Monkey Conservation Program, Kenya

We are a conservation organization designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates like the nationally threatened Angolan colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and its coastal forest habitat in southern Kenya.

Our organisation was established in 1997 in response to an outcry from local residents about the high number of deaths of the colobus monkeys in the Diani area. Now we have numerous projects concerning the wildlife and the citizens of Kenya, including animal welfares, biological/ecological research, community development and education, forest protection and enrichment and eco-tourism awareness programs.

We require volunteers with many different types of talents and skills from languages, to fund-raising, teaching skills, journalism, photography, business, marketing, publicity as well as research, primate, forestry and other typical 'academic' training. This list is not exhaustive of the skills we require, and our needs change regularly. Be clear on your application the skills you have that could be used. Being able to tap into your strengths will also provide you with a more fulfilling volunteering experience.

Activities:

Animal Care
All the monkeys that live on site in both the short and long term rehabilitation enclosures need to be cared for daily. In teams of two or three people, daily animal care duties begin with cleaning all the enclosures, feeding and ensuring the days enrichment for the animals has been installed in the enclosures. The remainder of the day is spent providing further food bowls for the animals, collecting wild leaves and preparing enrichment.

De-snaring
Simple ‘noose’ snares are frequently set in the forest and bush areas around Diani with the aim of capturing Suni (a small antelope). Due to the terrestrial nature of many of Diani’s primates, these animals are also often caught. Our field operation team regularly de-snare patches of the forest and extra eyes are always needed.

Bridge Building
The home ranges of Diani’s primates have been bisected by a major road, and they are subsequently very prone to road injuries. The centre is reducing this problem through the construction of canopy bridges known locally as ‘colobridges’, which span the road from tree canopies on either side. Volunteers may be required to assist with the practical construction of bridges at ground level and data collection to assess their level of use.

Colobus Corridor
Much of the forest within Diani has already been lost to development and the remaining forest is fragmented and isolated. The centre is working to encourage hotel owners and local residents to replenish the natural environment. We also actively encourage, assist and monitor local land owners planting indigenous trees.

Research
Research projects currently being carried out at the centre include primate feeding ecology, behavioural and phenology monitoring, primate census, forest surveys, rehabilitation and release processes and hotel pest assessments, community surveys. Eco-volunteers may gain experience in conducting field research whilst working alongside a staff member or one of our researchers.

Fundraising
The centre is a ‘not for profit organisation’ meaning that fundraising is a very important part of our work. Each year we organise several fundraising events and write proposals for grants - volunteers are required to help in both aspects.

Publicity
Every week the centre publishes a colobus blog. Volunteers are requested to help in producing this by editing, taking photographs and contributing articles. Other work includes: assisting with education displays, distributing publicity locally around Diani, attending local events, translations, and nature trail development.

General
Volunteers may also be required to assist in general aspects of the running of the centre including some office duties, painting and general maintenance of enclosures, data input, shopping, deliveries plus researching & writing to potential donors for equipment.

Primate Rescue
The centre responds to calls to rescue injured monkeys. Our staff members deal with the actual animal rescue as this work can be dangerous and requires specific training and experience. However, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to observe rescues, assist in the measuring of animals, observing the vet work and monitoring the animal post-treatment and post release.

Emergency Veterinary Care and Quarantine
We have a small veterinarian clinic on site and all procedures are over seen by our licensed Kenyan vet. However, volunteers are welcome to observe, take post op observations and keep records.

Orphan Care
The centre regularly receive animals that have been orphaned and require hand-rearing in order to survive. While this is rewarding work, an exceptionally high level of commitment and patience is required. Orphans may arrive at any time of the year, but we have a pronounced orphan season between November and February.

Education
The centrehold weekly education workshops for local school children. Volunteers can assist the colobus team by helping organise the workbooks, preparing snacks for breaks and engaging with the children throughout the day.

Location

Volunteers are based in the beach resort town of Diani, Kenya. Carry out wildlife and forest conservation overlooking the beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters of the Indian Ocean while enjoying warm evenings dancing by moonlight at the local hotels and restaurants. All with the security of good quality hospitals and pharmacies near-by.

Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 22 years with experience in any field or with at least one degree. No upper age limit is set though one needs to bear in mind the physical demands of the volunteer positions.