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This is another episode of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program series!

Across Africa, thousands of primates are finding themselves the victims of the illegal wildlife trade, bushmeat hunting, and habitat loss. For many, survival depends on the work of sanctuaries. These safe havens provide food, medical care, and, in some cases, even a path back to the wild.

Today’s guest, Kaitlyn Bock, has spent the past decade with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) helping to support these vital places. PASA is a network of 23 sanctuaries in 13 countries working together to rescue primates, fight trafficking, and engage local communities in conservation.

Kaitlyn’s stories- from orphaned chimps taking their first steps into forested enclosures to the tireless staff who keep sanctuaries running day after day- shine a light on why sanctuaries matter and how they give wildlife a second chance.

Highlights

• What makes a sanctuary “good” and how to spot red flags.
• Why reintroduction to the wild is both rare and extraordinary.
• The hidden role sanctuaries play in enforcing wildlife laws across Africa.

Key Signs of a Good Sanctuary

• No direct contact: Visitors should not be feeding, bathing, or taking selfies with the animals.
• Educational focus: You leave more informed about the animals’ plight and why the sanctuary exists.
• High-welfare enclosures: Spacious, naturalistic habitats that mimic the species’ environment.
• Enrichment provided: Animals are given activities and materials (like branches or puzzles) to encourage natural behaviors.
• Transparency: Staff openly explain each animal’s story and why they are there.
• No intentional breeding: Ethical sanctuaries don’t breed animals in captivity for display or tourism.
• Responsible social media: No images of animals in clothes, behaving like pets, or posing with tourists. Captions should educate, not entertain at the animals’ expense.

What YOU Can Do

• Donate to sanctuaries. Even small, monthly gifts- especially unrestricted- help to cover food, care, and staff.
• Volunteer either on-site or remotely with skills like grant writing or communications.
• Speak up on social media when you see red flags in wildlife content.
• Only visit sanctuaries that avoid direct contact and focus on education.

Resources

• Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance website
• X
• Facebook
• Instagram

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