The Issues
Destruction of their natural habitat
Encroachment into their territories in the wild and destruction of their natural habitats are interrupting the wild primates’ ability to successfully co-exist with us and live as nature intended. As a result, monkeys are being forced into human environments where they must revert to raiding crops for survival. We must find solutions to reverse the damage created by mankind and we must become more pro-active in preserving our natural resources.
Human Encroachment
Encroachment into their habitats, depletion of their natural food sources and the pollution of their waters are forcing them into human areas. Monkeys are killed for raiding human crops when there’s nothing else for them to eat.
Bush Meat Trade
In addition to killing our closest non-human relatives for profit and for food consumption, some are killed just for the sport of it. Others are killed just to have a memento such as a Gorilla hand ash tray, or fur pelt to hang on the wall.
Illegal Pet Trade
While illegal, primates are still poached from their countries of origin due to the tremendous profit from the illegal sale of infant monkeys. Infant monkeys are ripped from the arms of their mothers who are killed during the abduction. Many infants never survive the grueling trip into civilization.
In the wild, the sky is the limit for endless acrobatic exploration and play.
It is the “Freedom place” where primates were meant to live out their
lives and to flourish. – Polly Schultz