Go Wild with Purpose: Volunteer at VMF!

Welcome to the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF)! Established in 1993 in South Africa, our sanctuary was born out of urgent necessity. When a tiny orphaned baby vervet monkey was brought to founder Dave, he quickly discovered a tragic reality: there were no specialised facilities dedicated to rehabilitating or protecting this indigenous species, which is frequently misunderstood, orphaned through human conflict, or targeted as pests. What started with a single orphan soon evolved into a lifeline for thousands.

Our Mission

Our core mission is simple yet profound: to provide a sanctuary for abused, orphaned, injured, and lab-rescued vervet monkeys, while working tirelessly to conserve the species and their natural habitats. We believe that every monkey deserves a life free from exploitation, surrounded by their own kind.

The VMF Story & Breakthroughs

Over the past three decades, VMF has pioneered groundbreaking primate rehabilitation. We don’t just house monkeys; we help restore their identity. We achieved a world-first by successfully rebuilding natural, self-sustaining social structures from orphaned individuals, allowing them to form deep, complex bonds within a troop. From the intensive, around-the-clock care in our sickbay for vulnerable babies, to the gradual and rewarding process of integrating monkeys into a family, our work covers every stage of recovery.

The Volunteer Experience

As a volunteer, you are the backbone of our foundation. You won’t just be watching from the sidelines; you will be directly involved in making a difference. Your days will include preparing specialised diets, constructing and repairing essential infrastructure, assisting with enrichment activities to keep the monkeys stimulated, and witnessing incredible milestones—such as seeing an underweight orphan take its first brave steps into a new troop.

By volunteering with us, you become a vital part of our ongoing history, helping us give these beautiful primates a second chance.

Why choose the Vervet Monkey Foundation?

Because here, you are not just a spectator—you are a lifeline.

Unlike standard volunteer programs, VMF places you at the very heart of world-leading primate conservation. From day one, your hands-on efforts directly contribute to the survival of abused, orphaned, and injured monkeys. You will help prepare critical high-calorie formulas for vulnerable infants in our sickbay, create essential behavioural enrichment, and assist in building the enclosures that keep our troops safe.

You will witness the incredible rewards of primate rehabilitation firsthand: watching a once-terrified orphan heal, gain confidence, and find a place within a self-sustaining troop. Surrounded by a passionate international team of like-minded wildlife defenders, you will gain invaluable, real-world wildlife rescue experience.

Choose VMF to challenge yourself, discover your potential, and give a voice to a misunderstood species that truly needs your help.

🛠️ Skills & Physical Requirements
No Experience Needed: You do not need prior experience in primatology or animal care. We provide full, comprehensive on-site training for all daily tasks, dietary preparation, and safety protocols.

Physical Fitness: Wildlife rehabilitation is physically demanding work. You should be capable of walking on uneven terrain, lifting heavy food crates, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions—from intense African summer heat to chilly winter mornings.

Attitude: The most important qualities you can bring are patience, adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a passion for teamwork.

🍏 Dietary Restrictions & Life on Site
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly: As an organization deeply committed to animal welfare and environmental conservation, our volunteer village operates on a strictly vegan or vegetarian communal meal system.