Five Rescued Monkeys Make the World a Better Place
Finding safe haven for themselves and other species.
By Natasha Tworoski
If video footage of extremely adorable baby monkeys is your thing, boy are you in luck! A new film, “The Vervet Forest,” is now being screened in select theaters. It follows the journey of five orphaned vervet monkeys doing the best they can after having a traumatic beginning in life. Despite their unfortunate start, the monkeys are lucky to be rescued by the Vervet Monkey Foundation, a PASA member in South Africa.
View the trailer here!
With wild places becoming fewer and farther between, the film addresses why tension between humans and monkeys is now more strained than ever. Viewed as vermin by some and witches by others, vervet monkeys face a plethora of hurdles beyond finding food and habitat.
An unexpected inspiration of the movie is its “big picture” message, which focuses on the importance of diversity in ecosystems. Placing a group of monkeys in an isolated plot of trees ultimately will not be successful. A variety of trees, plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals are needed to make a healthy, viable forest. The film discusses the finer points of why diversity is so crucial and how any of us, anywhere in the world, can do our part to make the world a bit healthier by following this mentality.
Proceeds from the movie will go towards establishing a forest in South Africa that promotes biodiversity. While it will be called The Vervet Forest, it ultimately will be a safe haven to a huge diversity of African species.
Want to get involved?
– Tell your friends about The Vervet Forest.
– Go see the movie! Keep an eye on this page as more screenings become available.
– If you’re able, host a screening!
Fifty percent of the proceeds from this film will go towards purchasing a reserve in South Africa, where rescued vervet monkeys will be given a second chance at being wild again.
Next Posts
Celebrate World Parrot Day with PASA!
This World Parrot Day, we are celebrating four of our amazing member sanctuaries that offer a second chance to rescued parrots!
What is an Endangered Species?
This article explains what it means to be “endangered” and explores how human activities can threaten species. It also highlights how Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member centers rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve endangered primates and their habitats.
Celebrate 23 Years of PASA in 2023
PASA turns 23! It’s 2023 and we’re asking you to help us celebrate our 23 member sanctuaries and our 23 years of protecting primates. To mark this day, we are launching our Primates Forever Campaign to ensure magnificent great apes and monkeys remain wild and protected.
Viruses in Sanctuary Chimpanzees Across Africa
New research finds that sanctuary chimpanzees are infected with viruses previously found in wild chimpanzees. Additionally, it suggests that, like in the wild, sanctuaries experience reverse zoonotic respiratory virus transmission.
Women in Conservation: Two Wildlife Heroes in West Africa
This International Women’s Day, celebrate the dedication and achievements of two women working to protect wildlife and inspire the next generation in West Africa.
Rewilding Bonobos: 14 Bonobos Return to the Wild
After years of planning and preparation, 14 bonobos are back where they belong in the lush rainforest of equatorial Africa!
Social Media and Wildlife Trafficking
Social media enables a cycle of cruelty and suffering for primates and other wildlife. But you can help protect animals.
Wildlife Policy Overview: What is CITES and how does it help primates?
CITES, an international trade agreement, has a big impact on PASA members’ work. Here’s how it shapes wildlife policy and sanctuary practice.
Wildlife Crime Won’t Stop Him
Héritier Mpo helps PASA members in DRC rescue apes and monkeys. After wildlife criminals torched his offices he must rebuild.
Trophy Hunting Poses Threat to African Primates
PASA member sanctuaries rescue and care for both monkeys and apes. Although all primates have similarities, monkeys and apes differ in their appearance, geography, and intelligence.