EVERY time Monkey Helpline, a local NPO, receives a call, it’s selfless rescuers, Steve Smit and Carol Booth prepare for the worst possible outcome.

But today the duo executed a successful rescue and release. A young adult monkey had gotten his legs caught in one of the hockey nets at the Riverside Hockey Club in Durban North, and was in danger of seriously injuring itself.

But, luck was on its side, and although it had caused minor injuries to its foot, the NPO was able to release it back into the wild. “He had bitten his toe as he desperately tried to free himself from the netting, but after the vet had given him a painkiller and antibiotics we were able to reunite him with his troop,” said Smit.

According to Smith they get dozens of call outs involving vervet monkeys who get themselves stuck in netting or mesh.  “In many cases the monkeys limbs need to be amputated as the blood circulation had been cut off for too long, and in other cases the monkeys have strangled themselves to death,” said Smith.

Another worrying factor for the animal lovers is that entangled monkeys pose a danger to people. “If a young monkey is trapped it’s troop will aggressively protect it,” said Smit.

Residents are urged not to approach a trapped monkey, as they not only place themselves at risk of being attacked, but could distress the monkey and cause it to entangle itself even more.