Vervet monkey rescue from Medunsa

In November 2002 information that there were primates at Medunsa University came to the attention of The Vervet Foundation. Being a vivisection issue, they contacted SAAV. A combined investigation ensued, revealing that 4 baboons and 10 vervet monkeys were housed in unacceptable conditions and were being used for, respectively, nerve re-growth and simian aids research. Negotiations with the university did not secure the immediate release of the primates, but did cause them to re-locate the animals to another location, claimed to be more humane. The university did indicate they may release the animals to SAAV and the Vervet Foundation on completion of the testing. This later became more likely for the vervets after further negotiations by The Vervet Foundation, but sadly the baboons were killed and were denied this possibility.
The SPCA then involved themselves after a news report on the animals, and seized the vervets. They were transported to The Vervet Foundation for safekeeping. An enclosure was built to house them as an introduction area and accommodation until the larger enclosure detailed below is built.

The monkeys will be housed in an electrified enclosure with a ground area of 900 square metres and will effectively give them 2,700 cubic metres to live in. Their enclosure will be naturally enhanced, and will be an ideal habitat for them to live a natural life, in a natural environment. A protected night room will be attached to this enclosure. The suitability of this type of enclosure has been well proven at the Vervet Foundation rehabilitation centre. Several already exist, with troops of monkeys living in natural surroundings protected from predators, as well as being prevented from escaping until the time of release in a suitable area.

Funds have been raised to erect this enclosure, but further resources need to be committed to these monkeys. Anyone wanting to assist financially can deposit a donation in the Baboon Buddy Project bank account, listing Vervets as a reference.

REPORT ON PROGRESS OF THE VERVETS
by ARTHUR HUNT, PRIMATOLOGIST. FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE VERVET FOUNDATION

They have all been successfully introduced together. Rose, Lilly, Teesa, and Hannibal were introduced in the one introduction enclosure and Charles, Brandsie, Steven, and Sheena in the other. The integration went without incident. It was a wonderful feeling when I opened up the doors to their small cages and to be with them at this moment, and to witness their reactions as they were released into their new environment.

The first group were let out of their cages first, and I opened each cage separately and let the monkey first become used to their surroundings. Rose was the first cage I opened and she jumped out and the first thing she did was rub her self on the sand floor, for a long time she spent scratching and feeling the sand. Lilly was the next cage I opened and she took about a half hour to realise that her cage door was open and when she noticed that it was open she cautiously ventured out and joined Rose. There was a lot of happy and friendly verbal communication that went on between them. Then Teesa was let out, she did not join them at first, instead she went onto the platform in the cage and watched the other two. When I opened Hannibal's cage door, he immediately came out and began to run and jump around the enclosure, using the wire like a trampoline, for about two minutes all he did was run and jump around. He was so excited to be out of his cage, later he joined Teesa, and all the time, they talked to each other. He is a high ranked male and he was soon making sexual advance towards the females. We then gave them their feed and they ate. Later that night when I checked on them they were huddled in a group in the night section of their enclosure. The second group also displayed similar behaviour.

The condition of these monkeys has greatly improved, so has their behaviour, now they can touch and groom each other, something that they were deprived of. I am also very intrigued that they act as a group and this tells me that they have accepted each other, so we should have no problems, I consider them to be successfully integrated.

Their next big step will be when they are released into a natural environment.

VERVET MONKEY FOUNDATION
PO BOX 415
TZANEEN
0850
LIMPOPO PROVINCE
SOUTH AFRICA

TELEPHONE: 015 304 3484
E-MAIL: vervets@enviro.co.za
WEB SITE: http://www.enviro.co.za

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