No Monkey Business – Diver walks for Monkeys
Most of us, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, have complained at some point about the ‘thieving’ monkeys in South Africa who brazenly enter our homes and steal our bananas. But deep down we’re secretly a little fond of them. We admire their agility, apparent humour and ability to outwit us! And we quite enjoy the fact that […]
Most of us, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, have complained at some point about the ‘thieving’ monkeys in South Africa who brazenly enter our homes and steal our bananas. But deep down we’re secretly a little fond of them. We admire their agility, apparent humour and ability to outwit us! And we quite enjoy the fact that we share our suburbs with animals who are still wild…the charm of living in Africa.
But sometimes we forget that it is we who have invaded their home environment and not the other way around.
And we overlook the dangers that our Vervet Monkeys (and other urban wildlife) face on a daily basis – from speeding cars, pellet guns and electrocutions via high voltage power cables to dog attacks and more.
For this reason, Commercial Diver and Conservationist Steve Entwistle is embarking on an adventure to raise funds for a monkey rehabilitation centre, and to raise awareness about the dangers facing our monkeys.
Laden down with his old diving gear, Steve will walk (not dive!) 6 km from the Umgeni River Mouth in Durban, along the promenade to Ushaka Marine World.
This feat will take him approximately 6 hours, as he shuffles along at a speed of about 1 km per hour! The diving gear – which includes copper helmet, lead chest and back weight, lead-soled boots – weighs 70 kg!
The funds he raises will help Monkey Helpline to build a monkey rehabilitation centre at Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand.
As a commercial diver by trade, Steve spends half his life off-shore, and the other half at Monkey Helpline where he trades his underwater tools for hammers and saws and is general handyman and ‘Chief Whip’. Steve’s the guy who gets the nitty gritty things done in life.
Earlier this year, he accomplished a similar challenge, walking over the Moses Mabhida Stadium in his heavy diving gear to raise funds for a Rhino orphanage that has now been built at Thula Thula.
“This time I hope to raise enough funds to help Monkey Helpline build three open air rehabilitation enclosures at Thula Thula,” says Steve. “As a conversationist I want to make a difference.”
Along with the rehab enclosures, Monkey Helpline will also build the required out-buildings including a clinic and staff accommodation.
The event will take place on Sunday 15th March 2015 at 0700.
“As well as raising funds for this fantastic project, I also hope to raise awareness of the dangers that our urban wildlife and Vervet Monkey’s face,” says Steve.
“Together we can help Monkey Helpline with their ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate Vervet monkeys by building this rehabilitation centre.
“Together we can make a difference and create something special for our urban wildlife.
“Please give your support by donating and sharing this event with your friends and family.”
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