Release 2003

Readers of The Lowdown may recall the article in the June 2002 issue, on the first Munda Wanga release of thirteen yellow baboons and seventeen vervet monkeys, rescued from captivity, into the Lunga Luswishi Game Management Area. This release programme was initiated in response to the increasing numbers of primates being removed, under the Zambia Wildlife Act, from the illegal pet trade. The project, an alternative to life-long captivity for these animals, was fortunate enough to receive the financial backing of the Born Free Foundation, a UK based animal welfare group.

Seventeen months later, and on the eve of our second release, we thought it appropriate to fill readers in on the outcome of this exercise. All our expectations have been fulfilled, and even exceeded, with the programme evolving to include anti-poaching teams and more widespread game counts, in addition to the release of ex-pet traded animals back to the wild and a release protocol that can be used by other sanctuaries, holding primates, within Africa.

Of the 13 baboons released, three were brought back because they found it too hard to adapt to a wild environment, preferring human to baboon company. These three unfortunate individuals have however integrated better into the new release troop and are being prepared for the 2003 release. Of those that remained in the field, five left the release area to join a wild troop, the others remaining at the release site, later being joined by three wild males. At three months Jimmy had taken over the alpha male role, from the original alpha male Hope, a long-term resident of Monkey Foundation Zoo, Ndola, in doing so displaying great leadership skills that should secure the future of the troop. Only one of the released individuals is feared dead. Houdini, as she was affectionately called, went missing on day three; her fate to this day unknown.

The most exciting event for the troop and all those involved in the release was when Mariana presented the project with a healthy infant in June, named “Born Free”. The baboons, including those that left the release site and are seen on occasions returning to their former troop members, are all healthy, happy, and totally independent of humans, proving to all skeptics that such releases, following a controlled rehabilitation programme, is a viable option for these primates.

Thanks to the presence of our marvellous anti-poaching team, since June 2002, the wildlife has made a superb recovery. From seeing nothing in the first week, the team now make regular sightings of buck such as sable, waterbuck, impala and sitatunga and occasionally elephant and buffalo. In July the team were even fortunate enough to come across a pride of lions, with cubs, having taken down a sitatunga quite close to our base camp!!. We are happy that our project has helped to provide a sanctuary for so many species besides our primates and we are thus determined to continue the programme for a further two years, at least until additional support can be found with anti-poaching patrols. Amazingly enough, all of this has been achieved by maintaining a small, well-organised team of only five game scouts and wildlife officers.

Within the next few weeks the release of 14 baboons and 25 vervet monkeys will take place; certain individuals radio-collared, their movements then monitored by a new team of researchers. Most of these intelligent and social animals have suffered years of misery at the end of 6 foot chains, and have been deprived of interaction with others of their own species. The stepping stone project at Munda Wanga offers such individuals a new chance in life, a chance that sees them free once again.

It is a pleasure and a privilege for us to extend heartfelt thanks to the following for their kind support and contribution to the overwhelming and continued success of the Lunga Luswishi Wildlife Project: Born Free Foundation; The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation; the Danish Royal Embassy; Stefan Kranz at Shoprite; Sean Whittome and A Scott at Bwana Mkubwa Mining Ltd; Butch and Kevin Shone at Kasembo Transport Ltd; Janet and Earl Beech at Specialty Emergency Services; Cath and Barry Ogilvy at Byrondale Sanctuary; Mr Mudenda at the Lunga Command and all ZAWA officers and many other kind individuals.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about this release programme or the “stepping stone programme”, or has information on primates in captivity, they are more than welcome to contact Munda Wanga on 01 278456 or e-mail sanctuary@zamnet.zm.