Monkey Helpline quiz night fundraiser come to Siggi’s at Salt Rock

North Coast vervet monkey troops needs your support, says Craig Johnstone of Monkey Helpline Ballito.

Craig has partnered with Salt Rock’s Siggi’s restaurant to host a quiz night next month to raise funds.

Monkey Helpline is the province’s only dedicated rescue project which sees to more than 1 000 rescue call-outs annually, also treating and rehabilitating injured monkeys.

In extreme cases, Monkey Helpline has had to rescue monkeys which have been poisoned or even shot.

Craig said he believes there is a general fear of monkeys because people do not understand the species, and that education around this is required.

“The displacement of monkeys through development has seen larger vervet population density throughout the North Coast, which impacts the natural food chain,” said Craig.

Injured monkeys rehabilitated under Monkey Helpline’s care are released back into the wild when possible, and when not, they are introduced to other monkeys at the sanctuary in Camperdown.

From there, troops are formed and later released. This generally takes between 4 to 5 years, and is a costly process.

“Financial support for our efforts does exist, but unfortunately it is not regular.”

The quiz night is set for November 17, at 7pm.

For more information, contact 084 821 0667.

Entry is R20 per person and there will be a raffle on the night.

For breaking news follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.