There have been occasional sightings of wild monkeys on campus, said Nikki Kohly, Rhodes’ Health and Environmental Officer.
There have been occasional sightings of wild monkeys on campus, said Nikki Kohly, Rhodes’ Health and Environmental Officer.
She advised those on the campus not to feed monkeys, nor leave food where they can reach it, such as near an open window; in an open waste bin.
She said that edible items should be disposed of securely and safely in a ‘worm bin’ or other suitable system (ideas at ru.ac.za/environment/action/recyclewise/organic), or at the Rhodes’ kitchens in closed bins designated for collection by pig farmers.
Residents should not approach or try to touch a monkey, as this could lead to ‘fright-biting’, she said.
“Don’t show fear or stare at a monkey – in its language, wide eyes and raised eyebrows indicate aggression. Monkeys should not be cornered or prevented from escaping as it is more likely to bite if it feels threatened. Just ignore the monkey and move away calmly and quietly,” she said.
Other tips include closing windows and doors when you go out and not leaving bread on the lawn for birds or litter lying anywhere.
Residents should only help an injured monkey if its family group is not close by.
The SPCA is not allowed to deal with injured wild monkeys. The injured monkey should be covered with a blanket or net, and the provincial Department of Environment Affairs' Quintus Hanhndiek should be contacted on 046 622 7909, she said.
Kohly said that if stealing food from Rhodes' buildings became a problem, wildlife experts in the Zoology Department would be consulted regarding the appropriate steps to be taken.
