CLAW tracks elusive young male vervet monkey in Horison and Discovery
A displaced primate searching for a new troop leads animal rescuers on a search through local residential properties.
Animal welfare workers are tracking a young male vervet monkey that has been moving through Horison and Discovery over the past week.
Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) founder Cora Bailey, supported by local volunteers Robert and Lynne Stevens from the Ontdekkers Park South Block Watch, tracked the monkey to the Finch Street Water Tower grounds on October 15, where it retreated into the trees.
Monkey migration
Male vervet monkeys are exiled by the troop’s alpha male upon reaching sexual maturity and often travel great distances in search of a new troop.
“Unfortunately, this regularly results in them ending up in residential areas where there are many dangers for them,” said Bailey.
“Once it becomes clear that the vervet seems to have settled in an area for a while, we then move in and attempt to trap it so that we can relocate it to an area where it will be safe and where it stands a better chance of integrating into a new troop.”
According to Lynne, the monkey has proven quite elusive.
“We baited and set a trap in the vicinity, but it has thus far avoided it completely,” she said.
“We will continue to keep an eye on its movements to make sure the trap is ideally placed.
“Hopefully, we manage to safely trap it before it ends up in front of a car or in a scrap with a dog.”
Safety advice
Bailey advised residents not to approach or scare the animal.
“Vervet monkeys really hold no danger for people or pets,” she said.
“I do advise people to keep doors and windows closed until it is caught, as they are opportunistic and can cause quite a bit of havoc should they gain access into your home.”
Claw has tracked, trapped and safely relocated hundreds of monkeys and baboons that have strayed into residential and industrial areas over the years.
The organisation serves mostly underprivileged communities where other animal welfare organisations are not well represented.
Claw is a labour of love for Bailey, who has dedicated her life to the care of animals and communities in need, often venturing into neighbourhoods where even the police are loath to go to rescue animals.
“I never feel like I’m in danger,” said Bailey. “The communities we serve have come to know us over the years, and I find that I am received with open arms when I venture into even the most rural areas within Roodepoort.”
Sightings of the vervet can be reported on the Vervet Monkey Info WhatsApp group, which is available at https://chat.whatsapp.com/EPyUtQpOMnvLiDLLnYgQhz.
