A MALE vervet monkey that was rescued in Amanzimtoti after being hit by a car near a filling station on Rockview Road last month has rejoined his troop after rehabilitation at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow).

Also read: Shot Amanzimtoti monkey recovering well

In a statement, Crow said after the accident the monkey was rescued by compassionate members of the public who took it to Amanzimtoti SPCA for immediate care. It was later transferred to Crow, where a severe concussion was diagnosed.

“With rest, pain management and close monitoring, he made an incredible recovery over the next four days. When the time came to return him to the wild, his family was already waiting at one of their familiar gathering spots. As he rejoined the troop, they greeted him with excited calls, a touching reminder of the strong social bonds these intelligent primates share,” said Crow in a statement.

The incident comes amid a public plea by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) following a notable increase in animal cruelty cases involving monkeys. Some of these incidents involve the use of pellet guns, air rifles, and paintball markers to kill or seriously injure monkeys across the Durban metro. Some motorists have also allegedly left monkeys for dead after striking them with moving vehicles.

“The public is requested not to harm these animals,” said RUSA.

Contact Crow on 031 462 1127 to report an injured or orphaned wild animal.

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