Established in 2002 the centre has successfully returned many animals back to the wild. Every year many Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus Aethiops) are displaced, injured or orphaned. The aim is to see as many of these monkeys as possible returned to their natural environment.
There are approximately 70 monkeys -these include the adult monkey troops in rehabilitation enclosures- to care for at any given time so lots of work to do!
During the baby season the orphans are reliant on round the clock care and love. The tactile interaction is of utmost importance to the development of young infants as monkeys are such highly social creatures and as they no longer have their own mothers and families to provide this care for them, the task must now fall upon us as to step in and takeover this roll. The number of rescued baby monkeys varies every year anywhere from 5 to 15 babies at a time throughout the baby season. The baby season runs through October till March – roughly South Africa’s spring and summer months- and it is the busiest time of the year so volunteers are always appreciated for extra hands-on help
As this is a rehabilitation and release centre and not a sanctuary as such, human contact with the monkeys especially in the rehabilitation stage, is avoided as much as possible. However, whilst the baby monkeys are under three to four months of age, they would be under the care of their Vervet mother and during this early stage we are her substitute.
If you are a researcher, honours, masters or post-doctorate student, you are also welcome to further your research on the project. All the research that is conducted at the center is non-invasive and the studies don’t harm the monkeys in any way.
A few examples of research that has been carried out in the past by students:
7.30am- It's an early start and before the humans get to eat, the monkey's food is prepared
8.00am- Now it is your turn to sit down and have a nice breakfast to see you through the day
9am to 12pm- Daily duties (see below)
12pm- Break for lunch and a catch up
13.30pm- It's time now for the babies to go to the main enclosures and make sure they are clean. All part of the rehabilitation process
15pm- Collect vegetables from the garden
15.30pm- Time to scatter some monkey feed to encourage their natural behaviour of foraging
16 to 18pm- The best part of the day spending some time with the adorable baby Vervet Monkeys
18.30pm- Just like human babies, monkey babies need to be put to bed
19pm- Time to relax, contemplate about the day and have a good South African style supper
Your daily duties may include:
Your daily duties in baby season may include:
24- emergency help, in-country support and staff on the ground
Arrival days from a Sunday to a Thursday from October to March during the Vervet Monkey baby season
This program is paused due to COVID-19 and reopens July 2022. Apply Now!
Vervet Monkey Rescue & Rehabilitation
Volunteer in baby monkey season at a permitted Vervet Monkey Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Centre in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
$413/week
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