Wild Futures not only works to end primate suffering in the UK, but provides advice, practical support and funding to overseas projects which are working to protect primate habitats and improve primate welfare. Below are some examples of the type of project that Wild Futures has supported in the past, and hopes to continue to support in the future. All of the projects listed below are always looking for new supporters and funders in order to continue their valuable work in conservation, rehabilitation and education. If you would like to find out more about them, please click on the name, which will direct you to their website or contact us directly for further information.
Photo source: CIWY Photo source: SIGLO XXI Photo Source: Shanee, NPC
Sam and Noga Shanee and Lizzie Cooke founded Neotropical Primate Conservation in 2007 following an important pilot study to establish the presence of the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey; found only in the north-eastern region of Peru. The initial study led to an ongoing conservation initiative being set in motion, involving local communities, local and international NGOs and governmental departments. The project is multi-faceted with its objectives including not only habitat preservation, but also environmental education, reforestation and establishing sustainable economic alternatives to cattle ranching.
Elba Muñoz first rescued a woolly monkey when a young boy appeared at her front door with a male woolly in his arms. It was when they began researching into the care of woolly monkeys that Elba first got in touch with Wild Futures' Monkey Sanctuary. In 1997 they gained authorisation to create the first official primate rescue centre in Chile.
Siglo XXI not only rescues monkeys who need a good home, but also campaigns against the pet and zoo trade, appearing on TV and in the local and national press. Thousands of Chileans are now aware of the cruelties involved in this trade, and in 2002 the government declared that, thanks to Elba’s contribution, the Chilean primate pet trade has virtually ceased. However, there are still many monkeys awaiting confiscation and sanctuary from zoos, circuses and private homes.
Ikamaperu operates from two bases in the Peruvian Amazon. The first is the Alto Mayo Valley; home to the highly-threatened Andean titi monkey. Higher up in the area's cloud rainforest, one of the 20 most endangered primates in the world, the yellow-tailed woolly monkey can also be found.
The project has rescued and currently looks after 30 woolly monkeys, 10 spider monkeys, two yellow-tailed woolly monkeys and a dozen macaws in a private reserve of 65 hectares at Tarangue, along the Rio Mayo river. The area is natural habitat for the Andean titi monkey and is well on the road to becoming the world's first reserve to protect this unique and monogamous small primate.
The project's second site is found in the very heart of the Amazon, to the south of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Ikamaperu works with local people in the area to raise awareness of the need to reduce hunting pressure on endangered primates and to protect the exceptional biodiversity of the flooded forest.
Wild Futures supported Ikamaperu in the past until 2006 and needs your help to offer funding now.
Inti Wara Yassi is a Bolivian-based organisation whose goal is the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable animals. The organisation, founded in 1992 by Juan Carlos Antezama, initially aimed to teach street children how to support themselves and their families. Juan took the children on many trips around Bolivia focusing on man's negative impact on nature, causing such problems as deforestation and animal abuse. These visits inspired the group to take action and they founded their first animal refuge, rescuing exotic animals from lives as pets living in restaurants, bars and homes.
From these humble beginnings, the Inti Wara Yassi animal sanctuary was created. Today it is managed by a few permanent volunteers, some of whom are the original street children. The rest of the much-needed help comes from international volunteers working at the project.
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"Wild Futures must be congratulated for what it has achieved in providing for the welfare of primates taken into its care. The expertise which Wild Futures has gained over the years and its deep commitment will undoubtedly help in the work to conserve something of the natural world for future generations."