This morning, as I was feeding our little duiker, my thoughts drifted to monkeys. I love sharing my personal experiences with animals, especially since I’ve never had formal training; I learn something new with every animal that comes into my care. I’m incredibly grateful to have a fantastic team of trained “heroes” available 24/7 to help me, which is a huge support. I started this work because I saw a desperate need for wildlife rescue here, but I’m getting ahead of myself again!

You’ve all seen me work with vervet monkeys, and I truly love it. I learn so much from them, but there’s one particular monkey who ignited a deep passion in my heart: Rosie, the Samango monkey I rescued a few months ago.

Rosie was incredibly ill, and it was a tough battle to get her through it and gain weight. After weeks of intense TLC and hard work, she was finally strong enough. Then came the moment of truth: could we return her to her family? After a long wait, we were successful! On our way out, we spotted a troop of Samangos, and I just knew it was them. We took Rosie out in her cage, and after a few minutes, it was clear this was her troop. Even her mom was there, mock-charging me! Rosie’s behavior in the cage confirmed it – she was home. I opened the cage, and with one last look at me, she leaped out and ran happily to her family. Witnessing that reunion was the best experience, and it ignited a huge passion in me for Samango monkeys.

My big dream is that once Free Spirit Wildlife Sanctuary is fully built, I’ll add on to it and start rescuing Samango monkeys specifically. That’s still a long way off, as the sanctuary needs to be up and running first, but it’s definitely my next big project.

I also work extensively with vervet monkeys, and I can tell you they are incredibly misunderstood animals. They possess so much character, almost human-like. I spend a lot of time with the babies before they go to WATCH, and as a mom myself, I can truly say they are like our own babies – perhaps even more so! They crave contact 24/7. While you can feed your baby and put them down to sleep, with vervet babies, they want to be on you all the time. If I want to shower, I’ll make a warm bottle so I can quickly get it done and cook before the bottle gets cold and I pick the baby up again. Routine is crucial for them (and for any wild animal in my care), as it makes things easier for both of us. And yes, you’ll constantly smell like pee and poo – I don’t believe in nappies for them!

Just like us, they have their own unique personalities, good days, and bad days. Working with Sophia, who’s a bit older, I’m learning even more. Even with her sore legs, she’s always active. Some days I’d think, “Please just sit still!” Now, with one leg healing and her starting to use it, the amazement on her face is incredible to see.

The other night, I decided to place Sophia in a different sleeping cage. I usually use my “ICU cage” for new arrivals because it’s nice and dark. As usual, I prepared the new cage, took her to bed for the night (she has an outdoor cage for the day, and a smaller, warm, and cozy one for sleeping indoors). After a while, I went to check on her. She was sitting in the corner and started calling when I came in. I knew she didn’t like her new bed. So, I prepared her old bed for her, and she was happy again. This will be her spot until she’s ready for her next journey.

Sometimes, I sit and watch her play, and I can’t help but wonder how we humans can be so cruel to these beautiful animals. They are truly just like us, only a little different. If you work with them as I do, you’ll see how similar they are. Yet, they get shot or run over because they’re seen as pests.

If you ever see a monkey somewhere, take a moment to sit down and observe them. You’d be amazed at how much you’ll see of yourself in them, in the things we do in our daily lives, perhaps in a different way, but it’s there. My passion for monkeys is immense, and my biggest dream is to one day rescue Samango monkeys. They are incredibly unique – truly soft and calm. They’ll stand their ground, which is normal for any animal, but there’s just something about them I can’t explain that sparks this passion in me. This is one of my future dreams for the sanctuary