Animal Care Services investigating monkey bite at San Antonio home

Published on April 15, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (April 15, 2024) – San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is investigating a case involving a monkey that bit a child over the weekend. The owned Vervet monkey reportedly bit an 11-year-old boy on his right ear while at a family gathering at his mother’s home Saturday. The child’s family sought medical attention for the bite which was reported to Animal Care Services today. 

Vervets are a medium to large-sized monkey with grey fur and dark faces. They typically live in groups called troops that have a very detailed social hierarchy.  Native to Southeastern Africa, the fast and agile primates are omnivores that can live up to 30 years. Like other non-human primates, Vervet monkeys can bite. Monkey bites can carry a risk of numerous zoonotic diseases such as rabies, Herpes B virus, HIV and monkeypox.                                                                                       

It is illegal to own a monkey or other primates in the City of San Antonio. The animal’s previous owner has been cited for the bite, having no proof of a valid rabies vaccination as well as possession of a prohibited species in San Antonio. The monkey has been surrendered to SAACS and investigators will be working with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as well as local primate experts on quarantine requirements.