Joanna, known as Jojo, came to us at the Wildlife Rehab Centre from a nearby lodge in 2019 – in the hope of one day returning to the wild. But her path was to be a different one.

Even as a tiny baby, she was taken from her mother and raised by humans. Surrounded by love, she grew up as a member of the family and developed a deep bond with ‘her’ humans. This early socialisation made it difficult for her later on to find her place in the wild.

Together with her sister Milow, she went through the entire rehabilitation process, became part of a group of monkeys and was finally released into the Nkomazi Reserve with her baby in October 2023. Yet whilst others ventured into the wild, Jojo was plagued by insecurity. Alone, disoriented and full of fear, she lost her group – and eventually found refuge with people who immediately recognised that she was not cut out for life in the wild.

Back at Helping Hands, it quickly became clear: Jojo is not releasable. Today she lives in safety and security, with Mr Hlope by her side.

Jojo is sensitive, people-oriented and carries a very special story within her – a story of closeness, loss and the journey back to a life that suits her.

She reminds us that freedom does not look the same for everyone – and that even a sheltered life can be full of dignity, love and a sense of belonging.