Don’t Blame Monkeys for Monkeypox, W.H.O. Says After Attacks
New York TimesDec 24, 2022
The Facts
In the eastern Caribbean, the government of Sint Maarten has approved a plan to exterminate its entire population of vervet monkeys, a species deemed invasive on the Dutch territorial island.
The St. Maarten Nature Foundation’s Invasive Species Project will entrap and euthanize more than 450 monkeys inhabiting the island.
The Spin
Narrative A
Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island of Sint Maarten healthy. While regrettable, in order to do this the vervet monkey population needs to be culled to avoid it growing out of control. The species is prolific and not in danger of going extinct. Culling the monkey population is the best plan possible.
Narrative B
Exterminating the entire vervet monkey population is unnecessary and cruel. The population can be kept in check in other ways by sterilizing the existing monkeys, or better managing resources to prevent them from turning to endangered bird eggs or destroying agriculture. A harmonious existence between the monkeys and humans on the island is possible.
