Monkey Haven Keeper, LilyMae, reports from Africa:

I have had the best time, it’s been truly incredible. I’m volunteering at West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), in Ghana, and am getting a really good insight into the vital work it undertakes.

The organisation is based in Accra, the capital of Ghana, but its important work is carried out in several Ghanaian regions. The mission is to safeguard the future of endangered primates and their habitat in West Africa. The organisation primarily focuses on the critically endangered Roloway monkey, Miss Waldron’s colobus, white-thighed black and white colobus and the endangered White-naped mangabey. But WAPCA also assists in the confiscation of primates stolen for the illegal pet trade, in particular, Patas Monkeys.

I’m based at its Endangered Primate Breeding Centre at Accra Zoo. Most of the White-naped mangabeys at the centre are a part of the EEP (Eaza Ex-situ Programme). These monkeys are important for increasing genetic diversity within the captive white-naped mangabey population. I have been involved with the daily care of the primates, including building enrichment items. I’ve learnt a lot from this experience and it has been a good knowledge exchange, for both parties.

It’s been amazing to experience the Ghanaian culture, everyone has been so welcoming and they’ve really made me feel like part of the family. I’m now hoping to raise awareness about WAPCA’s incredible work. As we care for Western African primate species at Monkey Haven (Djimmy and Buna, the Cherry-crowned mangabeys), I would really love to publicise Mangabey Awareness Day in August. I’m hoping to revisit Ghana in a year’s time to bring new skills and share new ideas for the welfare of the primates at Accra Zoo.

I’m sad to be leaving but so happy to be coming home to the Haven, I’ve missed everyone terribly.

LilyMae xx