volunteer with Primates

Have you always wanted to spend time in a tropical jungle, the African bush or perhaps the Peruvian Amazon? Voluntary work with primates will take you to a few of the natural gems of this world. Spend time in a sanctuary, rescue animals or engage in research to help protect this exquisite form of wildlife.