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An electrocuted colobus monkey rescue mission

Category: Animal Electrocutions, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Human - Primate Conflict Resolution, Primate Rescue/Rehabilitation, Primate Rescue/Rehabilitation | Date: Jun 30 2009 | By: colobus

On the 26 June 2009, it became very clear to me that electrocution of colobus monkeys is one single change that we still have to fight tooth and nail. On this day a great supporter of the colobus trust and who is also a Diani resident called on our hot line to report a colobus monkey who had just been electrocuted next to her house. As a response team I had to collect all the necessary rescue kit from our small veterinary clinic as fast as my little legs could carry me along. Remembering how bad electrocution cases can be, I was completely caught in between passion for animals and the likely picture I was going to see at the site. I can assure you would not want to see one in your life time.

Rescue mission is one task that always require preparedness and dedication, the colobus trust posses both. It is only possible for the monkeys to be rescued in time if facilities are adequate and sufficiently available. On this fatal day the most unfortunate thing was just about to happen, the only vehicle the colobus trust has was a way at the airport picking up volunteers. A big thanks to Elodie, our acting manager, who allowed us to use her small car for this mission.

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“Good lord” this phrase, though not very famous with most people, helped my feelings, because the said electrocuted colobus monkey had just gone up the tree after a huge electric shock he had suffered swept him onto the ground, no burns, no death. By the way before I forget, the most important thing we have done to prevent electrocution is insulting power line wires, and do you know what, one conduit pipe fixed on six metres of power line can save a whole family of colobus monkeys.

The one thing I still want to do for this survivor is to give him a name, a remarkable name, please suggest one for him, would you?.

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John Abuor-Animal Welfare Officer-Colobus Trust.

“And remember conservationists and animal lovers do not keep pet monkeys even though they love them so much!”

www.ColobusTrust.org

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3 Responses to “An electrocuted colobus monkey rescue mission”

Jonathan from Canada, on 30 Jun 2009

Naming the Monkey ‘Columbus’ or ‘Lucky’ might be too expected. Why not name it ‘Raven’?

Ravens and crows are known to have a strong desire to live, and they are intelligent creatures. They are also considered to be Good Luck. It is said by many cultures that they helped create the earth. And what’s more is that to Native American tribes they are known as ‘tricksters’, much the same way as Monkeys are known as slightly mischievous..

SO, I nominate the name Raven.

By the way, good work with what you’re doing to help animals. I’m impressed.

Brenton H, on 01 Jul 2009

Hello John,
That is one lucky Colobus Monkey to still be alive! I think he should be called ‘Aftershock’. You know just like after the earthquake happens! LOL Sorry about my sense of humour.
I have adopted a Colobus on this site. Hope it helps.
Brenton.

John, on 16 Jul 2009

Hi Brenton,
I must really be very sincere that the name you chose to my colobus monkey really fits him well.He survived the wrath of being in the dead world,so thanks,the name is here to stay.Again i am very grateful for your sense of humour which made a difference by adopting the colobus,i suggest you accept ,AFTERSHOCK,as your ,adoptee,.
Once more i appreciate the great gesture you showed towards this course.
Thanks.

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