My time at Jungle Friends

Interning at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary was the best thing I have ever done!

It is just so amazing to see how much you can make a difference in these animals’ lives by just doing the simplest of things.

I found Jungle Friends online and was immediately excited at the prospect of working there, so when I was accepted I was over the moon. I watched all the fun, monkey videos and all the guidelines to prepare myself for the summer ahead of me.

When they mean sun up till sun down, they really do mean it. The hours were long and hard although the saying is true ‘time fly’s when you’re having fun!’ But with 120 monkeys the only thing that’s constant is change (which is the sanctuaries motto).

When I first arrived, being introduced to all the monkeys was at first quite overwhelming, especially at the prospect of learning all their names, I didn’t think it was possible but it’s amazing how even after a couple days you see the differences between them. You get so easily attached to them, slowly from just having 1 favorite to them all being your favorite, how can you pick just one, it’s impossible!

I first only intended to intern for 3 months but once you leave you just can’t get enough of the place!

Although coming from England it was a bit harder to come back to America, with the whole visa business and everything. But luck was in my favour and I was able to return for 1 whole year to complete an apprenticeship!

Over the year I was able to work more closely with the monkeys, by helping with socialisations, help when the monkeys were sick or injured. This was so rewarding, especially seeing monkeys who had been on there own for years and they finally find a partner and are able to be a real monkey together.

It’s amazing how your heart just fills with joy when you walk through the yard and they scream with delight at seeing you, even if you have been away for a day, the excitement is always there, unconditional love.

Sadly in my time at Jungle Friends we lost a few dear friends, although knowing some only just a few months, they touch everyone in some way and it’s amazing how they can create a hole in some part of your life.

But life at Jungle Friends still needs to carry on; monkeys need feeding and cleaning needs to be done. I remember how people seemed so shocked on telling them about working Christmas day, how many people can be so blind to the fact that work still needs doing, monkeys still need feeding.

I feel that I have grown as a person after working at Jungle Friends and hopefully I can change people’s views on captive wild animals in the future, sharing the message that Jungle Friends works so hard for. I met some amazing people during my time at JF and wouldn't change my time there for anything.

I would recommend to anyone wanting to volunteer then Jungle Friends appeals to all and is worthwhile to anyone, no matter the age, gender or abilities. No excuses!