The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Glenferness recently assisted a juvenile male vervet monkey found tangled in and hanging from an electric fence surrounding a residential property in Irene.
Dr Kelsey Skinner of the hospital said the monkey arrived understandably disorientated. “He was showing signs of shock but was at least still conscious and responsive to movement and sound, but was obviously more subdued than any healthy wild vervet would have been,” she said.
She added that they began shock therapy by providing intravenous fluid support and a mild sedative to help him relax. “His left arm appeared paralysed, we suspect from the trauma and shock, and whether this was permanent or not was unclear at the time.
“He remained under our care for the remainder of the week and just within those few days, he had already started to regain function of his left arm and hand, so we were optimistic he would regain function with time.”
With assistance from the family who rescued and brought the monkey to the hospital, the team was able to determine where his troop was likely to be sleeping at night. Skinner and rehabilitation assistant Steff McWilliam then tracked the troop to the identified spot the next morning and found them easily.
After a few minutes of placing his cage within view of the troop, an adult female came down from the trees in response to his calls. The crew withdrew and the female eventually worked her way right up to his cage so they were confident that she was his mother.
“They then opened his cage and within seconds he ran straight into his mother’s open arms,” after which she moved him back to the security of the troop.
Skinner explained that the reality of coming into contact with vervet monkey troops and indigenous wildlife species was becoming more common due to habitat encroachment.
“This story, however, is a perfect example of how cohabitation is possible between people and wild animals, and we encourage this ideal wherever possible.”
Skinner said vervet monkeys have a strong social structure and troop members were protective of their own and their territory. She advised the public to give these monkeys their space and keep themselves and their pets clear of them when possible.
“Avoid interacting with them as simple actions or facial expressions to us carry a completely different and sometimes threatening meaning to them. Don’t leave food out for them as this unfortunately teaches their sharp minds that food is associated with humans and this leads to ‘home invasions’ and avoidable conflicts.”
Skinner warned that it was illegal and unethical to keep these animals as pets. “They survive amazingly in the most variable environment and this is best where they are left in nature with their own kind.”
