MONA Foundation
Who are we?
We work for the welfare of primates. We integrate different working methodologies that make us one of the few centers worldwide that fight for the survival of primates on all necessary fronts and, at the same time, provide excellent care for rescued primates.
Basic information
Founding date
2001
Members
2,300 employees, 1,200 active
Location
Riudellots de la Selva (Girona)
Why did it come about?
The beginnings
For many years, due to our proximity to the African continent, many chimpanzees have illegally entered Spain to be used in circuses and as tourist attractions. In the 70s and 80s, it was common to see photographers taking pictures of tourists with chimpanzees. Today, they are still used in circuses, advertisements, television programs, zoos, and amusement parks. Many other chimpanzees are also in precarious conditions in private collections.
In 2001, we were recognized as a primate rescue center to remove primates from illegal trafficking. Thanks to this, we were able to rescue the first group of chimpanzees, seized from a former circus trainer. These chimpanzees had been living for more than 8 years in a broken-down truck in deplorable conditions. This was the beginning of a long-term project to resolve a situation that, until now, had been neglected by public authorities.
A role model
Jane Goodall, for being the woman who best explained the greatness of chimpanzees to Western society and for the wonderful work she continues to do to raise awareness about the importance of their conservation.
News
Current concerns
To find land to build a larger rescue center with the aim of helping primates waiting to be accepted.
Current initiatives
Rescue and rehabilitation
We rescue primates that have been abused. We rehabilitate them physically and mentally and offer them a second life in a group.
Research and courses
We are committed to ethological research to monitor and improve the welfare of rescued animals. We train the primatologists of the future.
Education and awareness
We explain our work to people to increase their awareness and reduce risks to primates.
Funding Sources
MONA Foundation is mainly financed by private collaborators (members, sponsors and donors) and collaborating organizations and companies. We also obtain income from our guided tours and training courses.
Reflections
A disturbing thought
Chimpanzees are now extinct in 7 African countries due to human activity (deforestation and poaching).
A reflection for hope
Populations of other primate species, such as the mountain gorilla, are recovering thanks to good land management.
In Spain, there are no longer any circuses with chimpanzees, and it seems there has been a decline in the use of these animals in the entertainment industry worldwide.
Thanks to the guided tours we have been offering for the past 16 years, we have observed an increase in social awareness.
How can I help?
Ways to support
- With time: by volunteering.
- With money: there are different ways to contribute. For example, you can feed a chimpanzee for €1 a month, sponsor one, or become a partner company.
- With materials: we need everything from nuts to pruning shears.
- There are also online shopping platforms, such as Wapser or Helpfreely, that allow users to donate 3% of their purchase. Also RACC and CIVICLUB.
More information on the MONA Foundation website.
A good habit
Consume responsibly. For example, avoid products containing palm oil or coltan. Their consumption contributes to the rapid disappearance of tropical forests and their inhabitants.
Stop "liking" images of celebrities or anonymous people with exotic animals.
Upcoming goals
Objective 1
Build a new rescue center.
Objective 2
Continue the introduction of the last rescued chimpanzee to its new group.
Objective 3
Improve the education classroom and the workshops we offer.
A dream
To be the solution for all primates awaiting acceptance into a rescue center and to improve laws.
Chimpanzees (Waty and Nico)
Chimpanzee (Bongo)
Gibraltar Ape
Toni at the dentist
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee (Bongo)