Primate suffering, abuse, exploitation and persecution in South Africa was highlighted on 1 September this year when Animal Rights Africa joined the growing international effort to publicise the plight of primates the world over. The focus for this year was to send out a message to schools in KwaZulu-Natal asking for support for the work being done to protect primates in the province.

Primates in South Africa face a variety of threats to their safety and survival which are largely ignored by an ignorant or uncaring public.  South African baboons and Vervet monkeys in particular are amongst the most misunderstood, maligned and persecuted animals in our country, and suffer horrendously at the hands of intolerant and cruel humans. They are the targeted victims for the 'bushmeat' trade, for use by the entertainment industry, for the pet trade, and as research subjects in laboratories. They are also relentlessly persecuted as so-called 'pests and vermin' in both urban and agricultural areas where they are trapped, poisoned and shot in large numbers.  Many fall victim to the cruelty of the traditional medicine (muti) trade and superstition.

Animal Rights Africa will ensure that in future International Primate Day will be observed annually throughout South Africa on 1 September. All specialist primate groups and other animal caring groups throughout the country will be invited to make a special effort for primates on this day.

International Primate Day, which is observed on September 1 every year, was founded in 2005 by British-based Animal Defenders International for animal campaigners across the world to focus on the exploitation and persecution of primates.