Letters: Feeding stations?

I’m always horrified to hear or read about monkeys being needlessly killed when we are the ones who have gradually destroyed their habitat. I understand it though – the frustration whenever one of the little misfits gets into our house and makes a huge mess is maddening, and it’s easier than I think many care to admit to resort to violence in a moment of rage.
I do believe there is a solution though. The Monkeyland monkey sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay has feeding stations scattered around the park, where donated food & scraps are periodically put out for monkeys to feed on. These are platforms built high enough off the ground so that dogs can’t get at them. Over time the amount of food required is gauged so that it doesn’t turn into a horrible mess. People from the community donate food and money towards the stocking and maintenance of these platforms, ensuring that everybody is happy.
Perhaps a similar scheme could work here. Spearheaded either by the SPCA, or alternatively by the communities themselves, we could set up feeding platforms on unused lots of land – here in Salt Rock for example there are a few places, especially near the stream, which might be suitable. If it can solve the monkey problem, I am sure there are enough people who would be willing to donate money towards the effort, or take some food along on their morning walks or runs to put out at these feeding stations.
It’s just an idea, and maybe it’s not workable, but we need to brainstorm around this issue – we can’t keep on with a situation where the monkeys are at war with each other and with us.
SIMONE RENDER
Salt Rock