CROW saddened by monkey poisoning
Don't spray any toxic chemicals in and around your properties and stow away any unused chemicals in a secure, locked location.
CROW is appealing to the community to avoid spraying any toxic chemicals in and around their properties and to stow away any unused chemicals in a secure, locked location after a young male Vervet Monkey was admitted into CROW last week.
During the rescue it became clear to the staff that the animal was in a state of panic and in a lot of pain.
“Having been taken through to our vets it became evident that he had been poisoned. Our vets confirmed that this was most likely an insecticide or weed killer. These poisons, once ingested, not only cause an immense amount of pain but the animal starts to have seizures and is unable to move, eat or drink and is left to suffer,” said Tayla Hawkins, Primate Officer at CROW.
The juvenile monkey was then taken back to CROW where he was given supportive treatment throughout the night.
The staff at CROW are unsure of whether this was a case of intentional poisoning or whether the poison entered the monkey’s system from consuming plants which were contaminated.
“He needed to be kept partially sedated in order to prevent further seizures and allow for his body to rest while the poison worked its way out of his system. However, early the next morning he lost the battle and died.” said Tayla.
ALSO READ: Tragic end for monkey doused in paint
The team at CROW issued a plea to the public to avoid toxic chemicals in and around their properties and said there were many natural remedies to rid gardens of unwanted weeds.
“It’s so incredibly important for the public to remember that these poisons are not species specific and can cause terrible suffering to not only wildlife but domestic animals too,” said Lana Bartholomew, Marketing and Communications Officer at CROW.
If you come across a wild animal that is in distress or has been injured or abandoned, contact CROW on 031 462 1127 and after hours until 8pm 083 212 5281.
Do you want to receive news alerts on this and many other stories relevant to the Durban area via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
