Monkey crossing signs to be placed around Ballito

As Ballito is gearing up for the upcoming holidays, animal lovers are on a mission to make sure furries will survive the busy roads.

IPSS Electronic Security have teamed up with Monkey Helpline and Ballito Monkey Rescue to create special signs to remind tourists that they are not the only ones using the road.

Ballito Monkey Rescue’s Laura van Rooyen said monkeys are at the top of the list of wildlife that is hit by cars.

“Ballito residents love wildlife and their monkeys and as much as we enjoy welcoming visitors to our beautiful town, we hope the new signs will remind motorists to go slowly and be on the lookout for animals crossing the road. Monkeys cross without warning, so the signs will be placed at regular crossing spots,” said Van Rooyen.

She said these signs will also hopefully help spare the lives of other wildlife.

“On occasion buck escape from estates and end up confused on the road. Mongoose also suffer since they sometimes cross in a large group without warning.”

Also read: Let the monkey-venture begin at Monkeyland!

Fellow Ballito Monkey Rescue member Craig Johnstone said they pick up about four monkeys a week around Ballito that were hit by cars – and those are just the ones that are reported to them.

“We have identified about 12 high risk areas in and around Ballito where monkeys are often hit by cars. Drivers have to remember that they are like children – they cannot judge the speed of the oncoming car,” said Johnstone.

If you see a monkey sitting or lying next to the road it might be injured and suffering.

“If a monkey has a broken back from being hit by a car, it can sit next to the road for days in agony. Please report these monkeys to us.”

Johnstone said they are grateful to everyone who helped them make the monkey signs possible.

“We thank IPSS Electronic Security’s Frank Libidi for his contribution to help make these signs and the KwaDukuza municipality for helping us raise awareness of the plight of the monkeys.”

Should you come across an injured monkey on the road, follow these steps:

1. Contact Monkey Helpline at 082 411 5444 immediately and leave a contact number if you have hit a monkey or find a hurt one.
2. If possible, stay with the monkey until help arrives or try to see which direction it goes in if it is injured.
3. Identify where the injury is, the size of monkey and try to describe the location of the monkey.
4. When the rescue team arrives, the monkey must go straight to the vet.
5. Always keep a towel and gloves in your vehicle in case you come across an injured animal.

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