Wildlife conservation holidays are becoming more and more popular as global attention turns towards a deeper understanding of environmental concerns. It is an ideal way to experience life in another culture, as well as play an important part in the hugely important issues concerning wildlife conservation.

Located in the coastal region of Kenya about an hour south of Mombasa, the Colobus Monkey Trust is dedicated to the ongoing protection of the delightful Colobus monkeys and other native primates. There are many species of primates in the Kenyan coastal region and the workers at the Colobus Trust work not only towards the animals’ conservation, but also the preservation of their habitats. By volunteering at the Colobus Monkey Trust on your wildlife conservation holidays you can become an integral part of their vital work.

The irresistible faces of the Angolan Colobus Monkeys are enough to melt anyone’s heart, but when you spend some time observing and caring for them, you will be smitten. Those huge eyes set in adorably round faces emit a definite air of mischief, and their antics will keep you endlessly amused. Working with monkeys on a regular basis, you will become familiar with their individual characteristics and quirks and you will quickly learn to differentiate them.

It’s all hands on deck on your wildlife conservation holidays at the Colobus Monkey Trust. You will be undertaking a huge variety of activities and every day will be different. You will be involved in the rescue and care of sick and injured animals; cleaning and feeding of the rehabilitating monkeys; bottle feeding infant primates and many other day to day duties. You may also be asked to take on other important tasks such as primate census data collecting and regular park maintenance such as tree-trimming.

There are many different areas to be of assistance on your wildlife conservation holidays with the Colubus Monkeys, and your tasks will be matched according to your skills. Although some projects can only be offered to volunteers with relevant experience, there are many other ways in which you can help that are just as rewarding.

An important part of wildlife conservation is the education of local communities for long term management programs. You will be involved in participating in and running workshops for schools, to teach them about the primates and help them develop skills to become involved in the conservation work. The Colobus Monkey Trust was originally set up in 1997 in response to an outcry by the local people about the large number of Colobus deaths in the area, since then it has grown significantly – in part due to local support.

The issue of wildlife conservation at the Trust is not exclusive to the Colobus Monkeys, and you will also come in contact with other species such as Baboons, Vervets and Syke’s Monkeys. Every day, through research and observation, places like the Colobus Trust are helping the world learn more about endangered wildlife species and educating us to the importance of wildlife conservation practices.

Wildlife conservation holidays are becoming more and more popular as global attention turns towards a deeper understanding of environmental concerns It is an ideal way to experience life in another culture, as well as play an important part in the hugely important issues concerning wildlife conservation

About the Author
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks focusing on wildlife conservation holidays and various adventurous gap years for adults.