WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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We have approximately 70-100 animals to care for at any given time and we have more work than hands to do the job.
During the baby season the orphans are reliant on around the clock care and love. The tactile interaction is of utmost importance to the development of young infants. As they no longer have their own mothers and families to provide this care for them, the task must now fall to us as. The number of Orphans varies anywhere from 5-15 babies at a time. The season runs through November till February and is our busiest time of the year.
​As a rehabilitation and release centre we avoid human contact with the animals as much as possible. However, whilst the monkeys are under three to four months of age, they would be under the care of their Vervet mother and during this early stage we are her substitute.
What will you do in baby season?
During baby season at the centre, you will be asked to act as a surrogate 'mother' to our orphans during the day, providing the much needed tactile care they need in order to thrive.​
Our orphan vervets are on an on-demand feeding schedule.
#. You will be asked to prepare formula, and food plates regularly and bottle feed our orphans during your shifts.
Vervet babies are notoriously messy!
#. So regular cleaning of the baby Play-pen, sleep boxes, blankets and toys is a must.
#. Providing enrichment within the baby enclosure. this can include anything from swings, hammocks, splash pools and even feeding puzzles. This helps to keep our babies physically and mentally stimulated.
#. Washing and sterilizing of bottles
#. Bottle feeding of babies
#. Cleaning of baby sleep area
#. Keeping of baby play-pen clean and hygienic
#. Washing baby blankets
#. Assisting with individual troop introduction.
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What else could you be asked to do?
#. Assist with maintenance pertinent to the monkeys and other wildlife at the centre
#. Assist with new rescues, as well as any patients in care at the time.
#. Monitoring of released animals and food delivery to newly released troops
#. Monitoring and observation of monkeys in the enclosures and report any incidents should they occur
#. Collection and sorting of food donations
#. Harvesting, replanting and maintenance of the vegetable garden used for monkey feed
#. Keeping of feed storage areas clean and tidy
#. Preparation of food – chopping fresh produce and preparing “dry” foods
#. Washing of feed bowls and food prep area
#. Delivering of afternoon scatter feeds of nuts, seeds, indigenous berries, pods and foliage to the enclosures. This helps encourage natural foraging behavior in captive animals.
#. Enrichment projects for mental and physical stimulation.
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