Tracy Rowles, well-known as the local ‘monkey lady’, has dedicated many years of her life rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing vervet monkeys on the KZN South Coast through Umsizi Umkomaas Vervet Rescue Centre.
Numerous injured or orphaned monkeys are taken in at the rescue centre. Tracy would like to make the public aware that this time of year is considered baby season, and many monkeys are seen lying dead or seriously injured on the side of roads, and in some cases, a newborn is found clinging to the mother.
“Even if an adult female is dead, a newborn will still hold onto its mother so please do check,” said Tracy.
Last Friday, Tracy received a call about a mother and baby lying on the side of a road in Southport. She was able to collect the monkeys, but unfortunately the mother died and Tracy is now seeing to the newborn male who is only a few days old.
At the moment, there are about 100 monkeys at the rescue centre, which may be alarming for the average Joe, but this is now a norm for Tracy who has committed 20 years of her life rescuing these animals.
When she is not out on the roads rescuing monkeys, Tracy is busy with rehabilitation back at the rescue centre which includes cleaning cages, feeding the monkeys and of course ensuring that they receive enough love and attention.
Providing a service such as this one is not cheap, and as an NPO, the centre relies solely on donations. At the moment, donations of baby goods are needed. This includes: formula, Lactogen 1, baby blankets, Ensure vanilla and new born baby toys such as rattles, mobiles, etc. Cash donations are also always needed and gratefully accepted.
Should you wish to offer any assistance to the rescue centre or find out more, contact Tracy on tracymonkeylady@gmail.com
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