Wild Futures’ Desperate Cry Out for Volunteers
Wild Futures’ Desperate Cry Out for Volunteers
2 December 2013
Wild Futures, the charity that runs The Monkey Sanctuary in Looe, Cornwall, is in desperate need of volunteers for this winter.
Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary relies upon the help and support of volunteers for many things and could not function without them. Volunteers are required for daily tasks such as cleaning out the monkey enclosures, making monkey food and general maintenance work throughout the winter.
The Sanctuary is currently home to 37 monkeys in total and has cared for more than 160 during the past 50 years. All the rescued monkeys suffer with a number of physical and behavioural issues and a great deal of the keeper team’s time is spent on the socialisation and rehabilitation of the monkeys that reside there. Without the support of volunteers, keepers would not be able to carry out their vital work.
Wild Futures has also seen a big rise in monkey rescue requests over recent years and fears that the popularity of monkeys being kept as pets is growing. The charity estimates there are about 5,000 privately owned primates in the UK alone and is struggling to keep up with the demand for its rescue services.
Wild Futures launched an appeal last month to help raise funds to cover its veterinary bills which total almost £6,000 a year, largely due to the fact that many monkeys suffer from issues such as diabetes, following the poor nutrition they were given as pets.
Volunteers are essential to carry out the basic cleaning and food preparatory tasks so that keepers can focus their time on the specialist care the rescued monkeys need.
Volunteers have come from far and wide in the past but the charity has seen a decrease over recent months due to students being focused on their studies at this time of year and the rise in transport costs.
Residential volunteers are welcome, as are local volunteers that can give a day or two per week on a regular basis.
Hollie Lewis, Keeper and Volunteer Coordinator states: “Volunteers do not need any special skills – they just need to be over 18 and possess a general concern for animals and nature. Volunteering at The Monkey Sanctuary is a great thing to have on your CV and can be a really fulfilling, sometimes life-changing experience. We would urge anyone that is interested to get in touch as soon as possible as we really need their help.”
For anyone interested in the volunteering opportunities that Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary has on offer please contact [email protected] or 0844 272 1271 and ask for Hollie Lewis or Tris Pulver.
For more information or pictures, contact:
For further information and details, please contact
Hayley Dann, Head of Income Generation and PR
Tel; 0844 272 1271
www.wildfutures.org
2013/12/02