A baby female vervet monkey has died after being shot with a pellet gun in Umtentweni.

The monkey was found on Mdoni Road in Umtentweni on the evening of August 12 and was taken to Dr Leon Bruggeman, a veterinarian in Margate, by Corné van Zyl of Monkey Guardians Rescue Group.

The little one was examined, and it was found that the pellet had shattered her vertebrae.

Despite being a strong and feisty little animal, her injuries were too severe, and the decision was made to euthanise her.

Corné said the decision was not taken lightly and that euthanasia was considered only as a last resort when there was no reasonable hope of recovery or quality of life.

“The young monkey should have had the chance to grow up, climb trees, play, forage and live freely with her troop. Instead, she was given dignity and relief from further suffering.”

Last month, a female vervet monkey died after being shot seven times in a shocking act of cruelty that has outraged South Coast residents and sparked an urgent hunt for the person responsible. The incident took place in Delamere Place in Umtentweni.

A R2000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person responsible, with residents urged to report suspicious activity or check CCTV and dashcam footage from the Tweni and Sea Park areas.

Anyone with information can contact Corné on 082-406-5039. All information will be treated confidentially.

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