From Sierra Leone to Riudellots: MONA brings its research to AVAFES National

Fundación MONA participated in the 4th National AVAFES Conference, a key event for students and professionals in veterinary, biological, and environmental sciences who are interested in animal welfare, conservation, and scientific outreach.

Our participation included two presentations showcasing the diversity and depth of our work at MONA.

First, Dietmar Crailsheim presented the results of a study focused on the “Impact of a healthier diet on the welfare of chimpanzees in captivity”, which analyzed the effects of a more balanced diet on behaviour, gut microbiome, and various blood parameters. A pioneering study that reinforces the importance of a proper diet in improving animal welfare.

Second, Elsa Martínez shared an “Ethological and population analysis of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Loma Mountains National Park, Sierra Leone”. Thanks to the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the work of the Tacugama team, camera traps have been installed to monitor wild chimpanzees, providing valuable insights into their behaviour, social structure, and distribution. (Elsa explains it in this video).

Both talks drew great interest from attendees, who learned firsthand how MONA combines work in conservation, research, and animal welfare—both in captive settings and in the wild.

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Throughout the conference, a wide variety of high-level presentations and speakers addressed fascinating topics ranging from ethology to wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, conservation, and environmental education. Some guest speakers included close friends and collaborators of MONA, such as Rebeca Atencia, who presented the vital work of the Jane Goodall Institute in Congo; Paloma Corbí, who shared her career path and progress in evaluating welfare in great ape reintroduction programs; and members of the veterinary and research team at GREFA, a wildlife rehabilitation centre based in Madrid, which hosted the event for the third consecutive year.

This growing conference offers an enriching space for sharing knowledge, experiences, and building synergies among organizations, professionals, and students committed to animal welfare and protection.

Dreaming of presenting your own findings at events like this? Train with MONA

For those curious about or looking to pursue a career in primatology, Fundación MONA offers various training opportunities.

We invite you to explore our intensive MONATYC program, with the next edition starting in September, as well as the different research internship options at our centre.