Advanced Training in Primate Rescue and Welfare

Fundació MONA offers a chance to gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in primate care, welfare, and rehabilitation at our sanctuary facilities

At MONA’s sanctuary facilities in Riudellots de la Selva, Girona, Spain

 

From November 18th to 21st, 2025

From 10am to 6pm

This immersive, intensive 4-day professional training is designed for international students, Erasmus scholars studying in Spain, and professionals seeking specialised education in primate rescue, ethical sanctuary management, enrichment, and welfare monitoring.

  • Course language: English
  • 100% in-person
  • Small groups, spaces are limited — reserve your place today and advance your career in primate conservation and welfare.
  • Theoretical sessions will be complemented by hands-on activities led by MONA’s expert team, with decades of experience in primate protection and sanctuary management.
  • Participants will leave with a solid understanding of the connection between welfare practices, conservation strategies, and the challenges of sanctuary management.
  • Upon completion, attendees will receive an official Certificate of Attendance from Fundació MONA.
  • Course fee: €300

  • Day 1 – Wildlife Rescue & The 3 R’s:
    Learn about the history and ethical mission of Fundació MONA, explore global conservation efforts, and study the Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Resocialisation (3 R’s) methods essential for primate care.
  • Day 2 – Sanctuary Husbandry:
    Participate in practical, site-based learning. Tour MONA’s facilities, learn advanced husbandry practices, positive reinforcement techniques, and daily care routines vital to sanctuary operations.
  • Day 3 – Welfare & Enrichment:
    Understand the foundations of animal welfare in rescued primates. Join an interactive workshop to design enrichment activities that promote cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.
  • Day 4 – Advanced Animal Monitoring:
    Build skills in welfare monitoring, including behavioural observation, health checks, and the use of ZooMonitor software. Gain experience in nocturnal monitoring with camera traps and creating welfare assessment surveys.

 

 

OLGA FELIU

Graduated in Veterinary from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Master’s Degree in Primatology from the University of Barcelona. Co-founder and General Director of Fundació MONA. Specialist in the illegal trafficking of primates, her PhD thesis examines the effect of environmental education as a tool for combating this problem.

 

DIETMAR CRAILSHEIM

Graduated in Environmental Sciences and Biology from the University of Graz (Austria), Master’s Degree in Primatology from the University of Barcelona and Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Girona. At MONA since 2008, he currently coordinates the Research Department and is co-head of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Department. His experience focuses on the study of the welfare and management of rescued primates, with special attention to the impact of previous traumatic experiences.

 

CRISTINA VALSERA

Graduated in Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and has been a member of MONA since 2002. As co-head of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Department, she leads primate management and recovery tasks. She specialises in environmental enrichment and animal welfare, with extensive experience dedicated to improving the quality of life of rescued animals.

 

GIULIA CIARCELLUTI

Graduated in Biology from the University of Pavia (Italy), Master’s degree in Evolution of Animal and Human Behaviour from the University of Turin (Italy). At MONA since 2019, her Master thesis focused on social behaviours and emotional contagion in chimpanzees. She is currently one of the head keeper of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Department. She is specialised in environmental enrichment and animal training as key tools to improve animal welfare and management in captivity.

 

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