Hi Guys,

Last year I travelled to Zambia and volunteered at a Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia called Munda Wanga.  When I got there I met two amazing people; Vicky and Ryan who were working as volunteers with the Lunga Luswishi Wildlife Project being funded by Born free.  They did the incredible job of rescuing and helping primates that had been orphaned or injured in the wild as a result of the growing bush meat trade in Zambia, held illegally captive as pets in people’s homes, injured in road traffic and snare accidents or stoned by people.

A few days after I arrived, Vicky and Ryan had to travel out of town to scout for new release sights in the north of Zambia.  Left in my care was a tiny Vervet Monkey named Pedro who needed around the clock attention.  His mother had most likely been killed by poachers and he was lucky enough to be living at Munda Wanga until he was old enough to be integrated into a troop (family) and re-introduced to the wild in a safe area.

For almost 2 weeks I cared for Pedro for probably 16 hours of the day, which meant feeding him, plying with him, helping him learn to jump (see picture) and letting him curl up in my arms when he wanted to sleep - which was not very often!  I never thought I'd become a surrogate mum to a Vervet monkey but it was truly amazing.

It is because of Pedro and the amazing work I saw Vicky and Ryan do that I am raising donations for the Born Free foundation.  All over the world this important organisation is working to help endangered animals that so badly need our help.

In Zambia Born Free enable Munda Wanga to be a safe temporary home for primates waiting for release where they can recieve medical attention.  I saw the great work they do first hand so I tell you from the bottom of my heart this is worth while.

Please dig deep into your pockets and donate.  If you can only afford a small amount that's fine - every bit helps.  I'm doing the hard bit by running 13.1 miles (and I can guarantee you it will be hard!) so you just have the easy task of donating and spreading the link to others that you think can help.

Thank-you so much.

Karen x