Watch: Baboon on the loose in Johannesburg – but where is he now?
An adult male baboon is currently roaming around urban Johannesburg, after he was spotted climbing over fences and sitting on roofs over the weekend. The animal should not be approached by citizens, but footage of his adventure has been shared online – where he can be seen scaling the walls at a gated property.
Where is the Johannesburg baboon?
The baboon was initially spotted in Emmarentia, and reports came in from Northcliff about his whereabouts. The latest video clip shows this precocious primate exploring the surroundings of Roosevelt Park.
In Emmarentia Dam
— KerryHaggard (@KerryHaggard) March 28, 2021pic.twitter.com/p7Q9vHXDZb
It’s understood the journey began in the west of Johannesburg, near cradle. A sighting in Roodepoort – where the baboon was seen on the roof of a hospital clinic – first alerted local animal welfare groups to the issue.
Watch: Baboon spotted in urban Johannesburg
Vital information for locals
It’s understood this cheeky little monkey is known as Jeffrey in local circles, but even if you’re on first name terms with the escapee, it’s advised that you give him all the space and respect possible – approaching the baboon could force him to attack, or simply leave him ‘traumatised’, according to those in the know.
Founder of Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) Cora Bailey has made a public statement on the matter. She explains that the baboon has likely left its troop to find a new one. However, ‘rapid urbanisation’ has made it increasingly difficult for these simian creatures to find the ‘diversity they seek’. People who spot the baboon must inform Claw immediately…
“Baboons live in huge family groups and when the males become adults they cannot stay with the troop any longer. In order for genetic diversity, males leave the troop. Sometimes they are ousted, sometimes they leave on their own. This is the case with this baboon and he is not the first: A lot of them seem to follow the same route.”
No comments: