animal protection & environmental sanctuary

Before we go any further, We at APES would like to thank the caring people, both private and companies, who have been there in so many ways for the monkeys and us. There are far too many to mention each one by name but we would like to make special mention of our rescuers Kenny, Denise, Bronwyn and Heather who have given so much of their time and have always been there when needed. Thank you so much! I know we have not been able to save them all but I’m sure we've made a difference. Please people out there, we are desperate for more people who are interested in getting involved with rescues, it is extremely difficult for these people to carry the whole load. As mentioned previously, if you would like to become a rescuer, please let us know and we will arrange for Kenny to do the training.

There have been a number of call outs, not all successful unfortunately. Some of the SPCAs are trying to assist but on the whole it seems as if time is not of the essence unfortunately. We also are most grateful to the Durban Metro Info department for giving out our Helpline and also to the Fire Department who are more than willing to lend a hand when required. Unfortunately we have lost a number of pregnant mums, reasons being that due to the drought conditions, shrinking habitat and lack of nutrition, these mums do not have the strength to give birth and unfortunately babies and mums died. I only wish people could see how tragic this is and how distressful it is for the “ would be rescuers. Not to mention the concerned people that contact us seeking help for these unfortunate creatures.

Now for some Sanctuary news;
Mimi: It is with a very sad heart I have to report that Mimi (one of our human-damaged monkeys who has had the freedom that all monkeys should have, even though she wasn’t 100%) disappeared last month. We searched and searched to no avail. Having to tell Stephnie that she had gone was the most difficult part, Steph’s reaction was very comforting, saying that at least Mimi had over two years of freedom and wasn't confined to a cage - but it doesn’t make it any easier.
Loo: Is really quite a success story now, he hardly ever goes back into his enclosure and spends most of his time out with our youngsters, in fact he fancy’s himself as a leader.
Kate, a member of our local wild troop approximately 8 to 10 months old, had been rather badly injured. Unfortunately we were unable to catch her for four days and the delay in treating her severely wounded leg caused her to  contact Tetanus. Budgie, our local vet and his assistant Kate ( hence the name) tried everything possible but Katie died in my arms ten days later. The tragedy was that she seemed to be making great strides and even started to put on weight.  It is so heart breaking to lose one of these animals in this manner. We at the Sanctuary can never get used to losing animals.
Gizzmo: Our beloved Gizzy has also disappeared. This is a complete mystery and no amount of searching revealed where she was or where she had gone.
The Magnificent 7. The name we have given to this season's juveniles. They are all doing well, although little Charlie seems to miss his great friend Georgie, (who we found dead in a tree from suspected snake bite) . . and of course Elliot, is still his arrogant self. His best friend seems to be Connie, who is just as unfriendly as he is. Mandy and Karen are still as affectionate as ever and if given half the chance will sneak inside just to get cuddled. Edward is not too keen on human contact and I have my doubts if he would ever be a leader as he is quite happy to cruise along with the others, helping out if need be.
Steven: He is the newest member of APES. His mother was killed in the Transkei and Peter Raleigh, who lives there, was handed this little baby by an African chap who said that the mother had been hit by a car. Steve Solomon who was visiting Peter at the time was travelling back by Translux, who agreed to let the baby travel back with Steven. A big thank you to Mr. Steyn and Translux for their kindness.

It is with delight that we report our local troop have produced six new babies. They are a bit late this year due to the dry weather and late spring rains. Bugs was the first to show off her little one. Then came Orphan, Princess and a new member of the troop, yet unnamed. The biggest surprise was White-eyes, the Alpha female, she hasn't had a baby for the last three years and low and behold she arrived with her baby in the first week of November. Minky surprised us all in December . . . I went out early one morning to give them their morning feed and noticed her sitting high up in a tree holding a very small black bundle. I thought my eyes were playing tricks, then noticed a very new baby, first thoughts were she had stolen one from a wild mum . .  I called her but was rather wary remembering my numerous wounds from her aggression but low and behold she came to me and showed me the little one, of course all the “nannies” were in attendance trying to get a glimpse of the little one or even better, have the chance of holding it. Now I realised why she had been so aggressive, she is now back to her old gentle loving self. It was wonderful to see how proud and protective she was of her new baby, Sipho (which means 'gift' in Zulu). Misty and Amy are her chief helpers and it is too comical to see how they compete for the honour of looking after him while his mum has a break.So much for the pundits saying monkeys breed every year . . . all are doing extremely well, touch wood.

The latest arrivals Vikki, Bongani and Stephen, will shortly be out permanently in the outdoor enclosure and then permanently out in the wild blue yonder. They are becoming a handful already especially Stephen but they are too young yet to cope on their own, even in the outdoor enclosure. Vikki is very small, actually looks like a two or three week old and is a strange looking mite, we are convinced she looks like a gnome. Bonganil hasn’t gained the use of his arm yet but it doesn’t hinder him at all he climbs, jumps and has rough and tumble games with his friends. Stephen is really a character and is madly in love with the dogs especially Vinni our Tibet spaniel. I think it has something to do with her long silky coat.

May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2002. May we be more tolerant to all, especially to the Vervets and the environment. Bless you all. Thanks for caring and for all your support.

APES Chatter 4
Special thanks
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Mimi
Loo
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Magnificent 7
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