They are both eating very well now, although the female vervet was eating poorly for about a week and had to be syringe fed.  A steady and improving diet of porridge (since discontinued), fruits and vegetables, beans and rice for protein and naturally occurring wild foods has resulted in strong recovery for both of them.

Unfortunately, there are problems still ahead for both of them.  The vervet will have major problems assimilating into a troop in Diani, as vervets are notoriously violent against new additions or single vervets found alone.  Without a troop, it is likely that this vervet will not survive.  The Trust and local vervet partner Kersten Handelmann are working on a new plan to release a number of acclimated vervets into Shimba Hills National Park in August, which will give them all the best chance of survival.

As for the young male baboon, it's unclear whether his severe atrophy of the legs can recover.  Although he has made great strides in recent weeks in mobility and strength, he is not even close to the recovery level required to be released into another troop.  There is also a possibility that his muscle damage was too severe in captivity (these monkeys were in tiny cages for periods of time) that he might not ever be able to walk again.

We are keeping our fingers crossed and monitoring progress daily.

ORIGINAL -> NEWS ITEM

Young Male Baboon
Sub-Adult Female Vervet Monkey