A vervet monkey in Nelson Mandela Bay has been found covered from head to tail in blue paint, an act that animal welfare advocates identify as a form of illegal cruelty. Monkey Matters Eastern Cape, which spotted the primate in Deer Park on Sunday, reports that the animal is currently struggling as it attempts to lick and remove the toxic substance from its coat.
The Impact of Painted Primates
According to Charne van der Mescht, co-founder of Monkey Matters Eastern Cape, the paint poses a severe health risk to the monkey. She states that the substance can poison the animal and damage its eyes, skin, and coat. While rescuers have been unable to capture the animal due to its movement, they note that it appears to be doing fine despite the coating.
Van der Mescht, who has rescued primates in the province for more than 25 years, dismisses the notion that painting a monkey will cause its troop to reject or abandon it. She characterizes this belief as an old myth rather than a behavioral reality. Steve Smit, founder of the Durban-based Monkey Helpline, adds that this practice is not only ineffective but also inflicts immense suffering on the animals, who are often forced to endure the toxic effects while remaining within their social groups.
Did You Know?
The practice of painting primates originated with settlers who believed that marking a baboon would cause the troop to flee their crops. While the target species has shifted over time, experts maintain that the method remains a fallacy that fails to deter the animals.
Historical Context and Legal Standing
The persecution of primates has a documented history in southern Africa. Research cited by Stellenbosch University historian Sandra Swart indicates that human aggression toward primates often reflects wider societal anxieties regarding intruders and safety. A 2024 study published in the journal Mammalian Biology further highlights this conflict, documenting cases where humans have used physical attacks, poisoning, and painting to target vervet monkeys.
Under the Animals Protection Act, the deliberate harming or painting of a wild animal is considered an offense. Activist Marizanne Kemp Ferreira emphasizes that these incidents occur as human development expands into natural habitats. She argues that because vervet monkeys are highly social and bonded to their birth territories, they cannot simply move away from human-modified environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people paint monkeys?
According to Steve Smit and Charne van der Mescht, the act stems from a false belief that painting an animal will cause its troop to become frightened and leave the area, thereby protecting crops or property from the monkeys.
Does the paint cause the troop to reject the monkey?
No. Welfare groups report that rescued, painted monkeys are consistently found living within their original troops, proving that the paint does not lead to social exclusion.
Is it legal to paint wild animals in South Africa?
No. The deliberate painting or harming of a wild animal is a violation of the Animals Protection Act.
What steps can communities take to move toward more humane coexistence with local wildlife?