Khar Gymkhana gets unexpected pool guests as monkeys take dips, alarm visitors

The two monkeys sit poolside

Khar Gymkhana's latest pool regulars have four limbs, furry coats and no membership cards. Two monkeys have been taking dips and roaming the premises, alarming visitors and prompting the Forest Department to step in.

The Range Forest Officer (RFO), Mumbai Range, Thane Forest Department (Territorial), said the department has received several complaints over the past few days, along with video footage showing the monkeys jumping into the pool.

"We have also received video footage showing monkeys jumping into the swimming pool, which has understandably caused concern and fear among visitors," the forest department official said.

One of the monkeys seen on the steps of the diving board at Khar Gymkhana (right) a monkey stands on the diving board moments before jumping into the pool. Pics/By Special Arrangement

What happens next?

Forest team to inspect
A Forest Department team will visit the gymkhana shortly to assess the situation.

Cages to be installed
Cages will be placed to safely capture the monkeys.

Release in natural habitat
The animals will be released in their natural habitat after capture, the official said.

Official speaks

"Such interactions can agitate the animals and may lead to an unfortunate human-wildlife conflict. We request everyone's cooperation and urge visitors to maintain a safe distance and avoid any interaction with the monkeys until the situation is resolved."

Wildlife expert's advice

Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Mumbai and President of NGO RAWW
"Khar, Bandra, Andheri, and surrounding areas have this year seen both positive and negative interactions with all three primate species found in Mumbai - the Bonnet Macaque, Rhesus Macaque and Hanuman Langur. People should not feed or chase monkeys and should allow them to pass. If there are regular sightings, then you need to ensure that doors and windows are shut and locked to stop them from entering houses in search of easy food. Clubhouses and common areas to ensure that edible garbage and other food sources are not accessible. People should not follow, chase, interact, scare or confine them to avoid conflict."

Forest department advisory

Do
£Maintain a safe distance from the monkeys
£Keep doors and windows shut if monkeys are regularly sighted
£Ensure food and edible garbage are not accessible

Don't
£Feed the monkeys
£Chase or provoke them
£Follow, scare or confine them
£Attempt to interact with them.

Mumbai's three primate species
£Bonnet Macaque
£Rhesus Macaque
£Hanuman Langur

Gymkhana Speaks

Gaurav Kapadia, President of Khar Gymkhana
"For the past week, our gymkhana members have been complaining about monkeys entering the poolside area and the premises. We have brought the matter to the notice of the authorities, including the Forest Department, they have assured that they will resolve the problem."