Our Team

Originally from Belgium, Valère studied marketing management, and SME management. For eight years, he worked in sales and marketing, but in 2022, he and his wife, Manon, decided to follow their passion for wildlife conservation. They spent a year working in two wildlife rescue and release centers in Bolivia, followed by another year at a 

Originally from Belgium, Valère studied marketing management, and SME management. For eight years, he worked in sales and marketing, but in 2022, he and his wife, Manon, decided to follow their passion for wildlife conservation. They spent a year working in two wildlife rescue and release centers in Bolivia, followed by another year at a center in Peru. During this time, Valère gained extensive hands-on experience as an animal caregiver, volunteer coordinator, and animal coordinator. As the director of Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary, he now has the unique opportunity to combine his background in management and marketing with his deep commitment to animal welfare and conservation.

After graduating as a veterinarian from the University of Ghent in Belgium in 2019, Manon began her career in small animal practice. However, in 2022, she decided, with her husband, Valère, to pursue her lifelong dream of working with wildlife. They spent a year in Bolivia, caring for a wide variety of species across two rescue centers, f

After graduating as a veterinarian from the University of Ghent in Belgium in 2019, Manon began her career in small animal practice. However, in 2022, she decided, with her husband, Valère, to pursue her lifelong dream of working with wildlife. They spent a year in Bolivia, caring for a wide variety of species across two rescue centers, followed by another year deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Drawn to Africa and its incredible biodiversity, they joined Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary when the opportunity arose. Working alongside her husband, Valère, they are dedicated to providing expert veterinary care to rescued animals and supporting the sanctuary’s conservation mission.

Juty has been with the team from the very start of the sanctuary in 2017. He never had formal training but had a great interest in animals and wildlife. He learned everything “on the job” and is now the project manager of the first primate release programme in Liberia. Juty knows every one of the monkeys inside and out, and his knowledge 

Juty has been with the team from the very start of the sanctuary in 2017. He never had formal training but had a great interest in animals and wildlife. He learned everything “on the job” and is now the project manager of the first primate release programme in Liberia. Juty knows every one of the monkeys inside and out, and his knowledge and experience is of incredible value to the sanctuary. On top of that, he is incredibly skillful and has no problem fixing us a pangolin box or doing some repairments of enclosures. 

Ben is a graduate from the Forestry Training Institute and after his graduation and one year internship we are pleased to say he is now a permanent member of the team.  Ben applied for his internship because he was interested in the release of the wildlife back into protected areas.  From the day he started caring for animals he fell in l

Ben is a graduate from the Forestry Training Institute and after his graduation and one year internship we are pleased to say he is now a permanent member of the team.  Ben applied for his internship because he was interested in the release of the wildlife back into protected areas.  From the day he started caring for animals he fell in love with the sooty mangabeys because of their characters.  Ben is always enthusiastic, willing and able to help with everything that happens at the sanctuary and is a great tour guide. 

Chancy first came to Libassa as a lifeguard at the lodge. One day people were chasing a snake and Chancy saved it and we saw his passion for wildlife.  Chancy started at the sanctuary in March 2021 and quickly found his passion for the duikers. When he was younger his late father kept a goat as a pet and asked Chancy to feed it - that is 

Chancy first came to Libassa as a lifeguard at the lodge. One day people were chasing a snake and Chancy saved it and we saw his passion for wildlife.  Chancy started at the sanctuary in March 2021 and quickly found his passion for the duikers. When he was younger his late father kept a goat as a pet and asked Chancy to feed it - that is where his love for wildlife started. Chancy looks after all the animals at the sanctuary but has a huge preference for the duikers and bushbucks