Instagram LIVE with Floki and Ellie! Join Ellie, Floki and Cuddy in Disneyland, as Ellie speaks about her Fundraiser for Floki's new home. Ellie is talking to viewers about why she's decided to shave her head for Floki. Hear about Floki's story, how he came to be at the VMF and why he needs a new enclosure. Floki and Cuddy are both special cases, with severe head injury and physical limitations. It is because of their physical limitations and need for special care that Ellie is able to sit in with them. Stay tuned til the end of the LIVE to see a sneak peak of Beau and Serala's integration into troop...
Floki's Story Two years ago, we received a young juvenile who exhibited signs of neurological damage and difficulties with mobility. We later learned that these issues were inflicted by the humans who had been trying to sell him at the side of the road. Despite it all Floki, as he was named by then Baby Mum Ellie, remained a very happy, rambunctious little boy. He moved in with that season's orphans, causing pint-sized-milk-stealing mayhem, in Disneyland. He underwent a femoral head removal surgery, with the possibility of another on the other side, in an attempt to restore mobility and stability in his legs. After initial success and promising progress, Floki moved in with Leelo and Leila, the blind but unstoppable double trouble of Calypso's corner. And he did well...until we noticed his legs were giving him trouble again. Another surgery and hundreds of hours of physiotherapy later and our special boy is progressing incredibly well! Unfortunately, there is no more surgery in Floki's future, there is not much more that can be done without risking further damage. Thus, the decision was made to remove him from enclosures unsuitable for him, meaning he moved back to a specially adapted Disneyland after this year's orphans moved out. However, baby season is nearing, and we will be in desperate need of Disneyland once again and Floki is in need of a place of his own Enter, now Volunteer Manager, Ellie. Ellie is fundraising for a new purpose-built enclosure for Floki and new friend Cuddy. She has started a Gofundme and will be shaving her head for the cause. Join us Tuesday on an Instagram LIVE to find out more... #floki #volunteer #volunteering #africa #recovery #travel #animalsanctuary #animallovers #primatesanctuary #primaterescue #wildlifesanctuary #wildliferescue #southafrica
#SurvivorSaturdays Who remembers little Charlotte the injured Juvenile from July 2021? Like Hugo and so many other Vervets, Charlotte was shot in the head with a pellet gun. The pellets were lodged in her skull causing seizures and mild brain damage. Always a warrior, Charlotte showed a strong will to survive, fighting back from the brink to claim her second chance. A year on, Charlotte is now part of James Troop and making the most of life. In James Troop she has found real family, and none more so than in foster sister Ozge - who similarly had to fight back from severe head injury. Charlotte is still quite reserved as vervets go, especially in terms of James Troop monkeys, but we are sure in time she will come well and truly out of her shell. Perhaps as babies Beau and Serala join the troop soon...? π Primates are not pets, keeping them as such is unethical and illegal in many countries. Charlotte is not a pet, Charlotte is an injured rescue, rehabilitated by the Vervet Monkey Foundation. An internationally accredited rehabilittion centre and sanctuary, the VMF and its specially trained carers treated Charlotte and nursed her back to full health before integrating her into a new troop onsite. π #survivor #rescue #secondchance #rehabilitate #saturday #primates #primatesanctuary #animallover #volunteer #volunteering #africa
β¨ Happy #InternationalFriendshipDay β¨ Our volunteers come from all different walks of life and from many different countries, and whether they come alone, in pairs or even in a group, everyone leaves with at least a few more friends. We love the community our volunteers build, nothing beats winding down after a busy day of work with a sundowner at Camelot Rock, or a games night at the end of the week. There is always someone for everyone, whether you're a chilled out casual conversationist, or an always energetic ready-for-anything kind of person. If you'd like to join our amazing team of volunteers and make some lifelong friends, email us at info@vervet.za.org for more information! #primatesanctuary #volunteer #travel #travelgram #primates #animalsanctuary #africa #friends #squad #family
β¨οΈ Hugo's Story β¨οΈ Hugo has come so far since his arrival, that he's almost on the home stretch now, a new family and his second chance are almost within reach! We are still deciding what the next step is for handsome Hugo, we have so many incredible troops to choose from. However Hugo's needs are a little different, so somewhere super special is needed. He requires a troop that accepts his little quirks and will nurture his recovery...a real family π Stay tuned for Hugo's Story Part 2, til then it's to be continued.. πΏ Primates are not pets, keeping them as such is illegal in many countries and unethical. Hugo is not a pet, he was an injured wild rescue. He has been treated and rehabilitated by the VMF, a dedicated and internationally accredited sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for injured, orphaned and abused vervet monkeys. Hugo has undergone extensive medical care and under the constant supervision of specially trained carers πΏ #volunteer #volunteering #primatesanctuary #animalsanctuary #wildlifesanctuary #wildliferehabilitation #Africa #southafrica #vegan #travel #travelabroad
β¨οΈWhat's the mark you want to leave on this world?β¨οΈ If you'd like your mark to be one of creating second chances, doing good and working towards the conservation of an indigenous primate species email us today at info@vervet.za.org for how you can volunteer with us! The VMF specialises in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and abused monkeys, providing sanctuary to over 600 monkeys. This year alone we have have found 38 orphans new monkey mums and integrating them into new social groups. As a volunteer you will help us prepare them for their second chances, are you ready? π Rescue β€οΈ Rehabilitate πΏ Sanctuary #monkeysanctuary #wildliferehabilitation #wildlifesanctuary #volunteer #volunteering #travel #Africa #southafrica #primatesanctuary #primate #animallover #animalrescue
#ThrowbackThursday Let's take you back to October 2021 to Orphan #4 Finley. Named by previous volunteer manager, Ann, after her grandson, Finley came in at about 1 day old with his umbilical cord still attached and a severe tail injury. Being so young human carers really had to be careful when feeding him, as he was so tiny and his internal systems were so immature, a result of possible premature birth. Monkey mums can be shocked into premature birth through trauma like car accidents. Finley is now a well-loved, well-adjusted member of Skow Troop, having been adopted quickly by first time mum Kate. We are happy to report he has grown considerably (we won't lie there was some concern as he was so tiny for so long) and is now on par if not larger with other babies his age. πΏPrimates are not pets, keeping indigenous primates as such in South Africa is illegal and unethical. Finley is an orphan who has been rehabilitated by the Vervet Monkey Foundation, an internationally accredited rehabilitation centre and sanctuary. Finley is now living in a troop of his own having met and bonded to a new monkey mum πΏ #notapet #primates #volunteer #primatesanctuary
Floki Time To keep Floki's progress on track and to keep challenging him, we are going to start to change his enclosure around regularly. Floki is on restricted movement i.e. he is not allowed to climb, to prevent further damage to his legs. Therefore his enclosure is filled with low platforms and ramps, to not only to add some height differences but also interest in the environment. Though where he usually has these small platforms and ramps, this week he has big thick logs. As you can see the log forces Floki to find a new way to clamber over it. This is really good for his leg rehabilitation as it challenges his muscles, working them in new ways and building on the progress he's already made. Changing the physical environment also stimulates the mind, which is always important, especially for brain damaged monkeys like Floki. πΏ Primates are not pets, keeping them as such is illegal and unethical. Floki is an ex-orphan rescue who has been rehabilitated by the VMF, an internationally accredited sanctuary and rehabilitation centre. Floki has brain damage and lifelong physical difficulty due to injuries sustained through human cruelty. Floki has undergone extensive physical rehabilitation and is under the constant care of specially trained carers πΏ #primatesanctuary #animalsanctuary #monkeysanctuary #monkeys #rehabilitation #wildliferehabilitation #volunteer #volunteering #Africa #travel #dogood #vegan #animallover
Hot water Bottles for Patients Though winter is starting to wrap up and move out, the mornings are still pretty chilly. So our patients in Sickbay are treated to hot water bottles to help them warm up and rest up. While most are mildly appreciative, Golden Girlie Devon loves them! Hot water bottles are a crucial part of our winter care plans for patients. Keeping oneself warm is energetically expensive and so providing hot water bottles enables to the energy focus to remain on healing. Likewise, healing is also dependent on Rest and demonstrated by Devon, hot water bottles help our patients to relax and rest up! πΏPrimates are not pets, keeping them as such is illegal and unethical. Devon is not a pet, she is an ex-orpahn who has been rehabilitated by the Vervet Monkey Foundation, an internationally accredited sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for Vervet Monkeys. Devon is currently in the Sickbay receiving medical care and attention by specially trained carers πΏ #volunteer #volunteering #southafrica #africa #wildliferescue #wildlifesanctuary #animalsanctuary #monkeysanctuary #travelsouthafrica
Chunky Chaim Chaim was our 15th orphan of the season, picked up from a reptile park in Hazyview around 7days old. In Disneyland Chaim was a quiet, reserved little guy. He drank his milk, played with his friends but made sure not to draw attention to himself. Fast forward to now...Chaim is now well and truly out of his shell! This is little guy is full of personality. And boy has he grown, starting out as the smallest and youngest integrated into Skrow Troop Chunky Chaim is now towering over playmates Finley, Yonds and Cosimo! That and he's finally grown into those ears! We love journeys like this, it really shows us that nothing beats being in your own troop to find out who you really are! πΏβ€οΈπ #chaim #monkeylife #monkeysanctuary #animalsanctuary #wildlifesanctuary #volunteer #volunteering #travel #gapyear #throwback #southafrica #Africa
Playtime with Ozge! Beau and Serala are in the thick of it now, meeting James Troop one by one. Juvenile Ozge had her turn today and as expected she brought the fun! Even delicate little Beau was happy to join in some rough housing! (Serala on the other hand happy to watch from a distance with a snack in hand!) Like Beau and Serala, Ozge has brain damage. Ozge and her mother were stoned by the people intending on eating them. Where her mother did not survive, Ozge was left with lasting brain damage. And though she has some challenges, Ozge is able to live a normal monkey life amongst the trees. It is Ozge's success as a settled, well adjusted member a troop that gives us hope for these two special babies. She has shown it is possible to overcome serious brain injuries and thrive π€ #braininjury #monkeylife #primatesanctuary #monkeysanctuary #wildlifesanctuary #Africa #southafrica #volunteer #volunteering #animallover #gapyear #travelling #vegan
Breakfast with Floki and Cuddy π₯ Floki and Cuddy have really settled into life as a duo, becoming quite inseperable. At night you'll find them snuggling down together, between their hot water bottle and the teddy of the day, whilst during the day they'll be found playing and sun bathing together. 6-year-old Cuddy has taken a really protective role over Floki, whilst 3 year old Floki has taken his role of protector of their shared resources (food!) very seriously...a marked change from Floki initially squealing angrily at his carers that Cuddy was eating his food. Now they swap and change plates amicably. They have both even started to happy 'zoom' when they see food coming. Floki and Cuddy are in desperate need of a purpose built enclosure, owing to their respective physical difficulties and the need to restore Disneyland in time for incoming orphans. Both Floki and Cuddy suffered severe brain dmaange as juveniles, which has affected both of their mobility and coordination. Our volunteer manager, Ellie, has created a fundraiser for exactly that, a specially adapted enclosure for this special pair. Could you help us build them their new home? If you'd like to donate please click the link in our bio to donate to the gofundme, or alternatively donate through our website www.vervet.za.org #breakfast #breakfastdate #doubletrouble #couple #love #southafrica #primatesanctuary #monkeysanctuary #vegan #travel #yearabroad #volunteer #gapyear #volunteering
Foster mum Meghan with orphan Eamon in the Global troop. Eamon still loves his food and is quite a character. He gets lots of cuddles from the monkeys and has really become part of the troop with his orphan friends Mini Max and Terri. β€οΈ
Nothing beats a Braai, good food and great company! Braai's are an integral part of South African Culture, a social event for all occasions, so we like to make sure we have plenty! Our volunteers love to sit around the fire, playing games, talking all things monkey and learning about each other. We try to make sure we have atleast two braais a month, making sure everyone gets to join in, will you join us for our next one? If you'd like to meet like-minded people, work with incredible wildlife and live amongst the African bush email us at info@vervet.za.org to volunteer! #volunteer #volunteering #braai #braaitime #vegan #veganfood #foodie #goodvibes #southafrica #travel #travelafrica #wildlifesanctuary #gapyear #animalsanctuary
Wild troop mamma β€οΈ Vervets are very protective of their young, they spend a lot of time grooming them, ensuring they are safe but also allow them to climb and play in the trees getting then used to independence. The wild troop (aka the bandits) show us just how it's done. PC @aaron_prince_llewellyn
Zayda Integrations! 2 year old Zayda has started the next step of her Rehabiliation...meeting the troop! As the samangoes are such a small troop we've had to do things a little differently, introducing juveniles Satchmo and Nino first. Zayda is little wary of the boisterous Satchmo, but is enjoying the somewhat calmer Nino. She's doing well, considering she hadn't seen another samango prior to arriving to us. She met Zea yesterday and it surprised us all. Zea can be a tricky monkey to get on side, but she did, so Zayda must be doing something right! Not long left until hopefully she's released out into troop! π€
Dabney and Soca Then and Now Dabney and Soca were orphans #28 and #31 this baby season. Their histories are equally mysterious; we know nothing of how they got to us, but we're just glad they did! Dabney was rather unceremoniously handed to Dave in the car park of a Tzaneen shopping mall, with no comment as to her background or how she came to be there. In babycare, Dabney had such a huge personality for such a tiny little thing, she knew her own mind and nobody could change it or tell her what to do! Fiercely independent and struggled to let her guard down for human carers or other monkeys. And poor little Soca was actually found onsite during a storm. A staff member heard his traumatised cries over a number of days and soon scooped him up, saving his life. We had hoped he was bandit (one of the resident wild troop) and that we could reunite him, but nothing came of our efforts, no mum came to collect him. A traumatised little guy, Soca spent much of his time calling out for his lost mum. That said, both Dabney and Soca eventually progressed through Babycare and soon enough they were bonding with mums in SAAV troop. And just look at them now!! π They're so big and grown up! Soca has overcome his trauma to be a well loved and doted upon member of the troop. He is still quite reserved and frequently seeks comfort from Foster Mum Buttercup, but he's a long way from the sad, blood covered baby we rescued. And Dabney, what a personality. She's still got that fiesty spirit, though our strong, guarded girl has finally let the troop in, letting them cuddle, carry and groom her. πΏ Soca and Dabney are not pets, they are orphans rescued and rehabilitated by the Vervet Monkey Foundation, an internationally accredited organisation specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and abused monkeys. Primates are not pets, keeping them as such is unethical and illegal. If you find a injured or orphaned primate, please take them to the nearest reputable sanctuary πΏ
Orphan Natsuki was introduced into the Engeltjie troop recently, it took her a while to get used to monkeys after being in human hands for a while but she is now doing great. She's enjoying a nice groom from male Stick in the troop and has made lots of monkey friends. Watch till the end and see adult male Archimedes join in. It's so wonderful to see her progress β€οΈ
πΏ Volunteer at the VMF πΏ A quick snapshot of life at the VMF! There is so much more to do at the VMF that can ever be fit into 42 seconds...so why not volunteer with us and find out? If you're interested in meeting like-minded people, living amongst incredible wildlife, and giving second chances to injured, orphaned and abused monkeys then email us at info@vervet.za.org today! We can't wait to meet you! Thankyou again @alexandrabonade for another amazing reel, we miss you π #volunteer #volunteerabroad #volunteering #travelabroad #travel #travelafrica #Africa #southafrica #vegan #animallover #animalsanctuary #wildlifesanctuary #monkeysanctuary
Lilli & Samango friends livestream with Primate Carer Skye. Thank you all for joining and asking lots of questions. Today Zayda also had her first day of integration with Satchmo & Nino to prepare her for joining the troop. #samango
