In February 1998, a Preuss' guenon, a member of an endangered monkey species, arrived at Limbe. She had been found as she was being led around the Limbe Fish Market on a small rope by two young boys. The boys were trying to sell her for US $100.
Paul Blackmore, who was working at the Limbe Botanic Gardens, noticed the boys and the monkey. He stopped to see what was going on. The boys said that the monkey had been purchased in Bamenda and brought down to Limbe for sale.
Blackmore explained that Cameroon law banned sale of endangered primates and told the boys he would take them to the police station! At this point the boys handed the monkey over.
The unfortunate monkey had one broken arm, probably from being caught in a snare, and her other arm was badly injured. After treatment, the guenon slowly recovered.
The animal caregivers held a contest to name the new monkey. Johnson Matute, who takes care of the baby chimpanzees, won the contest, choosing the name "Jawaya," which means "Gift of God." As soon as she is fully recovered, Jawaya will join Limbe's other Preuss' guenon, Janou.
NOTE: The Limbe Wildlife Center never pays for animals, as that
would serve to encourage poaching and hunting.
Meet Arun Rangsi, one of IPPL's
Sanctuary Gibbons