Myself, I started out slowly, one morning a week, happy to do any small routine thing & give the staff a bit more time for other jobs. So I’ve cleaned some cages, made some enrichments, washed some toys & food bowls.

One of the many pleasures of volunteering is hearing the monks’ different calls & exclamations when we arrive in the morning. You haven’t lived till you’ve been greeted by a full-blown Scooter welcome! I enjoy just being near these amazing creatures. And ever since the day I met Chi-Chi & saw that look of intelligence in her eyes, I see them as my cousins, my extended family.

I still felt I wanted to do something more for the sanctuary; and voila! -- I’ve become a Bronze sponsor for the old gal herself, Madame Chi. It’s a great feeling.

I never cease to be amazed at the artistry, the elegance, the humaneness of the JF sanctuary. I’ve volunteered with many groups, and I think the folks at JF should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished. Here, we primates can meet & study each other, learn from & delight in each other.

At Jungle Friends, there’s room for anyone with skills, material, or heart. Recently, I looked around to see what else I could jump into & discovered ... the compost heap! They think I’m crazy, but they don’t know what they’re missing! Digging in the good earth; turning hay, leaves, droppings, etc into fertile garden soil; listening to the hawk overhead, enjoying the soft company of butterflies drawn to the heap; uncovering a baby snake & watching it slide to safety -- these are more of the pleasures of being a JF volunteer.

What would YOU like to jump into?