J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary is known for many things: chimpanzee conservation, monumental monkey rescues, and even highly effective anti-poaching initiatives. What may surprise people, however, is their dedication to galago conservation.

The founders of the sanctuary began saving galagos, more commonly known as bushbabies, before they ever started rescuing chimpanzees. In their corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), galagos are a hot commodity, highly prized for their meat.  

 Being nocturnal, galagos are easy to hunt. Fires are set to the trees where they sleep while the hunters wait patiently for them below. Once caught, adults are used for meat while the babies are sold as pets, often to expats. They are sold on the streets in horrendous conditions, often in wire mesh cages or bags. Unfortunately, they are also used in black magic rituals. In some cultures, it is believed that gifting a traditional doctor with 1 black tail from a galago (or 7 gray tails!) will bring happiness, health, and abundance.

Galagos are a protected species under CITES Appendix II, meaning their trade is heavily regulated. When galagos are seized from illegal sale in Lubumbashi, DRC and entrusted into the care of J.A.C.K., they are rehabilitated and then released back into the wild. Over the years, the sanctuary has successfully released several galagos back into the wild, some of which have been spotted on sanctuary grounds with their babies.

Currently, 6 galagos are in the care of the sanctuary, including Masi and Otto. The sanctuary is working towards finding a secure location to release them, somewhere they will be safe from poachers. Since there has not been much research conducted on galagos, the founders of J.A.C.K. hope their rescues could be a part of future studies, helping us to learn more about the elusive species.