Volunteer Abroad: Work with Rescued Monkeys in South Africa

I came back from International Primate Rescue last week after spending 3 weeks there and I absolutely loved my experience! International Primate Rescue is such an amazing non profit charity, run by Sue Mousley, a warrior in her own right! This amazing human gives her all to ensure these primates have the very best love, care and attention they need to thrive and to live out the rest of their days happily. Also, Sophie Finch, a young and dedicated lady who works alongside Sue with the day to day running, the support for volunteering and media outputs. I was so fortunate to meet and work alongside IPRs long termers Tina Jenkinson and Lizzy Lorimer - These ladies have been coming and going for many years and leave a piece of their hearts everytime they have to go. Most many of these monkeys have been rescued by Sue / IPR and the hundreds of volunteers/carers thoughout the years from some horrendous situations that has ultimately meant that they are unable to be rehabilitated into the wild so now will live out the rest of their days at the rescue centre, being given the best possible love, care and attention ? Daily tasks - Our days were spent interacting with the monkeys, giving them clean, warm and enjoyable enclosures to live and sleep in (when I say enclosures, I mean, these guys have the run of the place...) The first meal of the day was always completed by members of Sue's staff in the early hours. The volunteer's day started at 9am with what was referred to as 'top ups' additional food and fresh water for everyone. Meals were always of a good variety providing balanced and healthy foods, suppliments and engaging choices. Once we had completed this, we would then take direction from Sue for our next task, usually to clean enclosures. Providing fresh blankets/straw/grass, Leaving new branches and enrichment activities. It was always a pleasure to watch them go into their enclosures, cameras at the ready! Twelve until two was our extensive lunch break, plenty of time to relax, eat and regroup, reflecting on our morning and a chance to discuss our afternoon tasts. 2pm would start with top ups once more, just as before. We would then go on to what ever was needed to be done. Grounds maintenance was also important, especially raking the main walk ways, around the enclosures and beneath tunnels when sometimes food would be dropped. THEN, 4pm was treat time! A most enjoyable time not just for the monkeys but for us also! Everyday, a different type of treat, from monkey nuts to the occasional cheese puffs. And they always knew it was 4pm! During the whole day there was always opportunity for observations, looking out for the general well being of the monkeys and enclosures. 5pm was the end to our day but we would take turns to help feed the nocturnal monkeys and have quality time too and also by 6:30, the bowl collection from each enclosure ready to wash and be used the next morning. Accommodation - Its not the kind of place you need to take a hair dryer and straightners like I did! No, the accommodation is very basic, providing electricity from 5pm until 10pm each day although Sue was always happy to put the generator on throughout the day if anyone needed to wash clothes. My advise to anyone would be to take solor powered lights, battery packs ect to be able to charge phones, tablets and laptops throughout the daytime. Shower was hot and had good pressure. There is a new 4 ring cooker with a good oven and also a microwave. There are several bedrooms that sleep between 2 and 4 people at a time with fresh linen and a towel. Time off - We worked out between ourselves what days off we wanted to ensure we always had 'hands on' at the sanctuary. We had opportunities to go and explore parts of Sound Africa. Lots to do and see within a short drive away. Not forgetting the Africa sunsets and rises, truly breath taking. Marnie and his wife who live next door and have been in full support of IPR for 28years were always happy to help, arrange and even take you on excursions. I was fortunate to visit Krugar National Park for 3 days with their support and I couldn't have felt safer. There is a supermarket, a liquor store and a take away just a short taxi drive away, even a KFC! Overall this has opened my eyes to a whole new world! If you're the hands on type of person, has a huge heart for the welfare of animals and enjoy getting to know like minded people, this place is for you... I absolutely cannot wait to return.

I started going in 2014 and fell in love with the founder Sue and the animals. I have been back many times, you just can't get an experience like it in the UK at least. It's a real no frills charity, the focus is completely on the animals. They come from the pet trade, labs, rescued injured or confiscated by the authorities. You are taught to recognise behaviours and learn everything about their care. It's awesome to earn their trust and see them introduced into groups, when they have previously been kept in isolation. They have enclosures connected by tunnels through the trees, and can have as much or as little human interaction as they want. It's an awesome place, animal heaven! I've made international friends there and we try to visit at the same time. The neighbour runs excursions to Kruger (6hours ish away) local safari parks and other cultural experiences so there's plenty to do on days off. He also takes us shopping etc so we always feel safe. I can't explain how much I love this place, I'd live there if I could!