Zookeepers head to Kenya to help Colobus Monkeys

Drusillas has launched a fundraising appeal to support the conservation of threatened colobus monkeys, as two of its keepers prepare for a field trip to Kenya this April. They will work alongside Colobus Conservation, a charity in the Diani Beach region of Africa, where dozens of monkeys are killed each year by traffic collisions, power lines, and other human-related threats.

To support efforts to safeguard this vulnerable species, Drusillas Conservation in Action, the zoo’s charitable arm, has launched a Crowdfunder prize draw to raise vital funds for Colobus Conservation. The appeal also highlights an upcoming three-week conservation expedition to Kenya this year, during which Zoo Keeper Emily Robinson and Zoo Section Leader Sam Kenward will work alongside the charity’s team, providing hands-on support and sharing their expertise to help protect colobus monkeys on the ground.

Sam said: “Working directly with conservation partners in the field is hugely important. It allows us to support their work in a practical way, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges primates face in the wild and how we can continue to help. Colobus monkeys face a whole range of threats and we’re thrilled to be able to help protect them firsthand.”

During dry seasons in Kenya, when food becomes scarcer, monkeys are forced to travel further to forage, increasing the likelihood of crossing busy roads, with tourist traffic further heightening the risks. Traversing the main coastal road can be a matter of life or death for them, with an average of 55 primates injured or killed by vehicles each year. Between 1999 and 2012 alone, 518 monkeys were reported injured or killed by traffic.

Members of the public can support the appeal through a crowdfunder, with all donations going to Colobus Conservation. To encourage as much support as possible, everyone who makes a £5 donation to the crowdfunder will receive one entry into a prize draw, with multiple entries available for larger donations. The prize includes a Colobus Monkey Adoption (worth £85), a family ticket for 4 to visit Drusillas, £40 of food vouchers and SPARK tickets to make the visit extra special, and a colobus monkey soft toy to snuggle up with.

Extra funding is urgently required by the charity currently ahead of their relocation to a larger site to accommodate more rescues and raise more local awareness of the monkey’s plight. Plans include a new veterinary clinic and an education centre, aimed at increasing knowledge of the threats primates face and how people can help protect them.

Emily Robinson continued: “Being able to contribute our skills while learning directly from Colobus Conservation is hugely valuable - not just for the charity, but for us as keepers too. We’ll be involved in everything from rescuing and rehabilitating the monkeys, to visiting local schools and tourists to help educate them about the threats the monkeys face, or helping to maintain some of the ‘colobridges’ - special bridges built by Colobus Conservation to help the monkeys safely cross the road.”

“We’re so grateful for any support people can offer and any donation can make a real difference. As little as £5 helps cover fuel and field communication costs for primate rescues, while £25 could help protect rescued colobus monkeys during relocation, funding care and enrichment to reduce stress.”

The appeal also demonstrates one of the key ways Drusillas Conservation in Action supports wildlife charities - by raising awareness of the threats animals face, funding critical conservation work, and enabling staff to visit partner organisations in their home countries to provide practical, expert support. Founded in 2024, Drusillas Conservation in Action aims to promote and support the conservation of wildlife across the globe for outcomes that contribute to species survival and habitat restoration.

Emily and Sam will be documenting their journey throughout April, with behind-the-scenes updates shared on Drusillas’ social media channels, giving supporters a firsthand look at how their donations are being used and the real impact they are making.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal and enter the prize draw can donate via the crowdfunder here.