Volunteer (70) makes a difference at sanctuary in Esther Park
People who love animals and are interested in learning more about monkeys can contact McLeod on 084 597 4044.
The marmoset and Capuchin monkeys at the World Primate Sanctuary in Esther Park have found a friend in Bibi Freidinger (70).Bibi, an animal lover from Allen Grove, is a volunteer at the sanctuary who has been visiting the monkeys every week the past two months.
“I heard about the sanctuary and asked to visit and since the first visit, I have never stopped. I had never been close with monkeys before, but I have learnt so much about them and they are amazing,” said Bibi.
“I feed the monkeys, change bedding, redo their cages and just spend time with them, giving them attention.”
Bibi also donates to the sanctuary and the monkeys look forward to some of the treats she brings along at times during her weekly visits.
Bibi’s volunteering comes at the right time as Wayne McLeod, who runs the sanctuary, said they were in need of volunteers.
McLeod has been running the sanctuary for 33 years.
“The monkeys love Bibi and enjoy her company. Monkeys are sociable animals and they need the care and attention volunteers could offer them,” said McLeod.
“Volunteers can help paint and decorate the cages, help with hand-rearing the monkeys and feeding them.”
The local sanctuary cares for 76 monkeys and is also in need of donations.
“It costs roughly R400 a month to care for one monkey. Although the monkeys don’t eat a lot, they have a specific diet,” said McLeod.
“I sometimes cook rice and add a whole packet of frozen mixed vegetables and a full chicken and it is used up in a day. “This meal is also inclusive of the cereal and the formula.
“Their dietary requirements include flavoured Ace instant porridge, any baby formula milk like Lactogen or NAN, tinned foods (with no spice, chillies or curry), plain cheese like cheddar and sweet milk, fish fingers, chicken, boerewors and steak.”
According to McLeod, who has also studied the monkeys’ nutritional and dietary requirements, foods high in protein are also needed. It also appears the monkeys have a sweet tooth as they love and enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, pawpaw and watermelon.
They sure love the camera.
Capuchins also enjoy citrus fruits, but those are not a favourite for the marmosets.
“The volunteers can also assist by donating food or getting food in and help raise awareness for the sanctuary,” said McLeod.
Bibi also supports McLeod’s call for volunteers and said, “I definitely recommend people to come visit and be regular volunteers as it is very calming to be around the monkeys.
“They don’t take a very long time to get to know and trust you. I love animals and am glad to assist with these precious monkeys.”
Bibi is also going to be trained to hand-rear the monkeys as the small rescued monkeys need to be hand-reared.
People who love animals and are interested in learning more about monkeys can contact McLeod on 084 597 4044.
