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About Monkeyland |
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We can look forward to a more optimistic future because of sanctuaries
such as Monkeyland, who go beyond idealism and strive to do something
positive ...
Monkeyland opened its doors to the public on the 6th of April
1998. Our unique primate sanctuary is currently the top eco-tourism
attraction on the Garden Route and for very sound and sunny reasons.
Monkeyland has captured the hearts of visitors in its efforts to
rehabilitate and free previously caged primates. The sanctuary is
exceptional as it caters for several species of primates who are not
caged. They are free to move about the forest and this they do most
harmoniously.
At Monkeyland, the emphasis on searching for the primates,
and the reward is to see the various species as they are meant to be:
free and in a natural habitat. The transfer of information about these
fascinating creatures enhances your visit to the sanctuary during a
safari. The safaris are conducted by multi-lingual game rangers and are
fun, exciting and educational. Our guests leave our sanctuary with a
greater understanding of the primates of the world and the threats they
are facing.
On the guided safaris you can expect to see a variety of
primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar.
The knowledgeable rangers will tell you all about these fascinating
mammals as you encounter them roaming free in the forest. They also
point out, identify and explain the many wonders of life in the forest,
from the rich diversity of bird life to the intricate workings of the
forest itself.
Meet our primates of Monkeyland
By working with Touch a Monkeys Heart Foundation, a
non-profit Section 21 (Company Reg: 008-464 NPO), Monkeyland has secured
the future of all the primates which reach the sanctuary. Apart from
being the sole custodian of all the primates at Monkeyland, the
Foundation is also responsible for the development and implementation of
the "Eden Syndrome", which is the process used at Monkeyland to prepare
previously caged primates for their eventual release into the sanctuary.
Awareness of the world's environmental problems is increasing
all the time and we believe that Monkeyland, as a centre of
conservation, can be an important educational resource in this field.
Situated in an eco-sensitive location, 16 km East of Plettenberg Bay,
Monkeyland has found its niche and works hand in hand with interest
groups to enhance conservation-orientated tourism in the area. In doing
so, Monkeyland helps to preserve the Garden Route's natural beauty.
Monkeyland's prime location on 23 hectares of indigenous forest and the
free-roaming aspect of the sanctuary enable us to convey a positive
environmental message in ways that are both interesting and memorable to
all age groups.
Dictionaries define a sanctuary for animals as merely a place
where animals are protected from hunting. A true sanctuary for primates
should, however, also be a place of refuge to protect them from much
more than hunting and/or the pet trade. They must also be protected
against exploitation, abuse, neglect and improper care.
Monkeyland provides the primates who live here with a stable
environment, one with permanence and where there is definitely no
exploitation. At Monkeyland, care exceeds the regulations regarding
animal welfare. Monkeyland is, most importantly, a place where primates
are rehabilitated both physically and emotionally. We strive to achieve
an effective balance between conservation and economic reality. It is
therefore tourism driven and totally sustainable. A monkey safari is
much more than just an unforgettable forest adventure; it is the vehicle
that allows you to become part of our rehabilitation process.
It is because of sanctuaries such as Monkeyland which go
beyond idealism, and who strive to do something positive, that we can
look forward to a more optimistic future.
Source: official web of
Monkeyland (2010)
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