Young monkey lured to safety
The SPCA team is grateful to have contributed to the little monkey's rescue and well-being.
Following the escapades of Ballot the baboon in Brakpan at the end of May, the Brakpan SPCA found themselves having to deal with more monkey business recently.
On July 12, the SPCA was notified by a concerned resident of Plastic City about a monkey he reported seeing amidst the trees in the informal settlement.
The little monkey had been seen in the area for about a week.
Initially uncertain of how to approach the matter, the SPCA sought additional details and visual evidence from the resident.
Subsequently, another resident shared a photo on social media, aiding the society’s understanding of the situation.
“To address the issue, our primary objectives were to locate the monkey, confirm its presence and ascertain its species,” said Brakpan SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard.
The primate was identified as a vervet monkey, which the SPCA named Jaapie. A plan was then made for Jaapie’s safe retrieval.
“With the assistance of two individuals from Graphite Security, we established a strategy involving a trap baited with enticing food to secure Jaapie’s safe removal,” said Lombard.
“However, the execution of the plan proved challenging as Jaapie was no where to be seen.
“Through persistence and the help of a compassionate teenager who had formed a bond with the monkey, we successfully enticed Jaapie into the trap, to the delight of all involved.”
Jaapie was captured last Wednesday and after transporting him to the SPCA for a preliminary check, he was transferred to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for a comprehensive assessment and treatment under the care of Dr Karin Lourens and her team.
“Although Jaapie’s journey to recovery and potential integration into a troop is ongoing, our efforts have ensured his safety, well-being, and access to necessary medical evaluations.
“Despite being a young primate, Jaapie’s health and condition remain under close observation to address any underlying health concerns promptly.”
Lombard told the Brakpan Herald it is suspected Jaapie was someone’s pet.
“He is under a year old. He shows recognition of items like bottles. He’s definitely had interaction with humans,” she said.
The keeping of an indigenous animal without a permit is illegal. This could possibly be the reason his owner/s failed to come forward and claim him.
Lombard explained that Jaapie will remain at the wildlife hospital until he is given the all-clear, after which he will be taken to a rehabilitation centre.
“He will be tested for infections and diseases like herpes and tuberculosis. Many people don’t know these things when they decide to illegally keep these animals as pets,” she said.
The SPCA team is grateful to have contributed to the little monkey’s rescue and well-being, with immense appreciation extended to Graphite Security for their support in ensuring the safety of SPCA staff during the operation.
“Equally, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for their tireless dedication to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts,” said Lombard.
“We always try our very best to assist, despite our current struggles we find ourselves in. We are always so grateful for all the role players who jump in to assist the Brakpan SPCA and staff when in need.”
