The Vervet Forest

The Vervet Forest Campaign aims to realise the long awaited VMF dream of purchasing 300-500 hectares of indigenous bush area in South Africa into which the sanctuary can release rehabilitated troops. This land will be a protected forest for rehabilitated orphaned and abused vervet monkeys who will be free from hunting, culling and human conflict. In addition to providing a sustainable home for the released monkeys, this land will also maintain a whole thriving eco-system that benefits indigenous plant and animal life, as well as creating dozens of local jobs.

Once the forest is purchased and established, the VMF will also host international education workshops and conferences with themes of veterinary, primatology, environmental, peaceful co-existence and lifestyle choices.

For this dream to become a reality, the foundation is working to raise at least £500,000 to pay for the land, construction and other necessary expenses. Supporters from all over the world are helping us raise the money, one hectare at a time…

The Vervet Forest Documentary

The Vervet Forest Documentary (2016) is a film which chronicles the journey of 5 orphaned vervet babies through the Foster Mum Programme at the foundation. The film also artfully explains the context in which vervets live in South Africa and explores different facets of conservation throughout the country. Directed by former volunteer and American film director Kyle Salazar, this award-winning documentary has been featured on Nat Geo Wild and screened at numerous film festivals around the world. Check out the trailer below!

Vervet Forest Screenings:

If you’d like to get involved with raising funds and awareness for the Vervet Forest Campaign, why not host a screening of the Vervet Forest Documentary? Screening the documentary can be as involved as booking a local cinema or as a home screening for friends for a more cozy evening. We recommend charging minimum 10 Euros per person, which will go to the Vervet Forest Campaign.

In the past, some of the most successful (and fun!) screenings have also incorporated vegan cake sales, silent auctions and a VMF merchandise stand. Questions about how to get involved? Get in touch with josie@vervet.za.org, we also have Shellie (UK Event Coordinator) and Hilde (European Event Coordinator) who can help you out and give you advice to make your event extra special!

The Vervet Forest Wall

YOU can help us make this vision a reality by fundraising for a hectare of land (equivalent to £1,000). In the past, supporters have raised this money through bake sales, fun runs, documentary screenings, silly haircuts and more! Check out our gallery below to check out some of the recent events that helped raise funds for more land. Click HERE for more information on how you can create a simple and entertaining fundraiser to help the monkeys!

Some fundraisers chose to dedicate their brick to a loved one or a beloved pet, others pooled together and chose a team name.

Supporters who raise enough money for a hectare of forest will receive the following: a Vervet Forest Donation Certificate, an official Vervet Forest Campaign T-shirt and the chance to have a brick painted in recognition of their donation. There’s also the option to donate smaller increments to the forest as well, for which you will receive a Donation Certificate.