THE Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) recently celebrated a very special occasion when it released a fully formed troop of 37 rehabilitated vervet monkeys into the Thula Thula Game Reserve. This was the culmination of almost three years of intensive treatment, healing and development of the rescued primates.

Also read: Crow makes historic tortoise release in KZN

Long road to recovery and release

Clint Halkett-Siddall, director at Crow, said the monkeys came to the centre between September 2022 and March 2023 as orphans, abandoned or injured.

“They have been in our care for approximately three years. In this period, they underwent intensive rehabilitation to prepare them for their successful return to the wild,” he said.

Many of the monkeys arrived in poor condition, too weak to cling to their mothers, attacked by dogs or rejected by their troops.

“Our team worked tirelessly to stabilise them, nurture them and slowly rebuild the instincts they would one day need in the wild. Each one needed round-the-clock care to ensure they recovered safely,” said Halkett-Siddall.

Also read: Compass Cares launches new wildlife calendar in support of Crow

The troop

This troop of 37 included the original group of 14 orphaned babies, injured adult and juvenile vervets admitted later, and integrated into the developing troop. It has been crucial to enable them to establish a natural, functioning social structure, preparing them for life away from the centre.

“These monkeys came to Crow fragile, but with consistent nurturing and species-appropriate socialisation, they adapted remarkably well. As the baby vervets grew, we introduced adult and juvenile vervets to help them form a natural troop. They became increasingly confident, curious and socially bonded, showing strong behaviours such as grooming, foraging and communicating,” he said.

The release

The troop was released into Thula Thula Game Reserve, a protected environment that is ideal for their long-term survival. Crow secured all necessary permits for the release meet legal and ecological standards.

Halkett-Siddall said he was thankful to all who had contributed to making the release possible.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our committed staff, volunteers and supporters. We are also especially thankful to Thula Thula Game Reserve for providing a safe release site, and to every donor whose compassion ensured these vervet monkeys received the care, nutrition and enrichment they needed for their journey back to the wild,” he shared.

Halkett-Siddall gave special thanks to the Olsen Animal Trust, whose sponsorship took care of the fuel required for the release journey. This successful release highlights another achievement by Crow and emphasises how the community’s contributions have a huge impact on the lives of these animals.

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