In Gabon, keeping protected primates is punishable with several months in prison and a fine of up to 10 million CFA francs (almost 15,250 euros / $18,280)
The talks had failed and there were downcast faces in the car, which was all set to drive off. Suddenly a man rushed out and yelled: “It’s fine. Come and fetch your monkeys!”
The owner of two small mandrills had just given way, letting the Save Gabon’s Primates (SGP) association take charge of the orphaned animals, born in the equatorial forest that covers much of the country.
The mandrill, like the gorilla and the chimpanzee, is safeguarded by law from hunting, capture, sale and detention.
Its meat is still prized by some, but there are also families who prefer to turn the monkeys into pets, often acquired from poachers when they were babies. That, too, is illegal.
Thierry Tsoumbou, a 34-year-old veterinarian, is used to listening to different views while he spreads awareness of wildlife issues and promotes the SGP’s…