Monkeying around
GLENHAZEL - RESIDENTS of Sunningdale and Glenhazel are concerned about a troop of wild monkeys that come scavenging for food and water in people's bins and in their homes.
Helen Petrie, complex manager at Elphin Lodge, said she had been working at the lodge for 23 years and recalls troops of monkeys on the property. However, the monkeys are now moving into suburban areas. Petrie believes this is due to the major development in the area over the years, and the open land for the monkeys has diminished and, therefore, food resources have dwindled.
It is believed that these monkeys had previously lived in the vast grounds surrounding the Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital.
Antoinette Jurgens of the Born to be Free wildlife rescue centre, who assists residents when monkeys cause a disturbance on their properties, said the animals had always been in the area on the open land.
“Monkeys are misunderstood and there seems to be conflict between humans and the monkeys,” she said.
However, she assured residents that they were harmless and disease free. “All they want is food, they are hungry.”
Resident Philippa Bergman, said her domestic worker had spotted monkeys turning over the rubbish bins searching for food. “These monkeys are breeding and are now trying to find access to food in the residential area,” she said.
Steve Smit, co-founder of Monkey Helpline told North Eastern Tribune that these primates, which are probably vervet monkeys, were also looking for fresh water.
“With it being a very dry season, the monkeys want fresh water, and fresh fruit and vegetables, you need not be afraid,” he said.
“People are so scared and it is not necessary to be scared. They will not attack you unless you have food with you. They just want the food.”
Smit said it would be best if people left some water and fresh fruit and veg out for the monkeys, then they probably would not invade people’s homes and dig in the bins. Jurgens said that if residents were having problems with the monkeys they could call her for help.
Details: Antoinette Jurgens 083 453 9804.
Have you had monkeys on your property or scavenging in your bins?
Tell us by posting on our timeline, North Eastern Tribune or tweet us @NE_Tribune
Add North East Tribune on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29BEEF78
