Tuesday 22 November 2016

A VISIT TO CERCOPAN, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE

Have you all ever heard of CERCOPAN? Do you even know if such a place exist in Nigeria? Oh well...Centre for Education Research and Conservation of Primates and Nature(CERCOPAN) is a rehabilitation home where monkeys are conserved in Nigeria. It is located at 4, Ishie Lane, within the city of Calabar. To get there, just pick a cab, it is easier that way.  It has over 150 primates of 6 different species in various stages of rehabilitation.The Centre serves as home for monkeys to be rehabilitated before returning to the rainforest.
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In this Centre, you will find different species of monkeys ranging from Red Eared Guenons,Sclaters etc. One of the species gets really jealous and jumpy when a male stands close to a female let alone touch, this appeared to be very hilarious to us. We were briefed on what they feed on, their age, how friendly(yea, they can be very friendly and funny) and dangerous some are, etc. The opening time is from 9am to 5pm and it's not mandatory to pay any gate fee but for the well-being of the primates, it will be nice of you to make some donation in the box fixed there. The Centre is only for the rehabilitation of the monkeys, after this, they are returned to their natural habitat.  However, the ones unable to return are given the best possible life in natural setting.  In order to cater well for the monkeys, financial support is needed. Therefore, if you are a lover of  wild life, take something tangible along with you to pledge your support.
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 The phone camera did not do this Centre justice as such. You will see many other bigger and older monkeys when you visit. If you are planning to visit Calabar, you can stop by at this place. It is not a place where you can chill just sight seeing and knowing more about monkeys, that's all.
CERCOPAN is home to both local and international researchers. Your Tour Guide will give you a free education on how the primates were rescued, how they communicate and interact, the tail length of each, etc. It is a place to be if you want to learn more about primates or if you are bored and need somewhere to go.
Watch out for the next post as we will also be suggesting to you places to visit when you find yourself in Calabar, Cross River State asides the popular Obudu Mountain Resort we all know.
Don't forget, if you have any spot you have been and want to share with us so that others can visit, sharply send to dewoyinesther@gmail.com for onward publishing.
Be nice, we are only trying to help one another. :-)



1 comment:

Unknown said...

Something tells me bunch of bananas will make a good gift for the monkeys!(winks).Weldon dear,its a lovely piece!