One monkey released, three killed after pellet gun shooting
While Crow was able to rehabilitate and release one vervet monkey, another was killed and two others had to be euthanised.
A VERVET monkey, struck by a car in Amanzimtoti, has returned to its troop after a successful recovery at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) recently.
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The incident saw the monkey receive initial aid from nearby community members as well as the Amanzimtoti SPCA before Crow arrived on scene to take the monkey.
Clint Halkett-Siddall, director of Crow, said that the monkey was admitted with a severe concussion.
“He received pain management, supportive care, rest, and continuous monitoring by our nurses. Over the course of four days, he made an excellent recovery and was assessed to be fit for release back into the wild,” he said.
Halkett-Siddall added that when he was released, his troop was already waiting at one of their regular gathering spots and welcomed him back with excitement.
Three deaths in one day
However, the moment of happiness was shortlived as Crow dealt with three separate incidents of monkey cruelty on the same day. Three vervet monkeys, an adult male and two juveniles, were intentionally injured by pellet guns in Yellowwood Park and Shongweni.
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One of the monkeys died before reaching Crow, and the other two sustained such critical injuries that humane euthanasia was deemed necessary.
Halkett-Siddall described these shootings as deliberate acts of cruelty, emphasising the ecological importance of vervet monkeys and calling for their humane treatment.
“Resorting to violence is never the answer,” said Halkett-Siddall.
Be more cautious and caring
Crow is requesting that motorists exercise caution, especially in areas known for wildlife crossings, and is appealing to residents to report any instances of illegal harm to wildlife.
Halkett-Siddall advised the public, when witnessing such acts, to prioritise their safety and, if possible and safe to do so, to document the incident with photos or videos. This evidence, he noted, is crucial for holding perpetrators accountable when reported to the SPCA.
Contact
For those encountering injured or orphaned wild animals, contact Crow on 031 462 1127 or 083 212 5281.
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