|
Jungle Voices
Friends and volunteers of Jungle Friends speak out
Back to Index
An Irish Intern
by Michael McCudden
 I began my first internship at JF (Jungle Friends) in June 2007. Due to the U.S. Visa restrictions I could only stay three months in the country but after about a week at JF I realised that I'd love to stay a lot longer, which was probably the reason I came back in January 2009 and stayed a further three months and will be back at some stage in the not so distant future. Before joining the team at JF I had some experience with primates (6 months as assistant keeper at The Monkey Sanctuary, County Wicklow Ireland) and years of informal part time animal rescue and care in Ireland and Portugal.
My primary reason for wanting to go to JF was that I wanted to gain experience in a large well-structured primate sanctuary and I had heard some good reports and read some good reviews about Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary.
During my time at JF I learned a lot about primates and their care, but also learned a lot about people. The days are long and the work is hard but the fact that everyone else there works hard and the work that's getting done is for the good of the monkeys, parrots and dogs made me want to do more. After I was there a few weeks and I knew all the monkeys names and faces I developed an interest in habitat construction and enrichment. When I spoke to Kari about it she said that I could take care of the new habitat that was being built at that time "Rain Forest". After a few days working on it I could think about nothing else. Chores still had to get done, habitats had to be cleaned, monkeys needed to be fed but she made sure I got extra time working on enrichment. Kari and Claude explained how monkeys used their space and encouraged me to spend time watching them to work out how best to use the space available. I learned the importance of balance and that using their tail while climbing and playing developed muscle and coordination.
The staff at JF is one of its biggest assets. Depending on an interns particular interest or skill either Kari, Claude, Sara, Shannon, C.J., Ashlei or especially Grandma Mary are always ready and more than willing to give expert advice on any subject from construction work to cooking.
Another highlight of both stays at JF was the food. I've been vegan many years so I was delighted to learn that all meals were vegan and that meat or animal by products couldn't even be taken on to the property. I think this works extra well because everyone has a designated cook night so there is always variety and Claude and Kari make sure that fresh, tasty and most importantly, nutritious food is always at hand. The meals are communal so we always got a chance to talk and laugh while eating every evening.
The values, ethos and beliefs of the people at JF are among the clearest, kindest and best founded I have come across anywhere I my life. This in my opinion is one of the best elements of life in JF as a lot of interns are young and are still developing ideas. And while no idea or way of life is ever forced onto anyone it's an excellent place make decisions about life and how best to help animals or indeed people in need.
Since leaving I have returned home to Ireland and taken a job as an automated process engineer. I do love my job and get paid well. It is though strange irony that I would much prefer to be volunteering my time at Jungle Friends than getting paid for it.
"Here's hoping the U.S. visa laws change soon".........
Please help Jungle Friends today with your tax deductible contribution through Paypal.
Thank you for your continued support.
Lots of Monkey Love,
Kari and the Monks
|
HOME
Research
