The Three "R"s
From the moment they are rescued, primates in the care of the Zambia Primate Project (ZPP) are destined for a life back in the wild where they belong. Each stage of their rehabilitation is carefully designed to prepare them for a successful release.
Many of these primates have suffered greatly due to human actions. Most were orphaned as infants when their mothers were killed for bushmeat. Too small to eat, the babies were then sold into the illegal pet trade, often kept in captivity for years with ropes tied tightly around their waists, necks, or wrists. These bindings are rarely loosened and, as the animals grow, can cut deep into their flesh - causing immense pain and, too often, a slow and cruel death.
ZPP exists to intervene in this cycle of suffering. When rescued in time, these primates are given the chance to heal, to grow strong, and ultimately to return to the wild where they truly belong.
Rescue
Since 2002, the Zambia Primate Project (ZPP) has rescued over 810 vervet monkeys and baboons from the illegal pet trade in Zambia, as well as those injured or orphaned through human activity. Many of these cases result from snaring for bushmeat, or the persecution of primates in communities where they are often seen as pests.
Rescues are carried out across Zambia in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW)and the Zambia Police, supported by intelligence from a national network of local informers and concerned members of the public. While some primates are surrendered voluntarily, others must be confiscated under difficult and sometimes hostile conditions. Under the leadership of Cosmas and his dedicated team, operations are conducted with great care and always with full law enforcement support — ensuring the safety of both the animals and the rescuers.
In Zambia, it is illegal to kill, eat, buy, sell, or keep primates as pets. Those found engaging in such activities risk arrest and prosecution.
Once safely rescued, each primate is transported to Lusaka, where a wildlife veterinarian conducts a full health check, carefully removes restrictive bindings, and treats any wounds or injuries before the primate begins its journey of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitate
After receiving initial medical care, rescued primates are placed into quarantine at the Primate Transit Home in Kafue National Park. This stage ensures they are free from transmissible diseases that could threaten wild troops. During quarantine, Primate Handlers monitor the animals closely, supporting their recovery with appropriate nutrition and safe, comfortable enclosures. Once cleared, the primates begin an intensive phase of rehabilitation and integration, helping them form new surrogate families and preparing them for life back in the wild.
Rehabilitation is a patient, step-by-step process. Traumatised individuals are carefully integrated with other rescues to form strong social groups. Nutrition plays a key role: weak and frightened primates are initially provided with regular food to rebuild their strength and trust. As they recover, food is scattered within the enclosures to encourage natural foraging behaviours, vital for survival in the wild.
A central challenge in wildlife rehabilitation is helping animals transition from dependency on human caregivers to full independence. To support this, ZPP enforces a strict “no non-essential handling” policy. Once in the reintegration phase, handlers provide essential husbandry and nutrition but minimise direct contact to reduce human association.
For this reason — and to protect the wellbeing of the primates — ZPP does not offer public visitation opportunities at the Primate Transit Home. The focus remains entirely on the animals’ successful recovery and release.
Release
Once ready, all rescued monkeys and baboons are released back into the wild as part of a family troop of fellow rescues at carefully selected sites within Kafue National Park. Each release follows the IUCN reintroduction guidelines, strengthened by ZPP’s decades of hands-on experience conducting primate releases.
ZPP uses a “soft release” approach, meaning the transition is gradual and carefully supported. For up to 12 months after release, Primate Handlers and Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) officers follow the troop on foot, maintaining daily visual contact. During this period, they provide:
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Predator avoidance training to prepare primates for threats such as snakes, raptors, and leopards.
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Supplementary feeding until the troop demonstrates the ability to forage independently.
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Ongoing monitoring of health, socialisation, and survival skills.
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Thanks to this careful process, survival rates average an exceptional 85–100% at 12 months post-release, making ZPP one of the most successful primate release projects in the world.
