This is a story about a special little person who changed my life. Her name is Hope, and she just happens to be a Vervet Monkey. Upon my arrival in South Africa in January 2013, she immediately stole my heart. Late in December 2012, a car struck Hope and her first infant while trying to […]
Hope’s Story – Chapter One Read More »
Exitus acta probat. The animal rights cause is just: Violence against helpless victims must end regardless of species. But when do the ends justify the means? A significant problem arises when the animal rights cause is used as a convenient channel for the internal rage some have felt during a lifetime of perceived violations and helplessness.
When Animal Rights Activists Attack Read More »
Matt the Baboon was a friendly chap who lived in a wild troop near The Crags, Western Cape, South Africa. He was a good friend. When Matt found some fresh goodies in the garden or the fruit trees he inhaled them before anyone could steal his treats. Later you’d often hear him in the forest
Bean is a mischievous and playful rescued Chacma Baboon – he was raised by human parents after his baboon family was murdered by farmers. He’s quite used to interacting with people. This video was taken in the temporary housing at Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center, Western Cape, South Africa where Bean and his friends unfortunately had
Bean Loves Raspberries Read More »
Six months living with rescued and wild primates has deeply affected me. For the better – mostly – but I’m also left somewhat haunted by the similarities between us. I’ve seen shocking cruelty executed towards primates by disconnected humans who apparently feel nothing; not empathy nor compassion. I wonder just how much harm some people
Al Pacino the Baboon is on watch, his new family is nearby so he’s hyper-vigilant to keep them safe.
Al Pacino Climbs A Tree Read More »
It’s been a month now, sorting through the difficult circumstances facing Darwin Primate Group and its fledgling primate sanctuary for rescued and orphaned Chacma Baboons and Vervet Monkeys. I didn’t think the issues here would be solved so easily, but some are certainly more problematic than others: anti-wildlife landowners, unethical commercial wildlife exhibits, impoverished locals
Darwin Primate Group Sanctuary Read More »
The first time I stepped out onto the trail behind the baboons, I didn’t know what to expect. Karin Saks called them into formation and off we went; through the endangered Yellowood forest with three or four young rescued baboons doing what they do best: playing, climbing, hooting and generally acting like most rambunctious small
Walking With Baboons Read More »
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap] can’t tell you just how excited I am to be here. It took about six hours by bus on the R2 to reach Plettenberg Bay or as the locals say “Plet Baai“. The Garden Route is a dramatic, verdant landscape I look forward to exploring: It reminds me a lot of the rugged
Welcome to Tsitsikamma Read More »
[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]ocations. It’s what we know as “Indian Reservations” in the west. Where poor people of the wrong racial persuasion are hidden away from the privileged masses. Out of sight out of mind. I expected the worst coming to South Africa, but I’m honestly amazed at how Cape Town doesn’t meet those expectations – at
Cape Town is Lekker Read More »