Monkey Bites Boy, South Carolina Primate Attack

Incident Highlights Risks of Monkey Encounters

Monkey Bites 7-Year-Old Boy in Face

MONKEY, S.C. - A seven-year-old boy suffered facial injuries after being bitten by a monkey at a South Carolina roadside zoo on Sunday, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Monkey Junction amusement park in Monkey, South Carolina, around 5 p.m. According to the park's owner, the boy was sitting on a bench when a free-roaming primate approached him and bit his face.

The boy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, but he received stitches to close the wounds.

Park Owner Blames Boy for the Incident

The owner of Monkey Junction, Robert Vealey, said that the boy's injuries were his own fault. "We have signs posted all over the place that say not to approach the animals," Vealey said. "The boy ignored those signs and paid the price."

However, witnesses to the incident disputed Vealey's claim. They said the boy was not provoking the monkey and that the animal had been acting aggressively towards visitors throughout the day.

Monkey Junction Previously Cited for Safety Violations

Monkey Junction has a history of safety violations. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited the park for failing to provide adequate veterinary care for its animals. The park was also cited for allowing visitors to come into close contact with dangerous animals, including primates.

Experts Warn of Monkey Attack Risks

Primate experts warn that attacks like this are becoming increasingly common as more and more people visit roadside zoos and other places where they can interact with wild animals.

Monkeys are wild animals and can be unpredictable, even in captivity. They can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and their bites can cause serious injuries or even death.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Monkeys

If you are visiting a place where monkeys are present, there are some things you can do to stay safe:

• Never approach a monkey, even if it appears to be friendly.
• Do not feed monkeys or give them any food.
• Keep your distance from monkeys and avoid making eye contact with them.
• If a monkey approaches you, slowly back away and do not make any sudden movements.
• If a monkey attacks you, fight back and try to protect your face and head.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being attacked by a monkey.