A letter shared widely by Hibiscus Retirement Villages yesterday (October 16), addressing an ‘escalating monkey problem’ within Umdoni Retirement Village and a scheduled wildlife management intervention has caused something of an outrage in the area.

The ‘intervention’ was scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 26 between 06:00 and 10:00. The letter also mentioned that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife would form part of it.

Since the news broke, there has been an uproar and confusion, with people wanting to get clarity on the matter.

Some had suspected the intervention would mean culling of monkeys – with debate going on for and against the intervention.

There is a petition currently making the rounds to stop this intervention.

Hibiscus Retirement Village has since addressed the matter.

Hibiscus Retirement Villages statement:

No mass culling of monkeys at Umdoni Retirement Village has been planned or communicated, despite several elderly residents having sustained quite serious injuries which include broken bones, fractures and bites.
Social media has been frenzied following notification to URV residents this week of a focused wildlife management programme in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and local authorities, to take place on October 26.

“We acknowledge the concerns of residents, and the broader community, regarding this scheduled programme,” said Hibiscus Retirement Villages CEO, Pierre Rossouw.

He said the proposed programme forms part of a broader regional initiative that has already been implemented across both the southern and northern coastal areas to address increasing challenges in human and wildlife interaction. On October 16, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife clarified the legal framework governing the management of vervet monkeys.

“We confirm that all aspects of the planned intervention are being conducted in accordance with those guidelines and the relevant provincial conservation legislation,” said Rossouw.

“Our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of our residents, especially those who are elderly and frail. Their mobility, dignity and peace of mind have been compromised by increasingly bold monkey activity,” said Rossouw.

He said at least six elderly residents had required medical attention from monkey confrontations, to say nothing of house invasion and resultant destruction.

“We are working with the authorities and residents to find a solution to the problem,” said Rossouw, who will chair a meeting of residents next week. “Nothing will be done unilaterally or without responsible and compassionate intervention,” he said. “This may result in nothing being done at all,” he concluded.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:

Ezemvelo has also addressed the matter and said that they have been made aware of the planned intervention, which is organised by the Hibiscus Retirement Village and other stakeholders.

“It is not an Ezemvelo initiative. All enquiries for specific information regarding this event should be directed to the organisers,” explained Musa Mntambo, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife communications manager.

“Vervet monkeys are classified as mammals and are subject to the requirements as set out in the Mammals Chapter of the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, No. 15 of 1974. As such, no permit is required from Ezemvelo to hunt, shoot, or capture a Vervet Monkey on privately owned land,” he said.

“The legislation, however, does state that any monkey captured may not be transported or released into the wild without a permit from Ezemvelo. The keeping of vervet monkeys in captivity is however, subject to permitting requirements, and adherence to the Provincial Primate Norms and Standards.”

Mntambo said that Ezemvelo acknowledges the increase in human-monkey conflicts within the province.

“A primary cause of this conflict is poor waste management, which provides an unlimited and easily accessible food source for these intelligent animals.”

Ezemvelo animal scientist: Mammals and Birds, Brent Coverdale, highlighted the severe health impacts of human waste on primate populations.

“Some literature notes the impact of processed foods and unnatural sugars on primates. Within South Africa, the ultra-processed diets of humans and the waste generated are leading to birthing complications within vervet monkeys, and Type II diabetes is starting to be recorded in chacma baboons,” said Coverdale.

“The disruption within the natural systems has resulted in vervets seeking these high-sugar foods whilst simultaneously losing any fear of man. This dietary change, combined with the species’ intelligence and ability to exploit niches within the environment, is why proper waste management is so critical to reducing conflict.”

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife continues to advise that the most effective, long-term solution to human-wildlife conflict is the proper securing and management of waste to remove this artificial food source.

Public opinions:

Some of the locals that are in favour of the intervention have stated that they consider this intervention necessary as the monkeys have caused physical harm to elderly people.

Many others have reached out to the Herald and made their voices heard on social media stating that this wildlife management intervention and apparent culling is ‘unnecessary and disgusting’.

“This deeply upsetting incident raises serious concerns about the protection, safety, and ethical treatment of our local wildlife,” said one of the locals.

“As residents who value our environment and community, we stand united in urging everyone to support the protection of our natural heritage and to promote compassion and coexistence with the wildlife that shares our space. Together, we can ensure the preservation of our local environment for future generations.”

A petition has also been drawn up: Stop Umdoni Retirement Village’s planned culling of vervet monkeys. To view this, click HERE.

The Herald will be monitoring the matter and provide readers with updates in the days to come.

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