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
Ngamba Island Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary
Two decades of rescuing and protecting endangered chimpanzees.
Gorilla Experts Highlight Santa Barbara Workshop
Two champions of gorilla conservation share valuable lessons on how to preserve gorillas in the wild and protect those orphaned.
Veterinarian for PASA Sanctuary also Helping to Save a Species
Time is running out to prevent the northern white rhino from disappearing forever.
New Research Shows that Government Funding for Conservation Makes an Important Impact
A new study has produced extensive empirical data to show that government funding for conservation has significantly slowed the rate of global biodiversity loss.
Breaking News: Study Finds Common Cold Virus Deadly to Chimpanzees
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered the first evidence of a common human cold virus infecting another species.
Welcoming the Newest PASA Member: Parc de la Lékédi
Located in Gabon, Parc de la Lékédi is a sprawling 34,600-acre park, representing both savannah and forest habitat and home to hundreds of different species of plants and animals.
Tragedy Strikes an Orphaned Chimpanzee
Four men were arrested trying to smuggle an infant chimpanzee out of Cameroon. Unfortunately, help arrived too late to save the traumatized animal.
23 Vervet Monkeys Need Your Help to Return to the Wild!
Returning animals to the wild can be a complicated and risky venture, particularly with highly intelligent, social animals.
Violent Retaliations to Conservation Efforts Are Escalating
Famed elephant conservationist Wayne Lotter was in a taxi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when armed men stopped his vehicle and fatally shot him.
PASA Sanctuaries Receive Generous Medical Donations from Non-Profits
Worldwide Veterinary Service, Project VETS, International Veterinary Care, Inc. and Lion Country Safari generously contributed medical supplies that PASA member sanctuaries urgently need.