One of my favorite blogs on Wildlife Direct is The Colobus Trust. They’re serious conservationists who also know how to have fun while saving a species from extinction. That’s a rare combination, believe me.
They operate on a small budget and still have managed to build “colobridges” for colobus monkeys, and others, to cross above busy highways. See? Pretty cool.
The Trust has been working hard to get PVC insulation on overhead power lines to prevent primates from getting electrocuted. They also work with resorts and the community to educate people about Colobus monkey conservation and environmental conservation, as well as rescue and rehabilitate injured primates.
Chuma, a colobus monkey in recovery - Photo by The Colobus Trust
You’ll recall that a year ago Kenya held a presidential election. Many Kenyans, maybe all of them, were unhappy with the outcome. There were allegations of corruption, of electioneering, and worse, so the people took to the streets to protest. They were met with violence. They turned on each other and many Kenyans died. The nation’s economy ground to a halt and no economic sector was spared.
Wildlife conservation was hit incredibly hard because it largely depends on revenues from tourism. The tourists stopped coming and haven’t returned in the same numbers as previous years. The Colobus Trust explains:
With more than 75 percent of our core revenue entirely depended upon tourism, the Trust was barely able to scrape through the year and we don’t think we can do it again. The bottom line is we are facing closure.
This is a simple and basic appeal to all those who have at one point or another been a part of the Trust who understand what it takes to keep this habitat and its primates alive. We are asking each one of you to assist us to get back on our feet financially and give us time to focus on rebuilding our conservation efforts.
Thousands of people have come through the Trust. We are asking each person to make a one-time donation of $50, or the equivalent in sterling pounds or euro. Our aim is to secure adequate income to get through the next year and rebuild our survival strategy and future programs.
Please, why not skip the shopping this year and give a donation to the Colobus Trust as a present? Do something good with your money and help the Trust continue its important work in Kenya. Please.
s.
Filed under: conservation, endangered species, primates Tagged: | colobus monkey, wildlife conservation
