VMF: Past, present, and future and my volunteer experience.

I am back from my volunteer experience at the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF) in the Limpopo province of South Africa and am thinking about how to wrap it up into words. There were so many different facets involved that I wondered what best to write about. My blog was certainly on the lighter side (as opposed to the scientific/analytical side) and geared to a particular special audience: my family and friends, most of which have limited or no experience with monkeys. I wanted to keep it fun, yet informative and not subject my audience to too much personal right and wrong views or delve hardcore into animal rights issues, etc. Afterall, I am "young" in this field and am still learning from what I have been absorbing and experiencing over the last two and a half years.

What I have learned is that there always seems to be some level of debatable compromise when it comes to rescuing wild animals. Do humans really KNOW the best method to do this, or even if it should be taken on by us Homo Sapiens? Experts, scientists, and caretakers will always disagree to some degree or another.

So, back to the VMF. It all started with Arthur Hunt, one of the three original founding members, taking in an orphaned vervet monkey infant whose mother was shot and killed by a human. He became "absorbed in this little creature" so much so that it changed the direction of his life. Researching the wildlife laws of South Africa, he was appalled to discover that the vervet monkey was branded a 'vermin,' therefore humans were legally permitted to indiscriminately kill them. Further research would prove to him that citizens were doing just that. These monkey killers (how is that for drama?!) were justifying their murderous rampages (more drama-but not exaggeration!) by stating that they are pests and are ruining crops, etc. Monkeys inhabit and establish a territory in an area that supplies a good food source. Farms have encroached on these monkey's natural habitats as well as other human ventures such as campsites, restaurants, hotels, etc. Thus the territory conflicts begin, leading to the need for monkey sanctuaries.

Each year, after the birthing season of the vervet monkey occurs, the foundation takes in newly orphaned babies due to mainly the killing of the mother. Causes of death and injury to monkeys include being hit by motor vehicles. Currently there are approximately 600 vervets at the foundation, many of which roam freely around the property as the "bandit group." Some monkeys taken in were formerly pets and are imprinted on humans, while others are straight up wild animals with a fear of humans. The rescued infants must be reared by a member of the staff otherwise they would die.

With VMF's persistence and hard work, they were able to convince the government to remove the vermin status and now it is illegal to kill vervet monkeys. What an accomplishment! However, many residents still despise these fascinating animals thereby leaving VMF with much work to be done via means of education, awareness, and assistance to those residents that are having conflicts with vervet troops. More enclosures are being erected (as I witnessed) so as recently rescued monkeys will not have to stay in the small cages. Intregrating to form new troops is a daily undertaking for the "long termers" and is a rewarding task when there is success. The "Vervet Forest" ( http://www.vervetforest.org/ ) is their future project that will give these rescued monkeys a chance to go back into the wild in a protected large natural habitat.

- MY VIEWS OF VMF AND THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

So, now then, what are my thoughts and views of the Vervet Monkey Foundation and the volunteer program, some may be wondering? You can gather from the previous paragraphs that they are doing wonderful things for the plight of survival of the vervet monkey. Apparently the species' official status is 'threatened.' Arthur Hunt writes that CITES (International Convention for Endangered Species) lists the vervet under 'schedule II,' the second highest category of endangerment, accompanying the African elephant and rhino. Because of all the former murderous rampages (I couldn't resist), their population numbers have dropped dramatically. I believe that VMF overall is doing a wonderful, ground-breaking job. They are only one of a few vervet sanctuaries located in the natural habitat of this species and possibly the only one that has gotten so far with the government and surrounding communities. The staff's passion and dedication were evident to me. They love this beautiful, clever (often cheeky!), and endearing monkey, as do I.

As you can imagine, it is not easy raising enough money to support some 600 monkeys (the bandits do find some of their diet naturally within the grounds of the property, but food leftovers are put out for them as a supplement). As I witnessed, there is a LOT of work to be done to keep it all running smoothly. The volunteer program, as I gathered, is likely the most beneficial source of income for VMF. For one month a volunteer contributes approximately $1,000 USD. This fee includes your meals and (tent) accommodations, and of course the unique learning experience.

In the month I was there, there was about 40 volunteers on average at any given time. This high number is not unusual for what is the western world's summer break time (winter in South Africa). This number will start decreasing as September rolls in. I was put off a bit by the large number of people there when I arrived, however I did realize that it amounted to a much needed cash supply. This number of people also translates to a lot of work getting done, such as the building of enclosures and upkeep of the fire breaks (keeping the perimeter of the property clear of flammable brush in order to stop fires spreading to animal and human areas). This is all great for VMF, but is the consequences of large amounts of new people around, good for the monkeys? In my second posting I mentioned that I would write more about this situation and the issue of the volunteers having a hands-on experience with the monkeys as I experienced it first hand.

As I mentioned earlier, it is necessary that rescued infant monkeys to be hand reared, otherwise their fate is death. At VMF, once these infants are old enough to be on their own in their young group, they will slowly be weaned from humans. They then will start being introduced to an established troop. The near future plan is to bypass a stage of human handling at a point where it is safe to intregrate them with a surrogate vervet mother. It will be an adopted mother program! I think this is fantastic and wish it success! I saw this directly work at Stichting AAP (Foundation Ape) where I previously was employed. A baby vervet was introduced to surrogate parents (a male and female vervet couple) and they adopted him lovingly right away! (This was Cookie who is featured in the photo of my first blog posting).

One of the appeals to potential volunteers of this program at VMF is that they get to touch monkeys. I know this is a major "selling point" which leads to the income of the foundation. Here is one of those debatable compromises that I mentioned earlier. Is it right to have so many inexperienced people touching these baby monkeys? A personal issue I had is that with so many volunteers being there at one time, all wanting a chance to spend time in with the babies, it could cause tension and confusion in the baby group. These are very sensitive creatures and the subtlest of communications or situations can cause an altercation within the group or directed at the humans in the enclosure. This proved to be the case at one stage where it seemed every person who went in with them got bitten. Although these bites are certainly not dangerous, it is not pleasant to be bitten, especially when a few of them gang up on you (usually when they think you are at fault for upsetting one of the monkeys or simply to take out their frustration on you). I came home with several scratches and bruises from them- and I consider myself experienced and at ease around monkeys! However, indeed the cause was recognized as being due to too many people in and around the baby cage at one time and it was decided by the staff that a change was in order. The policy then changed to only two people in at a time with them and no more people hanging around outside of the enclosure. I (silently) applauded this decision and know many volunteers also agreed with it. One cannot deny, however, that being in contact with baby monkeys is a special experience. They are fun and affectionate. As I wrote in earlier postings, once you and them are comfortable with one other, it can be great fun playing with them. They love to be swung from your arm and "tossed" around. When they play they open their little mouths and make cute breathy noises as though they are smiling and laughing. When this tires them out, many of them like to cuddle with you and take a nap on you. Many times one would escape under my shirt to sneak in a quick nap. I found that sweet and special- I would be a lying girl if I said otherwise.

In some cases volunteers were also scheduled to go in with particular mature monkeys- ones which were imprinted on humans (former pets, for example) and have no aggressive tendencies toward them. These monkeys are currently caged alone as it is difficult to intregrate them with other monkeys as they were not raised as normal monkeys. They get lonely and desire attention from humans. One such case was Buttercup with whom I sat with a couple of times. The session mainly consisted of me grooming her and vice versa. How do I feel about this? Mixed feelings. My instincts and experience has persuaded me that a human should never feel safe with a wild adult monkey, especially those that have fangs! Even the labeled harmless, humanized ones can be unpredictable, just like humans. Aren't they entitled to a "bad hair day?" And how do they get weaned from humans if we are interacting physically with them daily? Or are these special cases just hopeless and will never be able to be intregrated with their own species? These questions are up in the air still for me and the decision of how to proceed is up to the experienced staff in charge to determine. Maybe there is no one answer. For an example, Skunkey is a male who was a pet. His "owner" had him castrated and his fangs removed- now I ask first, what kind of person can do this to such a beautiful being? Skunkey would have been a big, beautiful alpha male, proud with his tail held high (a sign of status). This owner removed his "manhood" and his main weapon of self defense. Now, at the VMF, he simply will not intregrate with other monkeys, and, rightly understandable considering his horrific short comings forced upon him by a human. I, and other volunteers and staff, often sit with him (I sat on the outside of the enclosure) and groom him as he is always alone. He is a great groomer as I learned while he searched my hair, with great determination, for-well, um, I don't know really- bugs and dirt? I often became worried as apparently he was busy at work removing things from my hair (including the styling wax I forgot was in there- oops).

In cases such as with orphan babies, I think human interaction is necessary up until they can be introduced successfully to a surrogate vervet mother or into a troop. With the lonely, humanized monkeys, human contact may be important to their psychological health until hopefully they can be intregrated with a troop. I would not at any time feel comfortable being in direct contact with adult male monkeys (well, accept maybe Skunkey!) and at VMF a volunteer would not have this option anyway. I hope that they continue to keep the contact with the babies to a minimum amount of people, although again, I understand this is a catch-22 where volunteer expectations come into play.

Overall I had a good experience there and enjoyed the time. There were some moments that I was a bit "over" the camping thing and dreamt of cleaner days and comfortable big beds. The camping accommodations were good, however, and I cannot complain. The vegeterian food served up by Maggie and Rachel was enjoyable and I came to appreciate their hard work taking care of us and the main house. I enjoyed meeting and spending time with some great people- the staff at VMF, the "long-termers," and the volunteers. It is an experience that certainly attracts good people with a real interest in helping animals.

Tzaneen is a beautiful place and the surrounding area is stunning. It is a great place for a holiday with Kruger and other game parks nearby, wonderful lodges, gorgeous sights such as mountains, waterfalls, and nature trails. Tzaneen is also quite modern actually and offers a downtown with a mall and other businesses that offer whatever you may need- and is quite safe compared to some major cities throughout Africa.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my blog. Please feel free to leave your suggestions, comments about it, or the topics I have discussed. Thanks for reading!

Until my next blog (ah, threats!)... Warmest wishes,

Michelle