Zambia State House Banishes Monkeys

Primates to be Released Back into the Wild

Zambian President Rupiah Banda has sought the help of Munda Wanga Trust and Born Free Foundation to sort out the State House's problems with monkeys who have become a nuisance in the surrounding areas.

Born Free Foundation Director Bill Thomas said in a statement that the trust would take in the primates to evaluate the best option for releasing them into the wild.

"Clearly, the grounds of State House have become overcrowded and some primates were escaping and becoming a nuisance to the Lusaka Golf Course, nearby hotels and local residential properties and embassies in the area. Naturally, we agreed to assist and the operation is underway," said Thomas.

Thomas disclosed that Munda Wanga has so far received 61 velvet monkeys that were captured, medically assessed and accommodated at the animal sanctuary where they are being looked after.

Munda Wanga Velvet Monkeys Retrained

Before the monkeys are introduced back in the wild, they will be trained in the ways of the jungle so that they are able to survive on their own.

Born Free Foundation member, Virginia McKenna, says the process of removing the velvet monkeys from State House has been expensive."It has naturally placed a considerable strain on our resources, both human and financial, and I urge all those who care about the welfare and the future prospects of these animals, to contact us and support us in whatever way they can," said Mckenna.

The exercise will cost approximately US $50,000 to remove about 200 monkeys from State House.The Munda Wanga Trust has vast experience in rehabilitating and reintroducing velvet monkeys and yellow baboons back into the wild.

Perhaps the final straw came in June, 2009, when a monkey urinated on President Banda during a press conference held in the State House grounds. President Banda toke it in stride, joking about the public urination.

The Zambian State House is home to number of species of antelopes and birds, but monkeys have been the focus because of their unbecoming behavior.