Alyssa Helps Take Care of Baby Monkeys in South Africa

Alyssa Christian Start Date: Aug 16, 2023 - End Date: Dec 13, 2023
  • Durban, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Alyssa Christian Start Date: Aug 16, 2023 - End Date: Dec 13, 2023
As most people know, I am an animal lover (and vegan), and my favorite way to travel is to engage in volunteer travel; this is the best way for me to experience a new culture, get to know the local community, and help animals. I previously volunteered at a zoo in Thailand and, before that, at an animal shelter in Fiji. Due to the pandemic, my prior plans to volunteer abroad were canceled not once, but twice! Hopefully, the third time's the charm. Monkey Helpline is an organization located in South Africa that [primarily] rescues Vervet monkeys, and provides accommodation, airport pick-up, and fully vegan meals. 

During my three weeks at the rescue, I will help take care of orphaned baby monkeys (including bottle feeding), rescue injured monkeys and other wild animals, assist with animal rehabilitation, and do other tasks that benefit the animals, people, and rescue itself. I decided to volunteer with Monkey Helpline not just because it is a fully vegan organization, but also because I care deeply about primates -- as I do all animals, truly -- who are so similar to humans but are often treated cruelly and sometimes kept as pets (when they are in fact wild animals). 

I chose South Africa, mostly because I had never been; Africa is another continent to which I've never traveled, and South Africa is replete with wildlife I never usually get to see. Hopefully, time will also allow me to go on excursions to explore the surrounding area of Durban. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime, one that may or may not lead to future opportunities. 
  • Durban, South Africa

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • South Africa power adapter

    17

  • Apple AirTag

    29

  • Noise cancelling headphones

    40

  • Collapsible water bottle

    9

  • Travel blanket

    30