The OLSEN ANIMAL TRUST (OAT) is a family trust. Founded on the love of the Founders for all kind of animals, the trust was created to end animal cruelty and exploitation by supporting organisations and initiatives concerned with animal welfare and conservation.
J.A.C.K. had the chance to know about the trust and its passionate Founders Sue, Jon and Dave thanks to an amazing friend also dealing with wildlife conservation: Lisa HYWOOD from the TIKKI HYWOOD FOUNDATION.
In October 2020, when J.A.C.K. Founders were given the go ohead from te DRC Government to rescue and give a decent home to the Congolese monkeys confiscated in Zimbabwe, it was necessary the sanctuary launched appropriate developments to accomodate at best these poor victims of the wildlife trade.
Franck and Roxane (J.A.C.K. Founders) have been extremely fortunate since the Olsen Family was among the first generous people to offer their help.
J.A.C.K. indeed built 4 huge satellite cages to welcome the monkeys thanks to the support of OAT. Set on a concrete slab, each facility is about 12m long, 5m wide and 4.8m high. The metallic frame is covered with mesh and there is a metallic roof on top.
These enclosures were the ones J.A.C.K. constructed in emergency to host the monkeys upon arrival. They are operational already and our newcomers really enjoy their new homes!
The building of two small outside enclosures is also partly supported by OAT – our mangabey residents need more space and a playground too! Works are still ongoing and should be finished soon!
J.A.C.K. has always been a rehabilitation centre for chimpanzees and, with the arrival of these new residents, the sanctuary had to adjust its constructions to smaller primates. A huge challenge that was taken by Founder Franck who has been working tirelessly with the team of artisans of J.A.C.K. to come to such amazing results!
Many thanks again to the OLSEN ANIMAL TRUST and its donors for this incredible support and for their trust!
J.A.C.K. wouldn’t have been able to build these facilities wthout your generosity!