14. JULY 2010 - NEWSLETTER
Very exciting news..,,probably one of the Best news of the year...specially for Rafiki's Troop, many human surrogate monkey moms, volunteers and me, Nkawu Ma Silke...
Last weekend I spend the day inspecting a possible release site for yet another monkey troop. Upon arrival "Cobus" the owner was happy to drive us around on his beautiful 200ha Bushveld farm, bordering other game farms not far away from Bambelela. As the crow flies it is possibly 10 km but by car it sums up just over 35 km. The landscape and vegetation very similar to Bambelela and simply perfect for the release of our 36 Monkeys in our Rafiki's Troop. Rafiki, the first monkeys who was brought in our Wildlife Care almost 5 years ago. The years it took to form a troop from hand raised monkeys was very well waited for ...now that they will be offered the perfect farm for their rehabilitation. We are very grateful to Cobus and Magdel for giving our monkeys a second chance to live wild.
All plans are starting now, I will write the proposal to Nature Conservation and we will once again [lucky us, the third time this year!!] patiently await their approval and Permits.
Also I need to look for some sponsors who can help us with the day-to-day costs of maintaining a release site, traveling costs for fuel, 36 x TETAVAX vaccination for the monkeys, etc. We are offering you the chance to be part of our third and hopefully again successful release. With product donations you could become part of the rehabilitation of Rafiki's Troop and in return we can offer you some public advertising: thanking you for sponsoring our cause of saving the Vervet Monkeys. If you are interested to get involved, please e-mail us for our Release-Needs-List. Even the smallest bit, from Bananas, Coffee to Vitamins and Water Canister can make a change! We need supplies for a 6 weeks stay out in the Bush. And please, don’t be shy to offer us second hand goodies [except perhaps the coffee part, smile] as we really appreciate your help.
For our release cages we’d need 3m and 4,2m lads and plastic kennels for the monkeys shelter [small and big ones] to keep the cold and the rain away from them while in captivity. Shade Nets and canvas, swings and bike tires.
If you’d like to support us with buying from our shop or at the easy click of a button, please visit our website at www.bambelela.org.za
Together we can make big changes and what could possibly be more rewarding than setting an African Primate free in its natural habitat ? We are looking forward to hearing from you. All donations towards this project please with reference “free Rafiki’s Troop”.
Thanks you with lots of sunny Bambelela Bushveld Greetings,
Silke & the Bambelela-Team