‘Monkey man’, Steve out of action after freak accident

A FREAK accident nearly cost local animal activist, Steve Smit, his right eye earlier this week.

The founder of the Monkey Helpline was gathering some rescued chickens at his home in Westville when the incident occurred.

“He was running after and trying to catch the chickens to put them away for the night when a branch stuck into his eye. There is a genet that comes into the yard foraging, and we were scared he might attack the chickens. Steve is always going above and beyond to rescue the monkeys from dangerous and difficult places, it is so ironic that he would get seriously injured while chasing chickens in our yard,” said fellow rescuer, Carol Booth yesterday.

Smit, who has also rescued countless pets, monkeys and other wildlife from uMhlanga, Durban North and surrounding areas, was rushed to the emergency ward on Wednesday. He underwent an operation to repair the damage on Thursday.

The duo was told that the branch had done extensive damage to the eye’s lens, and doctors believed that it would take several operations to recover Smit’s sight.

However, after the surgery was completed the surgeons were able to provide the animal activists with more positive news.

“The surgery went very well. The doctors were able to seal the wound and are positive that he will regain most of his sight without the need of additional surgeries. Doctors have warned that the trauma has caused an irregular stigmatism of the eye, which means that his vision will be a bit blurred, but the positive news is that he will see again. They have ordered him to take things easy, to prevent scratches or tearing of the stitches, so he will have to take a bit of a back seat for about a month with regards to rescues,” said Booth.

While Smit is out of action other members of the NPO will step in to assist.

For emergencies contact 082 659 4711 or 082 411 5444.