Fundació MONA in Johannesburg to promote training and protection of primates
Fundació MONA has been invited by the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) to participate in its latest annual workshop, titled “Protecting Wild Primates“, reaffirming our commitment to conservation and animal welfare at an international level.
PASA, the largest network of sanctuaries dedicated to the protection, rehabilitation, and release of great apes and monkeys in Africa, organises these seminars as part of its mission to unite global efforts in the fight against poaching, the illegal animal trade, and the abuse of these species. This year’s meeting was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and brought together the leading African rescue centres, with Fundació MONA being the only non-African organisation invited, an honour that highlights our global commitment to the cause.
During our participation, Fundació MONA had the opportunity to present our innovative training programme, MONATYC. This programme aims not only to improve the skills of the organisation’s team but also to share knowledge with other rescue centres. Staff training is a fundamental pillar in ensuring the welfare of primates and providing teams with the necessary tools to face the daily challenges of managing, rehabilitating, and protecting these endangered species.
The MONATYC project promotes the exchange of knowledge among professionals in the sector, fostering a collaborative and continuous improvement approach. Specialised training covers areas such as ethology, veterinary medicine, environmental enrichment, and sanctuary management, which are key to improving the living conditions of primates in human care and preparing them for potential reintegration into their natural habitat.
PASA’s invitation to Fundació MONA underscores the importance of international cooperation in the protection of wildlife and reaffirms the significance of programmes like MONATYC in strengthening the global network of sanctuaries and improving the quality of life for primates worldwide.
Species endangered by the exotic pet trade
The trafficking of exotic species, along with deforestation, is one of the main factors contributing to the disappearance of many species globally. Currently, the greatest demand in Africa comes from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, where they are acquired as exotic pets out of whim or as a status symbol on social media. They can even be found in countries outside the natural distribution areas of the trafficked species, acting as connection points between traffickers and buyers. This trade severely endangers the conservation of species and contributes to their decline due to exploitation and the destruction of their natural habitats.
