Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary

‘Our Story’ written by André Craye

Since its official opening in April 2009, Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary, located on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg in Hartbeespoort, has widened its spectrum of primates to over 70 free-released specimens.

We have been gratefully accepting public donations of monkeys and prosimians since the start, and are enthusiastically watching them habituate to the 10ha wild environment we have secured for them. Many had never touched a tree prior to their arrival at the Sanctuary, and some had never seen the open sky either. They climb the branches with soft feet, eyes gazing at the new world before them. 

Bushbabies rescues primates that were previously kept as pets or bred for the pet trade. Some monkeys, such as our seven-month-old capuchin Bonnie, arrive at our doors wearing dresses and trousers. Many have grown to live as would children in a typical family household. Upon arrival, the monkeys are released into a natural, free-roaming environment in which a pristine mountain spring and hundreds of species of indigenous trees are found.

Bonnie, a Capuchin monkey donated by a private family, in natural surroundings at Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary

As of yet, there is no preventative legislation in South Africa keeping watch on the exotic-primate trade. Hence, just about anyone who is willing to pay upward of a small fortune for a South American specie can step into a pet shop or approach a breeder and virtually purchase one on the spot. This creates a number of problems to both the buyer and the primate. Buyers are not given a “monkey handbook” upon purchase, nor are they advised of the concerns involving captive monkeys in a private home. It is without doubt that this information is withheld to facilitate the transaction for the seller.

The new addition to the family seems perfect: cute, small, alert and full of surprises. What a friend for the children!

As time passes, however, that fervent admiration for the little one may change. When monkeys reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age, they begin to evaluate the household as territorial space. They practice “urine-washing” – spreading their mark on furniture, curtains, carpets and just about anywhere practicable.

As with certain parrot species, monkeys become favourable toward the opposite gender of the family. For example, a female capuchin may adore your husband, but despise your wife. This can result in a minor nip on the arm of the wife, causing frenzy amongst the family, leading to riddance of the monkey.

And that’s where we come in. Families contact us with donation in mind, seeking to release their furry friends into as natural and wild an environment as possible; essentially, for them to be what they really are: monkeys.

Interaction between human and monkey is kept to an absolute minimum at Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary

Some primates are also rescued from medical research facilities. They are unfortunately still used today by such institutions for clinical and scientific research, the most common being psychological analysis. Bushbabies gladly takes in these primates and gives them a chance to heal their pasts, free of captivity and human contact.

Interaction between human and monkey is kept to an absolute minimum at Bushbabies. Even our staff are not allowed to touch the primates. This means that a gradual disconnection from human reliance is ensured. The monkeys living in the large environment we have made for them are assisted by us symbiotically, but not mutually as they once were. We want them to experience life as wild animals rather than domestic pets.

Support the placement of monkeys in recognized sanctuaries. Such sanctuaries create the awareness to the public that monkeys do not make good pets, and together we can put an end to the pet trade.

André Craye is the Head Guide/Marketing Manager of Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary. When visiting South Africa, take a tour and walk through natural indigenous forests on elevated wooden walkways and experience a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment.