CERCOPAN

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Sep 26 2009 | By: cercopan

by Amy Baxter

  A few months ago CERCOPAN applied to Brevard Zoo, for some football equipment to distribute to the local schools in our host village, Iko Esai.  Football is extremely popular in Nigeria, with everyone having a team they support and with the National Nigerian team renowned for their excellent playing.  We were lucky to be granted this equipment and it was gratefully received by the local schools.  Later a letter, also to be used as an article in the community newsletter, arrived in thanks for this equipment from the local secondary school and we would like to share it with you.  It is always nice to receive letters of this kind and greatly encourages us with the work we are carrying out.  The letter was entitled ‘Youth Empowerment through Academic and Sports Development: The CERCOPAN Initiative’. 

 Members of the school team wearing their new primate conservtion football strips (CERCOPAN Community Liason Officer Mike Ekpe Centre)

‘’The conservation of our rare fauna and flora, especially the dwindling or diminishing population of monkeys and their habitats in the remaining tropical forest of West Africa, seem to be the primary concern of CERCOPAN – an NGO with a mission.  The CERCOPAN mission is to conserve; their vision is to enhance the increase of the depleting primate population, and possibly return them to the wild.

                Since the advent of CERCOPAN in Nigeria, the organisation has done much to improve the welfare of the host community, both socially and economically, in spite of their financial constraints.  The organisation has left none in doubt of their commitment and special mission in the hunter forest of Iko Esai in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.  Like any other new organisation or establishment, people are often sceptical of their real intention, judging from the experiences of the colonial era.  So was the case with CERCOPAN.

                The host community of Esai land was divided in opinion about the ultimate objectives of their mission in the jungle of Iko Esai.  However, the coming of CERCOPAN into Iko Esai community has been seen as a blessing in disguise; the host community has started to reap the dividend of CERCOPAN’s presence.  We can now talk of improved water supply, skills acquisition and man power development, etc.

                Most importantly, Iko Esai is now designated a tourism destination and centre for educational research – innovations which were hitherto unknown.  Soon and very soon, the impact of CERCOPAN initiatives shall be harnessed and felt both locally and globally.

                Socially, the advent of CERCOPAN has impacted much of the social lives of the people.  The history of educational development in Esai community and its environment will be incomplete without mentioning the contributions of CERCOPAN.  Just in a nut-shell, CERCOPAN has created educational awareness through conservation education, inter-schools competitions and the upliftment of sports in schools.

                Mention should be made about the recent CERCOPAN magnanimous gestures towards the Esai Community Secondary School, which was given a face-lift during the last inter-house sports competitions, where CERCOPAN undertook the painting of the Academic/Administration block, which has improved the aesthetic view of the school.

                Furthermore, CERCOPAN made their impact felt during the inter-house sports fund raising.  Prior to this moment, CERCOPAN had donated sets of gaming equipment to the college, which has boosted sporting activities in the school.  To be more precise, right now the secondary school’s football team is making history in football game.  Hopefully, the school’s football team shall create much impact in the near future.

                Most recently, CERCOPAN has done it again!  A set of football kits, including jerseys, footballs and a football pump, were donated to the school.  This will surely further boost our team’s quest for laurels and glory.  This gesture is not only timely but highly commendable.  The students, members of staff and management say thank you for the support.

                In conclusion, we in equivocal terms fully endorse the CERCOPAN educational empowerment initiatives, aimed at empowering our youth for future development.  As your organisation continues to support and encourage academic excellence, the future leaders of this community shall grow and live to appreciate your gestures.  We shall collectively learn to conserve our dwindling and endangered species for the present and future generations.

                                Thank you.

                                                Elder Robert O. Nkang

Iko Esai school children playing football in their new strips

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Category: Uncategorized | Date: Aug 28 2009 | By: cercopan

After almost a month of worry and sleepless nights, we finally raised the $3333 needed to pay our rent on 1st September!!!! Thanks to Wildlife Direct readers, our monkeys have a safe and secure home for another year. 

A huge thank you to all  Wildlife Direct readers who have given their support either via donations or the wonderfully uplifting posts we have received. Special thanks to Paula and the Willdlife Direct team who have been absolutely amazing and also to the anonymous donors on the website. I speak for everyone here when I say that knowing you were all with us every step of the way during this difficult month has made such a difference to us.

We could not have done this without you! I am sure that tonight for the first time in a long while I will sleep easy. I will also be sure to lift my glass to all of you when I celebrate this evening  

Baby Mangabey Pica, one of over 120 monkeys you have helped.

8 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Aug 28 2009 | By: cercopan

by Sam Trull 

Good news from CERCOPAN…after a period of prolonger recovery, Akai, an adult male putty-nosed monkey returned to his group for the first time in almost a year yesterday!  The problem started when the females of his group decided to join together to form a coalition against Akai. This led to his becoming very low ranking in the dominance hierarchy and as a result gave him less access to the highest quality food. Female putty’s can be very tough and unforgiving to males, especially if they want to mate and the male is not interested which seems to be how this situation initially began! His dispute with the females led to a nasty tail wound and a vitamin deficiency. As soon as we noticed that Akai’s health was deteriorating we took the difficult decision to separate him from his group in order to receive treatments, be monitored more closely and be fed up.  

Akai has had many ups and downs throughout the past year of his recovery.  After treating his vitamin deficiency first, CERCOPAN staff were able to focus on his tail wound. Tail wounds are notoriously difficult to treat and often do not heal well… if at all. Akai’s injuries ultimately resulted in four different amputation procedures, before the wound healed perfectly.  Luckily, the treatment and all of the care and attention worked wonders and shortly after he began to turn the corner, although it still took many months for him to recover completely.  Once Akai was fully healed, we began the process of re-introducing him to his group.

When an adult monkey is taken out of their group, they can’t simply just be put straight back in, a gradual re-introduction process must take place in order to avoid as much aggression as possible. About a month ago, Akai was placed in a satellite enclosure next to his group, so they could see each other 24 hours a day and interact, but not actually occupy the same space.  This allowed time for the monkeys to gradually get used to one another again through mesh and also allowed CERCOPAN staff to monitor their behavior and make sure that positive interactions were increasing and aggressive interactions decreasing over time.

Yesterday it was decided that Akai’s behavioral exchanges with his group were going very well and that it was time to try everyone together again.  Luckily, all monkeys have been getting along great and better still  Akai has re-entered the group with a much higher rank than when he left!  We will be sure to keep everyone posted on his progress.  It’s been a long road to recovery for Akai, but after seeing him forage with his friends again, I know that it was well worth the wait.

3 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Aug 25 2009 | By: cercopan

by Sam Trull

One of our most playful, fun-loving, and kind-hearted monkeys died last night.  Regiy was a three year-old putty-nosed monkey living in a group with 4 others.  He was often seen playing with his best friend in the group, Cross, taking turns jumping on each other or swinging on a rope.  One of my favorite monkeys to visit, Regiy always greeted me with a play gesture; turning around sticking his bottom high up in the air and then trying to pull my fingers through his legs so he could wrestle with them.  He would then proceed to pounce up and down on my hand with such intensity, that you would think I was the most fascinating toy he had ever encountered.  After a minute or two of greeting me, he would go back to playing with Cross as monkeys clearly have more fun with other monkeys.    

Regiy

Having arrived at CERCOPAN when just an infant, Regiy’s story is like so many other orphaned monkeys here at CERCOPAN.  His mother was shot a killed for the bush meat trade then he was ripped from her lifeless body and stranded in a market to be sold for a profit.  Even though Regiy’s life was short, he was at least one of the lucky ones.  He has spent the past three years playing, grooming, eating, and sun-bathing amongst other monkeys.

 Regiy with best friend Cross - always insepearable 

Just few minutes ago, I decided to take a walk outside.  I wanted to see how Cross was doing.  I wanted him to know that I too, was sad to see our friend go.  I started walking up to the enclosure and from a distance I could see Cross, next to the wire, sitting by himself.  I instantly felt bad for him as I wondered if he had been bored all morning, having lost his favorite playmate.   Stepping closer to him, we made eye contact and in that moment I think he knew why I was there.  Having placed my fingers next to the wire to say hello, Cross took one more glance at me then turned around.  As he then began to lift his bottom, like a wire was attached from his waist to the sky; I smiled at the hilarity of his posture and of course, I smiled for Regiy.

5 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Aug 17 2009 | By: cercopan

Over the past three months CERCOPAN has rescued two female orphaned putty nosed monkeys.  First Maya (see previous posts) and then Angel and now we have a third infant female putty nosed monkey!  On Saturday, the baby’s ‘owners’ came to CERCOPAN to let us know that not only did they have a monkey, but that she was hurt.  CERCOPAN staff went to their house and left with the scared and injured infant after having educated the family about not having monkeys as pets and that she would be better off with CERCOPAN.  When she arrived at our rehabilitation center in Calabar, I wasn’t sure the extent of her injuries as the hand had been wrapped in cloth.  What was certain though was her traumatized state and the fact that she was in a lot of pain.  After grabbing her up and removing the cloth, it became apparent that her hand was severely mangled and would need surgery.  Luckily, our vet friend Ainare was available to help!  After examination, Ainare realized that not only did the infant have a huge laceration to her left hand, but her pinky finger was dangling by a thread and would need to be removed.  Had this injury waited even another day the little baby would have had a serious life threatening infection which woudl have probably led to the amputation of her entire hand in order to save her life. 

Upon arrival, scared and in pain, the newest orphan was quick to bite and was clearly very stressed.  She moved from anyone who tried to touch her and she screamed in fear.  After surgery and two days of TLC, I am happy to report that as I write this blog, our newest orphan is comfortably sleeping in my lap.  She has spent all morning contact calling and nuzzling into my chest, wanting nothing more than to be loved.  She is enjoying her milk and various fruits and vegetables and getting settled into her new life at CERCOPAN.  Once her hand is healed, she will be introduced to Maya and Angel, sure to be an exciting trio!  Quick action by CERCOPAN staff has not only saved this little girl’s life but we have also given her a future.  

One response so far

Category: CERCOPAN supporters saving rainforests and orphaned mon, Cercopan, Conservation, Cute rare baby otter, Monkeys, Orphaned baby monkeys, Saving endangered monkeys, Uncategorized | Date: Aug 03 2009 | By: cercopan

Eve the otter, adorable monkey and other CERCOPAN merchandise now available at http://www.cafepress.com/cercopan .
Great as gifts, even better for yourself! All proceeds go towards helping the animals in our care.

melody-the-mona-baby-t-shirt

pink-eve-the-otter-tshirt

Tags: African Wildlife, Baby Otter, Cercopan, CLAWLESS OTTER, MONKEY GIFTS, Nigerian wildlife, ORPHAN ANIMALS, rehabilitation

One response so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Aug 02 2009 | By: cercopan

After several bleak and worrying days, both in terms of finances and the health of three of the monkey I care for, I woke up today to find that not only are Ikom and Okon almost better, but that in addition, 15 wildlife direct readers had pledged their support to our appeals….. donating a whopping $597!!

A huge thank you to Robin C, Linda H, Cynthia G, Tonia W, P L, Andrew H, Camille L, Meghan H, Michelle P, Victor S, Laura F, Isabel M, Carol B, Kathy S and Paula G. I also heard on Twitter that some wonderful young girls in Orlando have been raising funds for Eve and so far have made $75! Well done!

It really means a lot that so many of you believe in the work we do. If any of you are holding fundraising events and have pictures or stories I would really love to hear from you so that we can share them with others on the blog and with all of our staff and volunteers.

Thanks again!

Claire

 Red Eared Guenon ‘Mickey’ with his best friend Mona monkey ‘Big Qua’

2 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Jul 29 2009 | By: cercopan

For all of you following Eve’s progress, this is what we go through every single meal time! I can’t wait until we can persuade her to eat fish…. Enjoy!

Claire

6 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Jan 31 2009 | By: cercopan

Joy and Melody, who featured in earlier blogs are now finished their obligatory quarantine period and are ready to move into a group as soon as a space becomes available. Since their first weeks at CERCOPAN, they have grown and changed so much.  Joy in particular has become very brave and quite domineering and now spends most of her time play fighting and leaping on Melody’s head!

Joy 

 Joy and Melody also have a new friend “Teddy”, a female Mona brought in just before christmas. Watching them, you would think that they had always been together, although both Melody and Joy seem to constantly compete to gain Teddy’s attention!

 Joy Melody and new friend “Teddy”

Teddy fast asleep on her first day at CERCOPAN

Rhoko Manager Richard with Teddy

2 responses so far

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Jan 30 2009 | By: cercopan

CERCOPAN wishes to send a big thank you to Christine C and Wanda H for their donations. Money to feed monkeys is always the hardest to raise, as companies and foundations generally prefer to support stand alone projects. Yet the monkeys at CERCOPAN are the greatest ambassadors for conservation as they attract 30,000 visitors a year to our education centre to receive environmental/conservation education. In Calabar alone we must find around $75 per day just to feed the monkeys, so donations such as yours are so desperatly needed. 

Thanks again

Claire  

2 responses so far