7 simple steps to discourage monkey visits without causing harm

While some Zululanders delight in the playful antics of vervet monkeys, others have had enough of the home raids.

Love them or hate them, co-existence is necessary as harming any animal is not permitted and can lead to cruelty charges.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Monkey survives cruel pellet shot to head

All animals are protected under the Animals Protection Act (APA), and violations can result in hefty fines and/or prison time.

Despite this, incidents of monkeys being shot with pellet guns or being run over in KZN are becoming all too common.

“Vervet monkeys are not pests,” said SPCA Durban and Coast SPCA in a recent article.

“They are wild animals adapting to survival in an urbanised world. They don’t understand property lines or neighbourhood rules. They are simply doing what any creature would: searching for food and shelter for themselves and their young.

“While some people feel frustration when monkeys cause damage or mess, cruelty is never the answer. We urge the public to show compassion and patience.

“Wild animals deserve respect and kindness, even when their behaviour may be inconvenient.”

SPCA advises these simple steps to discourage unwanted monkey visits:

1. Keep food out of sight

2. Secure your bins

3. Monkey-proof your home with netting or fly screens

4. Train your dogs not to chase or bark at monkeys: this to avoid injuries to either animal. Rather call your dogs to sit beside you or take them inside while the monkeys are in your garden.

5. Use deterrents: spray monkeys with a water pistol, place rubber snakes in windows, and make loud noises such as banging a big stick on the ground.

6. Trim tree branches that are close to the house to prevent monkeys from jumping onto the roof.

7. Collaborate with your community to find ways to coexist with monkeys.

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