Urgent appeal issued as monkey sanctuary in Cornwall continues to face uncertain future

Wild Futures rescues primates from abuse and neglect in the UK pet trade

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 28th Mar 2021

An urgent appeal has gone out as a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall continues to face uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Wild Futures’ is a primate welfare and conservation charity based in Looe.

The Sanctuary is home to 37 monkeys rescued from situations of abuse and neglect from the UK primate pet trade.

It has been a year since lives were changed drastically due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and like many others, Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is struggling as a result of this pandemic and has faced one of their toughest years to date.

Now, the charity is set to lose visitor income again, and has just been told by one of their loyal corporate donors that, due to Covid-19, funding will be cut from $20k a year to just $1k.

“We had all hoped we would be back to some normality by now, but sadly we are still experiencing these scary and challenging times. We have now been without our guaranteed income for a whole year. We have only been eligible for one Government Grant (RHLGF) so far, which we received in April 2020. This covered just over half of one month’s outgoings. Having made all the cutbacks we can, our monthly outgoings to look after the monkeys, run the sanctuary and continue our charity work, are still between £35,000 and £40,000.

"As with many people, charities, and organisations, this has been the hardest year in our history. But we have made it through so far thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have all continued working above and beyond to care for the monkeys - they are exhausted but determined, and importantly, down to the generosity and support from people donating to our appeals for help! We would not have survived up to now had it not been for the kind-hearted generosity of supporters. Despite their individual circumstances, they have gone above and beyond to help the monkeys and we are forever grateful!”

Sarah Hanson, Supporter Relations Manager at Wild Futures

Restrictions are set to be eased on April 12th to allow outdoor attractions to open to visitors again.

As many are preparing for that, Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary sadly is still unable to open to the public due to other continued restrictions, the layout of the site, the vulnerability of the monkeys to Covid-19, and having to focus their limited resources on caring for the monkeys.

“Our visitor income is a crucial form of funding for our charity and to continue the care of the monkeys. Having a year without our usual income has had financial ramifications on the charity. We are hoping to open as soon as we can in a way that complies with Covid-19 safety measures to protect visitors, staff, and monkeys. Until then, we must proceed with caution. Pre Covid-19, we would usually generate around £15,000 in visitor income in April.

"This April we had hoped that with safety precautions in place we would raise around £9,000 through visitor income. As we are still unable to open, we are calling for help once more to try and raise what we are losing by still not being able to open. Losing the sponsorship money makes this even more urgent. We know some of the monkeys will need veterinary check-ups and medication adjustments soon; donations will be crucial in helping us ensure we are prepared.”

Rachel Hevesi, Director of Wild Futures

“We know how difficult this year has been for everybody, but we are appealing for help again to continue getting us through this uncertain time. Every action, every penny counts. With light at the end of the tunnel due to the rollout of vaccines across the country, we are hopeful 2021 will be easier for us all, and by 2022 we will be living much more ‘normal’ lives.

"Despite the challenges, we will continue caring for the rescued monkeys in our care and continue with our charity work to the best of our ability. The kindness that people are showing in this worldwide crisis is overwhelming. Together we are stronger and we hope that with support we will come through this. No matter how small, a contribution will help us to continue caring for the rescued monkeys here. Please donate todaywww.wildfutures.org/donate.”

Sarah Hanson, Wild Futures

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