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Sanctuary
facilities and rehabilitation
Outdoor enclosures are spacious, with
living trees and natual vegetation. Every effort is made
to ensure that the enclosures approximate as closely as possible
the species' natural habitats. A seperate heated indoor
area is provided for those monkeys originating from much warmer
climates. The smallest primates sleep in night boxes with
blankets and the larger animals are provided with a warm sheltered
area and straw.
The primates are fed a balanced diet
three times daily. Once a day they are hand fed a treat and
closely examined for any sign of distress or illness. All
primates are closely monitored by experienced careres.
Daily records are kept.
Enrichment items in the enclosures keep the primates
stimulated and a strict routine creates a sense of security.
All primates received are considered
permanent, but those that are indigenous to South Africa are,
where appropriate, sent for rehabilitation and ultimate return
to the wild.
Breeding is usually not permitted as valuable cage space is preserved for rescued primates. Furthermore, most unstable primates
are not able to raise their own infants. To remove an infant
primate for hand rearing causes the natural parents a great deal of stress. For
this reason, most of the breeding male primates have vasectomies.
Every effort is made to ensure that all the physical, psychological,
dietary and medical needs of each individual are met and that
the primates can enjoy a relaxed and stress free environment.
Visits to the sanctuary are by appointment only, and supervised.
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Rehabilitation
Many of the primates received by the sanctuary are psychologically
damaged, some permanently. Since they would not survive
if returned to the wild, the next best option is to
ensure as high a quality of life as possible in captivity. This is
achieved by socialization with their own species and a natural habitat where natural behaviour patterns are encouraged. Experienced carers
ensure that the primates are handled with compassion
and treated as individuals.
A new primate is slowly and carefully introduced to
a companion. If quarantine at the sanctuary is
necessary, the incoming primate will be quarantined
with its new companion as this greatly reduces stress.
Because some lack socialization skills, the process
may take months; but it is essential to the long term
well-being of the primate. The primate is encouraged
to engage in natural behaviour patterns such as grooming,
foraging and play behaviour. Once socialization
and natural behaviour patterns are achieved, the primate
will normally enjoy a good quality of life. The
history of the incoming primate is recorded as part
of the rehabilitation process. Records are updated
daily.
Very young or infant primates received are
immediately introduced to a stable primate foster family.This
will teach the youngster the correct behaviour patterns
necessary for normal development. The infants
are not removed from their foster family for feeding
as they would find this stressful. Bottle feeding
is conducted within the enclosure. |
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