The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has issued a warning citing 14 violations of the Animal Protection Act to the well-known tourist attraction, Monkey Town in Somerset West.
According to a statement by the SPCA, the warning comes after inspectors received an anonymous tip-off from the public regarding the state of the facility.
“Inspector Werner Taljaard and Wildlife Officer Jon Friedman then acted on this information and inspected the wildlife centre on Tuesday, January 11.
“The establishment is trading and offers self-catering accommodation, picnic and braai facilities to the public at a fee. We are therefore of the opinion that our findings are in the interest of the public. People should know what they are paying for,” the statement indicated.
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During the inspection, it was found that there was limited access to potable drinking water, a neglected donkey with severely overgrown hooves as well as the use of equipment in the vicinity of animals which left the squirrel monkeys visibly distressed.
The statement further mentioned that from the 14 violations there was also a maggot-infested African pygmy hedgehog enclosure, brown capuchin monkeys with the lack of protection against the elements, and inadequate enclosures for the macaw parrots.
“There were several operational issues highlighted during the inspection. Exposed electric heaters with unsecured electric cables in the sleeping quarters of primates posing a significant burn or electrocution risk,” the SPCA said.
Meanwhile, the facility was given seven days to remedy these 14 violations or face prosecution, which can result in the closure of the wildlife centre.
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Picture: Monkey Town