I’m currently staying in Diani, visiting a good friend of mine, who is the assistant manager of the Colobus Trust. Even though I have only been here for just over a week it is clear that the work they are doing here is having a positive impact on the environment, and the education of tourists and locals alike.
The bridges constructed above the roads by the Trust, which provide a safe passage for the monkeys, are a huge success. Every day I have seen, Sykes, Vervet and Colobus monkeys using them to cross the road safely. However, these bridges are also being utilised by other creatures such as squirrels and bush babies, so it is clear that these bridges are working.
The Vervet monkeys that are currently in the Trust’s rehabilitation program are improving and becoming more self sufficient, meaning that, someday, they will be able to be released into the wild to fend for themselves. All injured animals have been welcomed here including an African wood owl, named Twit Twoo, and even a wild kitten who was delivered safely, as well having been neatly groomed, to the Trust by a baboon.
Since I have been here, as well as the days leading up to my arrival, there have been no calls concerning injured monkeys, which obviously demonstrates the work being done here is working despite the Trust going through a tough period. However, the trust is now on the mend, financially, but its good work cannot continue for long unless more volunteers visit to lend a hand for a few weeks or months, or the trust receives some donations. The bridges are expensive to build and maintain, more and more of the remaining forest is being chopped down for the sake of more hotels along the coast, destroying the natural habitats of all the local animals. Its a sad thing to witness, but the Trust is putting up a valiant fight against the destructive forces of man, and with the help of other like minded individuals, we can save these species and create a better environment for both humans and animals.
Harry Bristow
Honourary Colobologist
Donations made here are
Mar 2nd Susan B USD 11.00
2 Comments
This is fantastic news about the bridges…I am so happy to hear they have been so successful!
Would love to see a picture of the baboon grooming the kitten!
Hello Harry, Has anyone contacted the Peace Corps, for volunteers. One of their categories, is for the environment. Surely, the Colobus Trust would qualify, as well as their work with the local community. I’m so proud of these bridges and all the rehab work being done there with the rescued animals and birds, truly remarkable.