Monkeyland is
unique in that the sanctuary caters
for several species of primate,
and they are
not caged, they are freeto move about the forest, and
do so in harmony.
The primates are
therefore not found on predetermined
points displayed on a map, the emphasis
is to search for them, and the reward
is to see them as they should be:
free and in the wild.
Monkeyland
is a modern primate sanctuary established
in a pristine natural high canopy
forest, which is well suited to those
primates fortunate enough to live
there. Perhaps the most significant
aspect of the sanctuary is that it
is both a multi-species and free-roaming
facility. Monkeyland, which opened
in 1998, is totally self sustaining
from the revenue it derives from tourism.
This revenue is generated by enthusiastic
rangers who take visitors out on monkey
safaris . The safaris, which are fun
and exciting, are also educational
and generally result in our guests
leaving the sanctuary with a whole
new focus on the primates of the world
and the problems they are facing.
Monkeyland has through the establishment
of the Touch
a Monkeys Heart Foundation; a
non-profit organisation or as they
are better known in South Africa,
a Section 21 Company, secured the
future of all the primates which reach
Monkeyland. Over and above 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.
Possibly the most important aspect
emanating from the existence of the
sanctuary is that Monkeyland is a
living example that these wonderful
creatures can be kept in an almost
wild state. From this must surely
come the realisation that re-introducing
primates to their habitats of origin
from this wilder state must stand
a far greater chance of success.
Lunch
in the lively Monkeyland forest is
a unique experience. It is the only
eating spot in the world where you
can actually sip your coffee while
you watch a large variety of primates,
from all over the world, playing -
enjoying their newfound freedom.
Entrance
to Monkeyland is free, however there
is a fee for the guided safaris. Note
that these guided safaris are open
ended which means that one may go
on as many safaris as you wish, in
a given day, having only paid for
the first excursion.
A visit
to Monkeyland is a must for every
local resident of and visitor to The
Garden Route.
So swing by and visit this awesome
monkey kingdom!!