International Primate Rescue

"Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. 
We have a higher mission - to be of service to them wherever they require it"

St Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226) 

     

International Primate Rescue has rescued primates from all over the world and currently cares for over 70 Common Marmosets, Black eared Marmosets, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys, Tamarins and Mona Monkeys at our South African monkey sanctuary.

Find out more about our exciting plans to improve our monkey sanctuary - see the property news

We're always happy to accommodate volunteers; whether you're a student who needs experience in working with animals, someone on a gap year, seeking a career-break or simply looking for a different holiday experience, you are welcome to join us as a volunteer.

As a registered charity in South Africa and the UK, we really appreciate donations. Please see our donations page for more information.

Monkey News - October 2008

	Volunteers prepare for surgery Left:  Elise Brandt (veterinary nurse), Pauline Sher               (trustee) Back:  Jon (South African volunteer) Right:  Hollie Purves, David Nicholson               (UK volunteers)
	Didi Arrives for surgery Didi was the first to arrive for surgery, followed by Barney, Brady, Hansie, Puma, Vosi, Dude, Fonzie, Wally, Nito, Gerry and finally Ticky. The monkeys were blocked off from their food two hours before they were scheduled for surgery.  Jon and Hollie had the awful job of capturing the monkeys and bringing them into the sanctuary house where the surgery was taking place.  To reduce stress, only one or two monkeys were waiting in the que at a time. Didi - because of his age, was monitored inside for two hours before being returned to his enclosure.	Didi
	Brady is anesthized The monkeys were anesthized with Isoflurane.  This drug is very safe and is also used on small children.  The monkeys lost consciousness within seconds of the mask being placed over their faces.  The mask remained on throughout the surgery.
	Barney receives his shots Once anesthized, each monkeys received injections, including Morphine for pain and an antiboitic (which lasts three days) to control any infections.
	Barney has a shave Before surgery, the area is shaved to reduce the risk of infection - and so that he can boast to his monkey friends about his new Brazilian hair cut.
	Very impressive - Didi Hes also got something else to boast about!
	The procedure The tube is gently pulled out, separated from the main blood vessel that connects to the testes and tied at each end to prevent the tubes reconnecting
	The procedure The final cut is to guarantee that the sperm will no longer be able to pass through the tube.
	Surgery complete Once the surgery is complete.  The mask is removed and most of the monkeys regained consciousness within seconds.
	Hollie comforts Ticky Ticky took a little time to come around. Hollie kept him warm and reasured him as he slowly woke up.
	Jon with sleepy Gerry Poor Gerry kept waking up and falling asleep again.  He was not up to a photo shoot - but Jon stepped in on his behalf.
	Didi returns to his enclosure We were all thrilled when Didi was well enough to be returned to his enclosure.  He took the longest to recover and we were all a little worrried about him because of his age.  He was warmly greeted by his mate and family and spend the rest of the day dozing in the sun in his enclosure.
	Volunteers anesthized after a long day What the vet didnt know was that the volunteers had broken into her stash of medications and sedatives .... well they did have a hard day! They were lucky that they managed to escape the surgical procedure, although the vet was sorely tempted. (Right - David, he narrowly escaped his own personal vasectomy Left - Hollie, (she fainted at the thought!)
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