Comments on: Scary monkeys

By: Joanna

Joanna — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:48:10 +0000

We have the same problem with the dingoes on Fraser Island (Queensland). Bloody tourists keep feeding them and then wonder why they won't stay away from the resort and campsites.

We had a dingo on our hotel room verandah, just laying in the shade. Fortunately, they can't open the doors…

By: Jo

Jo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:27:51 +0000

We had a similar experience with a rhino, it was heading towards us at a rate of knots, we accelerated and got out of there in a hurry.

Had a bear lean on the car too, but not as dangerous with the window closed.

By: Helen V.

Helen V. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:18:56 +0000

I think part of the problem is that people see them as engaging creatures on the television and get an unrealistic picture of what they can do – and will do – in the wild. I suspect with monkeys there's quite an element of anthropomorphising them too.

Talking of safari parks many years ago when there was a lion park in Perth a man was pulled out of his car through a window he had opened so he could take photos despite all the signs telling visitors how dangerous it was. I couldn't believe how anyone could be so stupid having driven through a few weeks before in my smallish Mazda (windows tightly up). I had been truly shocked when a large lion sauntered along beside us and I realised exactly how big they were – and how fragile my relatively small car was.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:04:14 +0000

It's a good thing that they don't know how to pick locks…yet.

By: Jo

Jo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:23:49 +0000

I have heard the monkeys on the Rock of Gibralter can swarm you which I have always thought quite a frightening idea. Those of us who have to settle for Safari Parks are horrified to find people driving through with their windows open to feed the little darlings as they go past and then people wonder why bears rear up and lean on cars. Glad you had your window locked.