The vervet monkeys in Knysna lost their natural habitats in the 2017/8 fire disasters.
In 2018 and 2019 an ex-Councillor from Knysna Municipality went on a far too radical alien vegetation eradication spree across Knysna Heights and Upper Town areas. Sadly, many many vervet monkeys who had finally resettled after the terrible fires were again without their habitat.
Suburbs, especially Upper Town, saw an enormous influx of very hungry little vervets willing to run across roads, climb over spiked fences and be bitten by dogs in their quest to forage in gardens or find a few scraps of pet food and water.
People who do not understand vervet monkeys were and remain horrified at little monkeys leaping across their roofs and climbing their trees. The uneducated believe they are like baboons (another sad story) and might bite their pets or themselves. They will NOT bite you or your children or pets and stories to the contrary are simply untrue (Google Vervet Monkeys)
Their visits to your garden will be to forage for food. Simply shut windows and doors at these times and keep refuse in garages until collection day. No need to feel threatened by these sentient little beings. They will enjoy playing on your roof and leaping on your trees and shrubs. Enjoy their visits. They move on again. This is after all, Africa. If you really can't bear living in close proximity to wild life, consider moving to a city.
I would urge you to exercise respect and understanding towards our precious little tree dwellers wherever you may live. They certainly deserve all the love you can give. đ
The main animal welfare legislation in South Africa, the Animal Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, prohibits animal cruelty (Section 2(1)). ... Thus, this Act covers domestic animals and birds, as well as wild animals, birds and reptiles who are in captivity or under the control of humans. Mar 10, 2020.
