Horrible sights greet the Monkey Helpline rescuers as they go about the daily business of rescuing Vervet monkeys that are badly injured, sick or otherwise in desperate need of human help.  And this past week has been no exception! "Amongst the heart-breaking sights that have greeted us is that of a juvenile monkey in Athone Park, Amanzimtoti, covered in white acrylic PVA paint," said Monkey Helpline coordinator, Steve Smit.  

"Between November 2008 and January 2009 we rescued three painted monkeys from the same area.  There is an old myth that if you catch a monkey and paint it white it will run back to its troop which in turn will run away from it, and ultimately disappear over the horizon.  Obviously some people in Athlone Park who are being troubled by monkeys believe this nonsense and have decided that this is the way to resolve their problem."

"The first three monkeys were trapped and painted by the same person who we identified and have reported to the Amanzimtoti SAPS," said Steve.  "We are awaiting the state prosecutor's decision on prosecution."

After three days of attempting to catch this latest victim of the 'white paint myth', Steve and fellow Monkey Helpline coordinator, Carol Booth, managed to rescue the little monkey after it was trapped in the house of the caring Athlone Park resident who had originally noticed the traumatised animal and reported it to the Monkey Helpline.

"Our efforts to trap the monkey were unsuccessful because every time it came near any food we put down the other monkeys would chase it away because of its unfamiliar appearance.  It was badly traumatised due to constant harassment by fellow troop members and was getting really hungry," Steve explained.  "As with the previous three painted monkeys from the same area, this one was found right in the midst of its troop, which once again shows that the whole thing about painting monkeys to keep the troop away is a load of hogwash.  In fact the only consequence is extreme cruelty which will result in prosecution if the culprit is caught. The Animal Protection Act makes provision for severe penalties for animal cruelty offenders if found guilty."

Amazingly, during the second day's efforts to catch the painted monkey, the rescuers were approached by a man who lived close by and asked what they were doing.  "We told him we were trying to catch a monkey and he offered to catch one for us," said Steve.  "He said he had caught one just a day or two ago and painted it white before releasing it. I could hardly believe my ears and our luck. I pretended to doubt his ability to do this and asked him how he had managed to do so. He said I should accompany him into his property, which myself and Monkey Helpline rescuer, Rhyan Rudman, did.  This man, who identified himself as Jay, took us to an outside room and pointed to this as the place in which he had trapped the monkey.  When I asked how had had actually restrained the monkey in order to paint it, he replied that he had thrown a loose carpet over the animal and held it like that whilst the white paint was poured over it. The carpet as well as the tin of paint had been left right there where the act of cruelty had taken place. There was also a lot of white paint on the ground as well as low down on the outside wall of the room. I had no doubt that this was exactly where the little monkey had been caught and painted."

Steve said that he had already been to the Amanzimtoti police station and discussed this incident with the Senior Superintendent in charge.  "We have been asked to provide sworn statements to the Prosecutor with a view to prosecuting the offender.  This is a blatant act of cruelty and we want an example made of this man.  People need to know that cruelty to animals is unacceptable in a civilised society and that offenders will be punished to the full extent that the law permits."

As for the little monkey, he will remain in the care of Steve and Carol, who run the Monkey Helpline 'high care' at their home, until all the paint has been removed.  Then he will be returned to his troop.

Anyone having problems with monkeys or wanting to report an injured monkey should call Steve on 082 659 4711 or Carol on 082 411 5444.