#NotADrill: A monkey rehabilitation centre will be shut down, and all monkeys killed

TRACY Rowles has long been an Umkomaas (South Coast of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal) household name that many locals are proud to be associated with. For many years now, Tracy has been the saving grace behind the rehabilitation of vervet monkeys which have been left severely injured and in most cases, unable to be reunited with their own troop.

Ever since starting with the rehabilitation of the monkeys, and adding more rescues along the way, Tracy has been forced to foot many bills out of her own pocket and also relies heavily on donations from kind-hearted individuals.

Unfortunately, the authorities have now served Tracy with a notice warning her that her entire operation will be shut down within two weeks if seven new cages are not constructed.

The notice was issued to Tracy on Thursday, October 11. Tracy is now calling on the public to help her prevent the closure of the rehabilitation centre by being of assistance in either the raising of funds or construction material needed for the cages. According to Tracy, if she is closed down, the monkeys will all be euthanised.

On average, the daily running costs to feed the monkeys ranges between R700 to R800 and in some cases, when collecting injured monkeys, costs can be as high as R1000 – this includes fuel and other relevant expenses which can include veterinary bills in cases where urgent medical treatment is required.

The above provided food costs are for general foods which provide a basic diet – these items range from bread, fruit to vegetables.

Tracy urgently requires whatever help people can provide but should you be able to provide materials such as 6m thick square wood, bird aviary wiring, cement, nails, screws, cable ties and roof sheeting, Tracy would be grateful.

Tracy aids in the rehabilitation of vervets from Amanzimtoti through to Port Edward and on Thursday, October 11 had to drive through to Munster where another baby monkey was collected. Should you be able to assist her in keeping her centre up and running, please contact her urgently at either +27(0)72-8335119 or [email protected]

DONATE HERE: http://www.umsizirescuecentre.co.za/donate

(THIS IS AN ARTICLE I WROTE AND PUBLISHED ON WWW.SOUTHCOASTHERALD.CO.ZA)