|
the ORIGIN OF ORPHANS
Hunting for bushmeat in most of West Africa is no
longer subsistence (i.e. food to feed the family) but rather a cash
economy. Rural communities supply bushmeat to urban traders. This type
of hunting is highly unsustainable, and creates large numbers of
orphaned primates; nursing infants, orphaned when their mothers are shot
for meat. Most of these orphans end up living miserable lives as village
pets; many perish from their wounds or from inappropriate care. Those
who come to CERCOPAN are the lucky ones, most often donated as a result
of discussion and heightened awareness, but occasionally confiscated by
wildlife officials.
CERCOPAN's ORPHANS
The majority of CERCOPAN's over 130 primates are orphans,
by-products of the bush meat trade. Over the past 10 years, a
nation-wide network has developed in Nigeria through contact with the
Cross River National Park and State Forestry Departments, and visitors
to CERCOPAN. It is through this network that orphans or unwanted pets
are identified
On average, 1-2 primates arrive at the
centre every month; some of these have been in captivity for many
years, while others may only have been away from their mothers for a
matter of days. More and more, primates are donated by concerned owners
who have heard about CERCOPAN's programme. We have had many donations as
a direct result of our school outreach programme. |
