Some Do Not Monkey Around During The Drought

I could relate totally to the report in one of today's papers about the plight that animals are suffering during the drought (see Nation report on 'Monkey raids add to drought woes'), and how they are raiding orchards and horticultural garden businesses in search for food. Over the past month I have noticed how monkeys in my yard have become almost a standard feature every day. They used to come to try for my neighbour's mango trees, but they are only in blossom. One tree in my yard has pods that seem to be a favourite food, and a family of about six monkeys scale the trees and feed themselves every morning. A few days ago, one monkey decided to try his/luck by coming onto the deck, where I work. We exchanged glances and he decided that now was not the best time. The cat, a bit surprised too, did not have time to flee. Yesterday, another visitor plunked himself down on the deck rail and looked at me as if to say, "Did we not meet a few days ago?". He walked across the rail then dropped down to the swimming pool to lap a few mouthfuls of water. Later in the day, I was stunned to see the whole family laid out on the lawn, almost as if they were dead tired, but they were napping and also looking to see if the dried up palm plants offered something to nibble on. Not much joy, I'm afraid to say.

Is the drought a serious thing? You better believe it.