Welcome to our busy volunteer season! July and August as many of you have experienced is a time to really get things moving at the VMF. We welcome many students this time of year as well as all our other volunteers. Athough hectic at times, the amount that can be achieved is phenomenal.

Camilla who previously helped with rehydration has taken on the role of special diets for those monkeys who need them along with the help of Rachael. We have had a lot of success with the diets, herbs and supplements some of the monkeys include Buttercup & Elf who are finally starting to put on weight and no longer have chronic diarrhoea. The diets and additional neutraceuticals take all day to prepare as they are having 3 feeds per day so it certainly takes dedication for the job!

Becca (veterinarian) & Guy Levin were here this month who helped us enormously teaching volunteers how to read faecal samples, giving Ghosty a dental, helping with tests and even sterilising some of our non-releasable male vervets. In order to stop overbreeding we have made the decision to use vasectomy for the non-releasable males. Castration is an alternative but is known to create a change in behaviour that would cause status problems within the troops. As our aim is to create the most natural environment possible vasectomies would appear to be the most ethical.

Nigel is finally back with his mum after all Jackson's hard work in nursing him back to health and is now living in an enclosure called Neverland for the time being.

Our plea for help for construction teams worked very well and we now have Gregg & Fergus doing an outstanding job. Also joining us this month will be another fellow irish previous volunteer - Danny Bergin (who I'm sure some of you will remember as one of the 3 irish guys!). Hellen Bersacola will also be joining the team. Some of the projects the team have helped with so far include - revamping many cages around the centre - replacing wooden shelves with easier to clean materials, putting new branches in for the monkeys, fixing up Disneyland, fixing fencing, helping with the new quarantine area, firebreaks and much more.

Most of our bandits are now in the 2 hectare Camelot enclosure with t he exception of a few naughty ones we are still trying to catch - it hasn't been easy as they get cleverer and cleverer and are very intelligent! We will report how they are doing next month.

A fire on a neighbouring property on a very windy day proved hazardous to the foundation but thanks to all our firefighting volunteers and those who have worked hard on the firebreaks this year - this one didn't reach us but fire season is not over yet...

In addition to our many returning volunteers this season, Hilde Olbrechts (a staff member) from Belgium will be re-joining us long term this week after more than 6 months away.

Lastly, a special thank you to Lorna Wilkie who after 4 years has decided to return to UK for a well-deserved break (no doubt we'll see her again in the future).

Welcome:
Gregg McGibney, Fergus O'Higgins, Aodhnait Culley, Eamonn Cole, Libbi Tudor, Jamie Cross, Kari Lindenberger, Alex Beresford, Siobhan Madigan, Ian O'Toole, Wendy Morgan, Doerthe Jansen, Pautie Peeters, Kevin McCormack, Rebecca Coleman, Abby Pappenfus, Caitlin Strong.

Welcome back:
Michaela Roberts

During the month of July, Dave and myself were lucky enough to be invited to 2 events. One of which was the PEGG workshop and conference held at Pretoria zoo and the other was the First African Veterinary symposium of zoological medicine held at Johannesburg zoo.

The first was the PEGG (Primate Ecology and Genetics Group) workkshop and conference held at Pretoria zoo. PEGG was established to provide a forum for individuals interested in primate ecology, behavior and evolution to discuss and share information. They encourage scientific research, education, conservation and conservation oriented management of species of non-human primates found in southern Africa. Attending the workshop brings conservationists and researchers together to best help the future for the primates.

The workshop included a session on primate behaviour and presentations of scientific papers involving primates. The conference also enabled us to meet other people from primate centres across Africa. One study of particular interest related to the colouring of the vervet's blue testes in relation to dominance and social structure.

The second event we were privileged to be able to attend was the First African Symposium on Zoological Medicine at Johannesburg Zoo which was a series of presentations covering everything from primate medicine and surgery, nutritional disorders, conservation medicine and pathology along with much more in one jam-packed weekend. Some of the speakers included Dr Ian Espie and Dr Adrian Tordiffe. Although the symposium was related to zoo animals, many of the same principles apply to conservation animals. Over 200 people attended from veterinary backgrounds so we were able to make some good contacts.

Putting your finger in a monkey’s cage is like playing a game of poker. There is a certain amount of strategy involved, however a lot of it is to do with luck. Not that you’re taking your life into your hands if you do so! But in some cases, you must have your wits about you. Although a group of monkeys could have the same reaction to such an action, each monkey in that group has its own personality and individual traits.

During the two weeks that I have been here, I have met most of the monkeys who live in the VMF. Those that you notice straight away are the Bandits, the monkeys who live in the foundation but are the ‘wild’ ones. Bandits by name, bandits by nature would sum them up in a statement! Outwardly the most cheeky of the monkeys that live here, you will never be bored when doing Main Feed – they are always willing to relieve you of your sweet potatoes.

Along with the Bandits, the caged residents of the VMF will never leave you bored. The gentlemen who inhabit the appropriately named ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ are always on the move and don’t let you walk past without some sort of input. The individuals who live in the intro cages dotted around the foundation all have different interests in the volunteers who go past – some want to sit there and be groomed all day (or are the ones who do the grooming!), some are too busy gallivanting around their cages to take any notice.

All of these different individuals have likes and dislikes, tastes in food and ways of entertaining themselves, just like humans do. There are so many more monkeys who deserve a mention, but to do so would take more word space than would be appropriate. So in conclusion, those people who claim that animals don’t have personalities, you should come to the VMF to see how incorrect you are!

I've been volunteering at the VMF since 2006, coming back every year during my school's summer breaks. Now I am attending the third and final year of Art Academy, waiting to finish so that I can come back to work with the monkeys again! Living in Africa surrounded by monkeys inspired not only a new view of life for me but became something I have incorporated into my art work as well. Since I first worked with the monkeys at the foundation, I couldn't stop drawing and painting them!

Having my first exhibition here in Switzerland, I took the chance to add to the opening day a fundraising evening for the VMF. The event worked very well and I talked about the monkeys and the work that the VMF does. In total, I managed to raise $ 225 for the quarantine area. People are very interested when someone tells them about working with monkeys, I guess it's a rare privilege that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. I feel blessed!

Watch this space - Hellen is returning to the VMF in August so we may be lucky enough to be able to sell a few of her artwork pieces in our new shop...

One Saturday afternoon, Dave arrived at my cottage with a tiny baby, four or five months old, extremely thin, completely dehydrated and consequently very weak. He was from a bandit troop near Creche, had become separated from his mother, and was found by a vol - Liz - trying to catch the drips from the spout of a watering can - and exhausted by his attempts to find his mother. Liz also gave him the name of Nigel, which is a name I associate with English sit-coms; the character of Nigel usually supplying the laughs, and not an obvious choice for a Vervet monkey in Africa. In the event, it proved to be an inspired choice; he became more of a Nigel with each passing day, one of the funniest monkeys (albeit unintentionally) that I have ever met. And if I say that his personal hygiene left a lot to be be desired, I'm sure no further explanation is required!

'I don't think he's going to make it', said Dave, 'give him fluids every 15 minutes; it's literally a matter of life or death'. 'Right', I thought, 'no pressure there then...

I looked into the unprepossessing bundle he handed to me and into the eyes of a very frightened little baby; being from a bandit troop he had had no previous contact with humans, so being confronted with this alien species was the last in a series of hugely traumatic experiences for Nige, as I came to call him. Separated from his mother, his troop, and unable to fend for himself would be enough to tax the resources of a much older monkey, let alone a tiny baby, and now he has to cope with living in a cottage with a human being. Quite a lot to get his head around if you think about it.

But Nige was a fighter, and after enough fluids to launch the 'Titanic', a week of sleeping and various meds, he began to rally, a light came into his eyes, energy returned and he decided to forego his afternoon nap and explore his surroundings.... Nige leapt around the cottage whenever he felt like stretching his legs, and deposited poo's wherever the fancy took him. By the end of my second week with Nige, the line between cottage and enclosure had definitely been crossed with Nige in the winning corner!

Now, before you ask why I didn't take him outside during this period, the answer is quite simple; the weather. For the first week of his stay, it rained - in June yes! - and when it wasn't raining, it was too cold. On the odd warm day, out he went into the garden but it wasn't until week three that he took up - to our mutual relief - daily residence in the garden.

cont....

During week one of his stay he needed lots of physical contact which resulted in quite a few nips from razor sharp tiny teeth. Nige proved himself to be a biter, and had several successes with my left arm and despite my shouts of 'not the face Nige, NOT THE FACE!' has left a permanent reminder of our relationship on my jaw line... He also gave 'eye brows' constantly, which he combined with a series of movements that were a very good imitation of T'ai Chi and hilarious to witness.

During the third week of his stay, Elsa arrived. She had been brought in from Tzaneen where she had fallen out of a tree? and had damaged her back in the process. The vet decided to give her a couple of days to see if there was any improvement in her condition, but two days later, with no improvement, it was decided that she had broken her back, had no movement from the waist down, so euthanasing her was the only compassionate option being a wild animal. She and Nige had adjoining 'houses'; I loathe the word cage with all that it implies, so on day three I decided to put them together in Nige's house which was by far the larger of the two, and watched as they took to each other immediately and became firm friends. With a baby, it is essential to give them security which results in a return of confidence, but at the same time not to allow them to become too dependent on the human supplying it. With a monkey friend Nige was able to break his attachment to me, and allow his monkey instincts to return. He assumed the role of big brother to Elsa, was extremely protective of her, and as she was unable to sleep with him on his perch, he slept on the floor with her, his arm around her shoulder, her head on his. Both of them gained from the proximity of the other; Elsa became a gymnast swinging around the house, displaying amazing upper body strength and dexterity.

Now in an ideal world, Nige would be re-united with his mother, and Elsa would join that great big Vervet forest in the sky on the same day. Then the news arrived, Nige's mother had been caught and they would be re-united that afternoon. Yippee! More news; Nige's mother had escaped so the plan had to be delayed a while. Finally the day arrived when Mum was caught and awaited her off-spring in the newly named blind enclosure 'Neverland'. Josie, Dave and I arrived with our Nige, hearts in our mouths, and hoping for the happiest of endings.

And guess what? We got it! Josie opened the door of Nige's trap cage, he shot out and up the branch of the tree Josie had thoughtfully provided. Then Mum was let out, ran straight to her boy who immediately put his arms around her, and they haven't been separated since. Josie and I watched them, tears running down our faces, thrilled to bits that we had indeed achieved our 'happy ending.

I went home to Elsa, and Becca, a visiting vet released her from this world with such sensitivity and compassion. She lay in my arms and I gave thanks for the remarkable experience I have had. To share so intimate a relationship with two wild creatures is so special and I am so grateful to have had that experience.

Elsa is buried in my garden, and Nige and his mum grow closer daily.
It is so wonderful to see him leaping around, giving 'eyebrows' to all and sundry, and being the wild free creature Nature intended him to be. Yeah! Go Nige!!!

Thank you to Jackson who has been doing a wonderful job in her own 'intensive care unit' for those monkeys that need 24hr care to recover. Thanks also to Mel who helped identify Nigel's mum - 'Nigella' and Krissie who helped catch her so the 2 could be re-united. Lastly thanks to Eveline for taking Nigel his daily breakfast & evening meal.

After spending most of the last 4 years here at VMF I have decided to go back to the UK for a while. A lot has changed here since I first arrived in 2005 and I am very proud to have been here to see the transformation.

It has been an absolute privilege to work with the monkeys in Skunkey enclosure and see them grow up and become a fully formed, functioning troop, which I have been lucky enough to be involved in since my arrival.
When they began having babies of their own in 2007, it was the proudest time of my life, to see the babies I met 4 years ago as helpless orphans become devoted mothers themselves. Being lucky enough to actually witness a baby being born will be a memory I will remember forever.

In 2005, I spent an incredible 2 weeks, sleeping outside with a group of babies who were ready to take the next step of their rehabilitation. Lying under the African sky with 6 baby monkeys sleeping around me, seeing shooting stars flying past is something I will never forget. Then introducing them into the enclosure, seeing them climb their first trees, exploring their new home – with some help initially, trying to walk with 18 monkeys clung to you is not an easy thing! – watching them make new friends and becoming a troop has been an incredible experience. Knowing that I have helped to make some monkeys lives better will stay with me forever.

I am leaving Skunkey in the very capable hands of Ian who I know will do a great job at taking care of them and loving all of them – especially Pedro, the 17th century highway man! – while I am in the UK.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dave and Josie for their help, advice and most of all, for giving me the opportunity to have this truly life changing experience. I will miss the monkeys – and of course the ever faithful Casey – while I am away, but the knowledge that they are going to be given the best lives (and food!) possible and will be cared for by people that are truly devoted to them will make it easier.

This year Lorna helped with some very important tasks in addition to looking after Skunkey troop - Thank you Lorna for all your help especially during some very difficult times, it takes a special person to commit themselves to look after the monkeys in good times and bad for such a long time.

Danielle Ackrill organised a Companion dog show near Birmingham, UK and raised £180 for the new quarantine area. Thank you to Dan, Jo and Sarita who helped with a VMF stand at the show.

Helen Bersacola raised $225 for the new quarantine area.

Wendy Morgan brought over some latex gloves.

Becca & Guy Levin brought with them some overalls to use in quarantine & other areas.

Can you help?
We are currently in need of the following items:
Projector & screen for our new education centre
40 school chairs for our education centre
Latex gloves
Faecal sample pots
Hibiscrub
1ml, 2.5ml, 5ml syringes
Automatic trap cages

Please contact info@vervet.za.org if you can help or for a bigger list of items currently needed.

The Vervet Monkey Foundation newsletter goes out to over 1000 people including previous & potential volunteers, volunteer organisations, wildlife organisations and some members of the public. If you would like to advertise in this space, please contact info@vervet.za.org for a price. The fee will help us cover the costs of sending our monthly newsletter so that more money can go towards helping the monkeys.

Rebecca Partridge, Leanne Cairns, Mark Leyland, Bice Herold, Keara Sandy, Sydney O'Connor, Raquel Torres, Ciara Bourke, Natalie Marr, Sophie Taylor, Casey Dwyer, Katie Lively, Jess Link, Annalise White, Barlie Pouncey, Liz Walsh (return), Sue Peyton, Rebecca & Guy Levin, Claire Boucher (return), Alison Bunnen, Leah Wood.