Wild vervets are trapped and taken for medical research in laboratories. They are also kept as exotic pets. In fact, when vervets are killed for bushmeat, their orphaned infants are often captured for the illegal exotic pet trade. However, vervets are wholly unsuited to a captive lifestyle (link to PDF 1). Born Free works in Zambia, Malawi, and Ethiopia to help rescue vervets from captive exploitation, rehabilitate them, and return them to the wild whenever possible. And, at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, we provide a safe, permanent home to formerly captive vervets and other primates.

Born Free also advocates for legislation to protect vervets from harm, including the Captive Primate Safety Act and the Sanctuary Regulatory Fairness Act (the latter of which we assisted in drafting). Unfortunately, neither bill is currently active in Congress.

• Learn about how Born Free USA’s Primate Sanctuary gives formerly captive vervets a second chance at more natural lives.
• Learn about Born Free’s work to stop the keeping and exploitation of captive primates in the U.S.
• Read A Life Sentence (2006): Born Free USA’s investigation into the private ownership of exotic animals.
• Read Downloading Cruelty: An Investigation into the Online Sales of Exotic Pets in the U.S. (2016), Born Free USA’s report that provides an overview and analysis of the volume of online exotic pet sales domestically.

Vervets frequently come into conflict with humans. They are considered vermin due to their affinity for stealing food and raiding crops, and are therefore often shot, poisoned, or trapped. Additionally, vervets are killed for bushmeat in some areas.

• Learn about how Born Free campaigns against the illegal trade in bushmeat, including the live trade in infant primates.