Mariah looms in the background. Bublé is being defrosted as we speak. Christmas will soon be upon us with all the tinsel and sparkle of a modern day holiday.
Christmas nowadays is synonymous with gift giving, being pretty heavily commercialised. And whilst in our frenzy of searching for the perfect gift for family and friends we don't need to forget about conservation! There are many different ways that you can support primates whilst still getting in the holly jolly spirit and giving gifts to those you hold dear. If you saw our socials post you'll already have the quick rundown of how to do just that, but let's dive a bit deeper with this blog as well as bring you some specific inspiration!
Read on...
Adoption packs
Adoption/sponsorship packs are a very popular way to give money towards a worthwhile cause whilst getting a little more back! Appealing to all ages, adoption packs can be found at many different organisations, from zoos to conservation charities to sanctuaries. One of my favourite gifts as a child was when I adopted the pony Rocky at Redwings (a horse sanctuary). It was always special to receive photos and updates of my chosen pony, especially for a child who was kinda horse crazy.
Different places offer different style adoptions, for example the WWF includes a cuddly toy of your chosen species. Limbe Wildlife Sanctuary allows you to choose a specific individual at the sanctuary, such as Twiggs the western lowland gorilla. Prices also vary, and offer monthly payments or a lump sum for the year, so there are options to suit different budgets, and can be done on behalf of someone else.
They really do make a meaningful and unique gift that will stay with the recipient for a full year!
Buying products from small, eco-conscious businesses
Sure you could get your sister a nice tray of Thornton's chocolates... Or you could buy chocolate that is made at origin in Madagascar and pays farmers premium price for their product. Oh, and it subsequently benefits lemurs too. Beyond Good is but one example of such 'small businesses' that better support farmers in primate range countries, helping to elevate producers out of poverty and thus better protect primates and their habitats. Our friends over at Lemur Conservation Network have a fantastic list of businesses to buy from that support Madagascar, including hand woven purses and bags.
Got a coffee fan in the family? Why not buy some Gorilla Conservation Coffee, an enterprise founded by Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, that pays farmers above market price for their coffee and a portion of each bag purchased goes directly to mountain gorilla conservation.
Online there is a large number of these small businesses that ultimately benefit primates and their conservation, more so than a purchase made to a mass-producing giant corporation. And it has the benefit of having that personal touch!
Buy a guided tour
Many sanctuaries offer guided tours that give you a 'behind the scenes' look at the work the sanctuary is doing, as well as introducing you more to the residents. For example, Monkey World Ape rescue centre does a tours where a member of the education team will guide you around the park, introducing you to the park's residents and the stories behind their rescues. This makes a lovely experience to gift to a loved one who is interested in learning more about rescue work. Duke Lemur Centre also offers similar such tours, including virtual options!
*Please note, any ethical zoo or sanctuary will not allow contact with animals. The IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group on Human-Primate interactions has published guidelines against images of close contact between people and primates, as well as the scientific literature repeatedly establishing that such images actively harm conservation. Please bare this in mind when considering booking! Don't be fooled by promises of good photo ops!
Primates first. Always.
Shop through easyfundraising
easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. By accessing and purchasing from a partnered brand using easyfundrasing's app or browser extension, they receive commission which is then donated to the charity you have chosen! It operates similar to how Amazon Smile did. So, buying gifts gives back!
There are a few UK based rescues currently on easyfundraising - if an org you love isn't on there, perhaps you can send them an email!
Direct support
Arguably the easiest and most direct way to support primates this Christmas - make a donation on a loved one's behalf! Not only is this a lovely gesture during the 'season of giving' but this is a perfect option for those looking to have a less commercialised Christmas. Donations of all sizes are welcomed by charities. Perhaps this year, donate the price of Christmas cards instead to a good cause.
Additionally, many charities will have their own online shops selling their own merch and products, from t-shirts, hoodies, totes, and mugs. Why not pick up a gift that directly gives back to a good cause and means your giftee can rep their favourite charity!
So, the season of joy and good will can extend to a cause that is important to all of us; primate conservation. Keep this in your mind whilst doing a bit of retail therapy!
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