Wildlife Conservation & Animal Rescue

There are six primate species with 1,400 monkeys living within the suburban town. Diani is interspersed with remnant forest patches and scattered trees from the original forest type that is considered part of a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Animal Care- All the monkeys that live on-site in both our short and long term rehabilitation enclosures need to be cared for daily. In teams of two or three people, daily animal care duties begin with cleaning all the enclosures, feeding and ensuring the days' enrichment for the animals has been installed in the enclosures. The remainder of the day is spent providing further food bowls for the animals, collecting wild leaves and preparing enrichment.

De-snaring- Simple ‘noose’ snares are frequently set in the forest and bush areas around Diani with the aim of capturing Suni (a small antelope). Due to the terrestrial nature of many of Diani’s primates, these animals are also often caught. Our field operation team regularly de-snare patches of the forest and extra eyes are always needed.

Bridge Building - The home ranges of Diani’s primates have been bisected by a major road, and they are subsequently very prone to road injuries. Colobus Conservation is reducing this problem through the construction of canopy bridges known locally as ‘colobridges’, which span the road from tree canopies on either side. Volunteers may be required to assist with the practical construction of bridges at ground level and data collection to assess their level of use.

Colobus Corridor - Much of the forest within Diani has already been lost to development and the remaining forest is fragmented and isolated. Colobus Conservation is working to encourage hotel owners and local residents to replenish the natural environment. We also actively encourage, assist and monitor local landowners planting indigenous trees.

Research - Research projects currently being carried out at Colobus Conservation include primate feeding ecology, behavioral and phenology monitoring, primate census, forest surveys, rehabilitation and release processes and hotel pest assessments, community surveys. Eco-volunteers may gain experience in conducting field research whilst working alongside a staff member or one of our researchers.

Fundraising - Colobus Conservation is a ‘not for profit organisation’ meaning that fundraising is a very important part of our work. Each year we organize several fundraising events and write proposals for grants - volunteers are required to help in both aspects.

Colobus Conservation Publicity - Every week Colobus Conservation publishes a colobus blog on our website. Volunteers are requested to help in producing this by editing, taking photographs and contributing articles. Other work includes: assisting with education displays, distributing publicity locally around Diani, attending local events, translations, and nature trail development at the Colobus Cottage.

General - Volunteers may also be required to assist in general aspects of the running of Colobus Conservation including some office duties, painting and general maintenance of enclosures, data input, shopping, deliveries plus researching & writing to potential donors for equipment.

Primate Rescue - Colobus Conservation responds to calls to rescue injured monkeys. Our staff members deal with the actual animal rescue as this work can be dangerous and requires specific training and experience. However, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to observe rescues, assist in the measuring of animals, observing the vet work and monitoring the animal post-treatment and post release.

Emergency Veterinary Care and Quarantine - We have a small veterinarian clinic on site and all procedures are over seen by our licensed Kenyan vet. However, volunteers are welcome to observe, take post op observations and keep records.

Orphan Care - Colobus Conservation regularly receive animals that have been orphaned and require hand-rearing in order to survive. While this is rewarding work, an exceptionally high level of commitment and patience is required. Orphans may arrive at any time of the year, but we have a pronounced orphan season between November and February.

Education - Colobus Conservation holds weekly education workshops for local school children. Volunteers can assist the Team Colobus by helping organize the workbooks, preparing snacks for breaks and engaging with the children throughout the day.

Volunteers are also encouraged to take short breaks to go on a three or four-day safari. Volunteers often travel with new friends met at Colobus Conservation. We can book tours for you through a local, qualified and eco-friendly tour company that will collect you directly from Colobus Conservation. Please discuss these options with the Volunteer Coordinator
Popular tours include:

• Snorkeling or diving at Wasini Island
  
• Mombasa City day tour and Haller Park
  
• Shimba Hills game viewing and hiking
  
• Tsavo East and West for 2, 3 or 4 nights
  
• Amboseli National Park
• And the world-famous Masai Mara