A baboon that was sighted in Brakpan last week has moved from the area. This was confirmed by the Brakpan SPCA yesterday (Monday).
According to the society, the animal was not a lost pet but was undertaking a migration journey through the town.
It was first spotted in Brakpan last Wednesday, and was under the observation of wildlife authorities who track the migration routes of such animals.
The baboon exhibited peaceful behaviour, showing no signs of aggression towards individuals or other animals.
On Saturday, the SPCA responded to a call from residents who reported incidents of people in the CBD chasing the baboon and throwing stones at it.
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Working with members of the Brakpan CPF and AfriForum Brakpan, they successfully restored peace to the area, observing the baboon atop the FNB building.
On Sunday morning, SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard conducted an early reconnaissance of the last known sighting location, devising plans for potential capture.
At around 08:30, reports indicated the baboon was near the police station, moving towards the Anzac area and was last sighted along Frere Avenue.
It is suspected the baboon had sought refuge in more wooded areas.
Precautionary measures were taken, including alerting the Royal Oak Country Club of the animal’s possible presence in the vicinity.
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By around 15:30, the baboon was seen crossing Snake Road at Pioneer Drive in Benoni.
On Monday, it was seen in the Northmead area and was later sighted in Brentwood Park.
The Benoni SPCA and neighbouring SPCAs were notified. While there have been no other confirmed sightings in the Brakpan area, the local SPCA remains vigilant, equipped and prepared with a dedicated team should the baboon reappear.
The society reiterated the importance of refraining from pursuing, provoking, or posing any threat to the baboon for the safety of both the public and the animal.
The SPCA extended its gratitude to all parties involved for their support in the matter and thanked Freedom Front Plus PR Clr Riaan van Zyl, the Brakpan CPF, AfriForum Brakpan, Fidelity ADT and the Brakpan Fire Station.
The society also thanked Craig View Veterinary Clinic in Boksburg whose veterinarians were on standby to assist if needed, as well as Cora Bailey from CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) who ensured there was a trap ready if required.
In a post on their Facebook page, Craig View Veterinary Clininc stated that the baboon is likely a dispersing male, and that baboons typically disperse from their group of birth as they near adult size and may continue to migrate between social groups throughout their lives.
The clinic added that there are numerous baboon troops in Gauteng.
“Our crime rate is of far more concern to all of our safety and the hysteria surrounding the baboon is not warranted,” the post reads.
“He has travelled 10km on average per day. What a champion!
“He is making his way to a wild area and if everyone leaves him alone, drives with caution and allows him to be, he will leave suburbia.”
The clinic also provided reasons why darting the baboon wasn’t the first option in attempts to capture it:
• The darting process is not simple – even with an experienced veterinarian there could be a miss, the dart could fail or there could be no needle penetration, rendering the dart useless.
The dart in itself could cause injuries if no penetration takes place.
• The baboon could be injured falling off of a roof or wall, leading to the baboon sustaining serious injuries such as fractures.
• The baboon could run into traffic or an oncoming vehicle once sedated – the sedation doesn’t happen immediately.
• The baboon could fall into a neighbouring property in between tool sheds or passage ways which are inaccessible.
• The baboon could flee into someone’s garden once darted and, if sedated, dogs could injure or kill the baboon and he would not be able to defend himself.
The clinic applauded the Brakpan SPCA for their dedication in managing and tracing the baboon.
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