Our Mission

The aim of the APES/Umpalazi: Combined Community & Wildlife Project is to incorporate local community upliftment, including skills training, environmental education and aid work; with the rehabilitation of injured and/or orphaned wildlife for future release and monitoring and will also be a sanctuary for other displaced animals.

Experience South Africa

The APES /Umpalazi: Community and Wildlife Project is set on a breathtaking 18,000 acres, in the South African bush, Umpalazi is bursting with potential; both as a home and as a future refuge for wildlife.

Both projects border a future Big 5 Game Reserve that will one day compare with Kruger National Park, without being over-commercialized. It is situated approximately 17 kms from an old established town, called Greytown in the midlands of Kwazulu/Natal, yet is secluded amongst the magic of nature.

The APES/Umpalazi: Community & Wildlife Project endeavours to provide skills training for local rural Zulu community members. This is carried out with the help of volunteers who help train the selected local community members, whilst transforming Umpalazi's facilities as a wildlife sanctuary. (The number of local Zulu people hired depends on the number of international volunteers due to our limited funds).

This is a joint project with the Animal Protection and Environmental Sanctuary (A.P.E.S.) as co-founders, Dawn Magowan and Rodney Pendleton, will be releasing certain wildlife at Umpalazi when possible; and to get volunteers involved with wildlife conservation. APES focuses on the rehabilitation of primates (primarily the South African Vervet Monkey - Cercopithecus aethiops) and other wildlife, and are committed to community upliftment and environmental education.

The APES/Umpalazi: Community & Wildlife Project also carries out snare/trap clearing (in nearby forest and bush areas); game counts; bird watching and maintenance of the non- releasable vervet monkeys and others by creating 'feeding stations' when necessary (to supplement the diet of the nearby wild vervet monkeys due to their continued loss of habitat; this eliminates the need for the primates to steal food, an act which could result in their death at human hands).

There are also opportunities for volunteers to assist at nearby rural Zulu schools (environmental education etc.), to help local AIDS workers, and to participate in an up-coming project involving more intensive snare/trap clearing in forest plantations, invasive weed removal and other environmental management activities.

Please Note: since the project was formed Umpalazi has been badly vandalised and will be a very long term project, funds permitting we hope to restore it as it never had access to electricity. We hope to install solar and or gas facilities enabling people to stay here and will provide for a more environmentally friendly facility.


For information regarding volunteering or donating please contact Dawn direct on apes1@gom.co.za or visit the website www.apes.org.za

Looking forward to seeing you!!

http://www.apes.org.za/

apes1@gom.co.za

Vervet Monkey Truths from the Umpalazi Wildlife Sanctuary

The information below can be found at http://www.apes.org.za/facts.htm and was copied here with the permission of the Animal Protection & Environmental Sanctuary and the Umpalazi Project.

The most critical threat to the Vervet population is the common attitude that they are pests and a nuisance. This attitude prevails in urban environments and farmlands alike and is the direct cause of monkeys being shot, poisoned and maimed.Vervet monkeys (Ceropithecus aethiops) have been harshly judged by a public who have much to learn about their close-knit social structures, behaviour and their triumphs and tragedies associated with humans.The best way we can help is with more knowledge and understanding and compassion for those that share our space.

FACTS: Facts about the South African Vervet Monkey


Vervet monkeys DO NOT carry rabies.


There is NOT an over-population of Vervet monkeys and for this reason they are NO LONGER CLASSIFIED AS VERMIN.


The diminishing threat from their natural enemies (caracals, eagles, pythons have all largely been exterminated) have been replaced by substantial human-related threats (rapid development, cars, hunting, farming).


The population has decreased significantly due to indiscriminate shooting, poisoning and illicit pet and 'muti' trades.More than a hundred years ago, it was typical to find 100 individuals per troop. Today troops consist of less than 30 individuals.




SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

The troop spends most of its time foraging for food and can roam over an area of about 7 km in radius. Because troops are territorial, foraging can become a desperate affair when food is scarce (within a city area for instance). Raiding your home for food is therefore the most natural thing for a monkey to do - he needs food, you've got it, it's his area - he wants some!


Vervets do not carry fleas. This is due to the meticulous grooming habits which occur between troop members and reaffirms bonds and is a sign of respect and affection.


Vervet monkeys - like all primates - are gregarious animals and have well defined social structures. The highest ranking member, the 'Alpha male' (often referred to as the bull), uses his vigilance to protect and defend the troop. It is he who you most often hear 'barking' in the distance, signalling a threat.


The Alpha is the only male in the troop who is allowed to mate with his 'harem' of sexually mature females. He defends this right very fiercely. Other adult males are allowed to remain under his protection as long as they make no advances toward the females. Lower ranking males will humbly comply with this as even they realise the benefit of safety in numbers.


The troop also has a second-in-command, or a scout in the form of the 'Beta male'. His task is to search for sources of food as well as to warn the troop of impending danger. Many people have seen the Beta male and believed him to be a 'lone bull'. Without knowledge of the important function he plays in his troop, humans have often resorted to wrongfully shooting him and thereby disturbing the troop's social structure.


The 'harem' of adult females as well as the juveniles are governed by an 'Alpha female' and a few assistants. She is usually responsible for sorting out 'domestic' disputes which occur in the troop. This she does with an intimidating stare with raised eyebrows and a show of teeth. In some cases the reprimand calls for a sharp pull and nip of the miscreant's tail.


Juveniles reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 years.Females give birth to live young after a 7 month gestation period. Mothers are fiercely protective of their young, in spite of the fact that the rest of the troop constantly wish to shower the infants with affection.


The majority of infants are born in early spring (September/October). Much of the gestation period occurs over winter which, due to food scarcity, is usually a very stressful time for expectant mothers.


The actual birth of a Vervet occurs at night or in the early hours of the morning. Video footage of a live birth has revealed that expectant mothers suffer all the same symptoms of labour as humans do - from the diarrhoea prior to, through to the process of severing the umbilical cord after labour. A 'midwife', usually the mother's teenage daughter, is present throughout to assist with the birth itself, as well as to clean up and discard the afterbirth.

After 2 or 3 weeks, mothers relax their guard somewhat and allow themselves to be groomed. While this is taking place babies are often 'robbed' from their mother's arms by over-eager juvenile nannies who wish to rehearse the roles they will be playing in the coming months as the infants learn to become more independent. Such behaviour is often associated with high pitched squeals from the babies who are searching for their mother's reassuring embrace.




As time passes babies become increasingly inquisitive of the surroundings and spend more time away from their mothers, choosing instead to join their relations in climbing the branches on their own. The nannies play an important role in looking after the mischievous 'kids'. When reassurance is sought, a squeal will always bring the mother to the rescue.

By watching and playing with the juveniles, babies learn a great deal about being a monkey. Some of these lessons include finding out which fruits are edible and what action to take when danger is spotted. Depriving orphan babies (eg a single pet) of the opportunity to interact with older monkeys causes irreparable psychological damage. Rehabilitation of such monkeys is extremely difficult.

Depending on the individual monkey personalities, swimming may form part of their normal behaviour. This phenomenon is well documented among other primates as well (eg baboons).



MANAGEMENT & FEEDING

Droughts and winter pose particular stresses on the monkey population. During these difficult times the fruit trees which had sustained them no longer provide food. This situation is exacerbated by the destruction of indigenous vegetation and the prevention of access to many existing tracts of indigenous areas. Out of sheer desperation monkeys will raid crops, houses and dustbins in a last ditch effort to survive.


Our decade long association with monkeys has revealed that a monkey without an appetite won't bother taking the high risk of invading a house.Such conflict situations can be avoided by supplementing food sources. By establishing 'feeding stations' in a far corner of the garden, or better yet, in an undeveloped area away from the house, the incidence of raiding can be diminished. Feeding stations should be seen as supplemental feeding and is not necessary when natural food sources are plentiful.


Just as you would arrange for the care of your pets while away, so backup management of a feeding station is equally important. Group involvement and consideration and agreement of neighbours are vital requirements of successful supplemental feeding programs.


Suggested foods:Fruit: bananas, grapes, pears, peaches, watermelon, litchisVeg: pumpkin pips, carrots, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, marrow, cucumberOther: bread, peanuts(raw), mealies(on the cob), sunflower seeds




DONT'S : What NOT to do

Don't feed monkeys by hand or off verandahs and window sills. This encourages them to approach you and your house and can escalate raiding and conflict. It is as difficult for a monkey to resist a ripe bunch of bananas on display on your table as it is for a child to resist candy in a candy store.

Don't shoot monkeys with pellet guns, firearms or catapults or throw crackers at them. All of these activities are illegal and will lead to prosecution. In addition, they also serve to maim the animal leading to untold pain and suffering.

Don't attempt to catch a baby monkey for a pet or ask someone to obtain one for you or accept one if offered to you. The troop is extremely protective of their young and capturing a baby invariable involves killing the baby's mother and other monkeys aiding in their protection. Remember, baby monkeys may be cute and cuddly when small - but become difficult to handle as adults.


Don't allow children to tease, shout or panic when around monkeys. Monkeys regard loud noises and sudden movement as aggression and are likely to retaliate in defence.


Don't teach your dogs to chase and attack monkeys. If cornered by a dog the troop could retaliate and seriously injure your pet.When smiling at their antics do not show your teeth or make direct eye contact for long periods of time. Facial expressions are particularly important in the communication of all primates and humans unknowingly communicate threats which may invoke aggressive response.

Remember that monkeys are not naturally aggressive towards us unless they have been provoked.


HANDLING CONFLICT: Dealing with human-monkey conflict

Discourage monkeys from coming into your home by placing rubber snakes, bright yellow or orange balls with painted big, black eyes or face masks in prominent/problem locations. Preferably these should be strung up so they can move in the breeze and should be relocated regularly.


Should you encounter a monkey in your house - don't panic. The monkey is more afraid of what you are going to do to him than you are of the monkey. Walk quietly and slowly (don't shout and wave your arms) behind the monkey allowing him to see you at all times. Use your presence to guide him to an open escape route. Keeping the monkey from panicking will surely save on broken glassware and general mayhem.




THREATS & INJURIES: What to do if you or a monkey are endangered

Contrary to popular belief, all monkeys do not carry rabies but remember, any animal can be infected with the disease if bitten . . .Aggression begets aggression . . . every cornered animal is dangerous. Instinctively, flight is preferred to fight but it is also instinctive for an animal to protect his own. During breeding season when mothers are carrying their young babies, the monkeys will be a lot more nervous than normal and aggression can be invoked far more quickly. Who would want it any other way!


Remember that in the animal world, sudden movement indicates attack, a show of teeth is a sign of aggression, direct eye contact is a challenge - be aware of your own body language when approaching any wild animal!


Wounds from fights and skirmishes are part of the natural course of events and we should not interfere - allow nature its way.

If you do come across an injured animal;-remember it's traumatised and will behave accordingly-approach the animal calmly and quietly-call for rescue assistance if it is still mobile or retrieval is awkward-keep the animal warm until medical assistance is available.

Please visit the APES website at http://www.apes.org.za/ and our umpalazi website at http://www.umpalazi.org/

It is so easy to live in harmony with our monkeys and get great pleasure from their company . . . it just takes a change in attitude.