It’s #TongueOutTuesday — and we have managed to catch some in the act 😝
Which one’s your favourite tongue-out moment this week? 👇
1️⃣ Aura – Neverland
2️⃣ Cuddy – Groomingdales
3️⃣ Fluffy Chops & Family – Bandits
4️⃣ Anita – Skunkey
5️⃣ Billie Bre – Gismo
6️⃣ Darby – James
7️⃣ Kobe – Sickbay
Drop your favourite in the comments and let us know who wins this week’s #TongueOutTuesday crown! 👑🐵
#tongueouttuesday #rescue #wildlife #monkeys #southafrica #volunteer #santuarylife #cheekymonkeys #vervet #tuesday #october
Don’t let this grumpy face fool you — Aura is loving life in Koko IC as she gets ready to meet her foster mum soon! ✨
During her first days in Koko IC, she was a little shy and stuck close to her comfort items, especially her blankets. Now she’s bouncing around with confidence and loves saying hello to her new family at the fence. 💕
She’s still got a few branches to tackle (and the feeding station to master), but she’s well on her way to her forever family. We’re so proud of you, Aura! 💚 #rehabilitation #wildliferescue #newbeginings #southafrica #volunteer #monkey #notpets #newfamily #santuary #vervet #monday #october
Our newest arrival Georgie - a tiny orphan, only about a week old. Her mum was shot on a farm, leaving Georgie all alone before she was rescued and brought to the foundation.
All gums and tiny squeaks, she’s still struggling to settle in, calling out for her mum. At this young age, she doesn’t quite understand what’s happened - only that her world has been tuned upside down and everything will change.
It’s truly heartbreaking to hear her cries, but we’re here to make sure she knows nothing but comfort, warmth, and love from now on.
Rest easy, little Georgie - you’re safe now 🤍
🌿 Primates are not pets, and keeping them as such is not only illegal in many countries, it is also unethical. The VMF is an internationally accredited rescue and rehabilitation center specialising in the rescue and rehab of injured, orphaned and abused primates. If you find an injured or orphaned primate, please take them to the nearest reputable sanctuary 🌿 #animalsantuary #southafrica #rescue #volunteer #PASA #newarrival #babymonkey #notpets #wildlife #vervet #primate
✨ Mazikeen’s Story ✨
Little Mazikeen’s journey began in mystery, at just 3 weeks old, she arrived after being found clinging to a horse at a stables. No matter her strange beginning, the care and love here have always been the same - but her story definitely stood out.
She first quarantined with Miri, and while Mazikeen quickly grew stronger, Miri sadly declined, and the two had to be separated. From the start, Mazikeen was a playful, curious little one - climbing, play-facing, and winning hearts wherever she went.
As she grew, she formed close bonds with other orphans and became a total clinger! A little diva, she loved cuddles - often snuggled up with her carers or her monkey friends.🐒
When it came time to meet mums, she took her time warming up to Malawi, but that relationship gave her the confidence to stand on her own four feet.
Out in the troop, Mazikeen’s diva personality shone! 🌟 She loved playing and climbing with Sheree and Rainbow, and soon enough, she was welcomed into the alpha group - taken under the wing of Changuito, Anita, and TK.
From a mysterious start to a confident, loved member of the troop - Mazikeen truly found her place 💚
#wildliferescue #santuary #orphanedmonkey #southafrica #volunteer #saturdaysuccessstory #rehabilitation #monkey #divaattitude #alphababy
Boetie Boy has some incredible markings on his face — don’t you think?
He’s currently undergoing integration with the Goliath troop, though he’s still feeling a bit unsure and prefers spending time in his intro cage for now. It’s all about moving at his own pace.
Maddox has been a great support - you can often spot the two boys interacting just outside the intro cage. Hopefully, with Maddox’s confidence rubbing off on him, Boetie Boy will soon take those next steps toward becoming a full-fledged member of the Goliath troop! 🐵
We’ll keep you updated on his progress! 🌿 #intergration #vervetmonkey #volunteer #southafrica #wildliferescue #wildlife #primate
#ThrowbackThursday
Can you believe it’s been four years since Josh arrived during one of our busiest baby seasons? After being kept by people, he spent time in quarantine with Spirit before both of them joined Ricky-Joe and Lolabean in Gismo.
He was such a golden boy as a baby - and he’s still just as stunning today, with that gorgeous coat and his signature starburst markings around his eyes✨
#throwbackthursdays #newbeginings #wildliferescue #primatesarenotpets #southafrica #volunteer #secondchance #monkeys
Tiny Miri’s Big Journey ✨
When little Miri first arrived, she weighed as much as a 1-week-old baby — but already had 8 teeth (putting her around 5 weeks)! Her start to life was tough: her mum had been shot, and she was likely kept by humans before coming to us. She was fragile, thin, and struggling to keep warm💔
After a scary dip in health and time under critical care (alongside her buddy Billie Bre), Miri began to fight back. Once stronger, she met her incredible foster mum Millie at Holt & Barrington, and the two bonded instantly. Millie became her fierce protector and teacher 🫶
When it was time for release, Miri became everyone’s favourite! 🐒💕 Mara, Herbert, Kathleen, Wanda, and Bluebell adored her - always playing, grooming, and even trying to carry her around.
Now, she’s thriving, always surrounded by her juvenile friends Agatha and Sarah, full of life, confidence, and cheeky energy. 🌿💚
We’re so proud of you, Miri — our tiny fighter who grew into something mighty. 🌟Swipe to see the difference from when she first arrived!
#vervetmonkey #rescuestory #wildlife #volunteer #Wednesday #october #southafrica #primatesarenotpets #primaterescue #survivor #wildliferescue #monkeysantuary #vervetmonkeyfoundation
Aura’s first week at the foundation 🐵
It’s hard to believe that little Aura has only been with us for a week! She’s gone from being a scared, shy girl to a curious and adventurous little soul — although she still loves her cozy naps cuddled up with her teddy bear and the comfort of sucking her thumb. 🧸💤
Her teddy plays a very special role too — it helps to emulate the warmth and feeling of a mum’s touch, bringing her comfort as she’s currently the only baby in our care right now. 💛
With lots of new teeth coming through, Aura’s been feeling a bit grumpy, testing out those teeth on any fingers that get too close to help with teething!
Her next big milestone will be learning to drink from the feeding station — a big step toward meeting her future foster mum! Once she’s around 6 weeks old, healthy, and drinking independently, she’ll be introduced to a loving monkey mum who will raise her as one of her own 💕
Keep growing strong, little Aura — your new family is waiting for you! 🫶
#vervetmonkeyfoundation #southafrica #babymonkey #rescue #volunteer #primatesarenotpets #wildlife #wildlifesanctuary #aura #tuesday #cosyoctober #vervetforest
