Ballot finds his way home
"We may never know how his journey continues, but he has united a community."
In what can only be described as a labour of love and a praiseworthy effort by the Brakpan SPCA and others, Ballot the baboon has been safely returned to the wild.
First spotted in Brakpan in the week prior to citizens heading to the polls and with election fever in the air, the male baboon was given the moniker Ballot.
As reported in last week’s Brakpan Herald (‘Brakpan baboon’ on the move), Ballot was not a lost pet but was undertaking a migration journey through the town.
Ballot exhibited peaceful behaviour, showing no signs of aggression towards individuals or other animals.
“Who could have imagined that one baboon could capture the hearts of so many people and unite them for a single goal? Ballot, aptly named, became a symbol of collective action and hope,” said Brakpan SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard.
“Ballot’s adventure began in Brakpan, sparking disbelief and curiosity. How could a baboon roam freely in town? Was he a pet? Where did he come from? This situation provided a unique opportunity to educate the public about baboons and the concept of a “dispersing male.”
After a relatively quiet start, Ballot caused a stir on the afternoon of May 25 and the Brakpan SPCA responded to a call from CBD residents who reported incidents of people chasing Ballot and throwing stones at him.
Calm was restored to the area, and Ballot was observed atop a building in the CBD. He then moved through town towards Anzac and was seen the following afternoon heading into Benoni.
“Once his presence in Brakpan broke on Facebook, people took to social media and WhatsApp to track his journey through Benoni and Kempton Park,” said Lombard.
During his travels, Cora Bailey from CLAW (Community Lead Animal Welfare) and veterinarians Dr Clifford Bull, Dr Ross Schwartz and their team of staff from Craigview Veterinary Clinic in Boksburg monitored Ballot’s movements.
Many believed Ballot should have been darted earlier, but numerous challenges prevented this. Lombard stated that with the assistance of Brakpan resident Lynn Venter, they were able to track Ballot’s whereabouts and inform the public, simultaneously educating them.
“By last Thursday evening, we lost sight of Ballot and notified the public, fearing it might be the last time we saw him,” said Lombard.
“Friday morning brought hope. Ballot was spotted in Thembisa near a school. Inspector Mariska Venter and I contacted Kempton Park SPCA manager Kira Sparrow, who welcomed our search efforts.
“In Thembisa, outside our usual area of operation, we relied on local residents and a keen eye for social media information.”
Bull joined the search, using live tracking via WhatsApp. Local residents’ reactions and directions helped the team trace Ballot, who was sighted jumping between houses.
“Despite several near-captures, Ballot eluded us, creating footprints in the dust to mark his passage,” said Lombard.
“Our search continued throughout the day, joined by Kira and inspector Charmaine Joubert. Ballot, now zigzagging through the neighbourhood, drew increasing public attention.
“The growing crowds made it difficult to manage the situation and we decided to retreat, hoping Ballot would move towards less populated areas.
“Saturday began with a call from a journalist. Ballot was trapped in a house in Thembisa. Without knowing who was involved, we requested verification.
“Upon learning it was Brendan Murray from Owl Rescue Centre, we coordinated with Dr Bull, Fanyana Sihlali (Craigview Veterinary Clinic) and Dr Ross to assist.”
Arriving in Thembisa, the team discovered Murray had successfully captured Ballot and was meeting Dr Robert Campbell from Val De Grace Vet in Pretoria.
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“Relieved yet determined, we joined Dr Campbell at Val De Grace Vet for Ballot’s medical check. Seeing Ballot up close, witnessing his features, was an unforgettable moment,” said Lombard.
“After a clean bill of health, Ballot was moved into an enclosure to awaken and be released near another troop. There was no need to tag or chip him.”
Ballot was later returned to the wild.
Lombard is immensely grateful to everyone involved in ensuring Ballot’s safe journey, including the Brakpan CPF, AfriForum, local authorities, Clr Riaan Van Zyl, Cora Bailey, Dr Clifford Bull, Dr Ross Schwartz, Fanyana Sihlali, Craigview Veterinary Clinic staff, Jacques Cronje from Benoni SPCA, Kira Sparrow and inspector Charmaine Joubert from Kempton Park SPCA, Brendan Murray from Owl Rescue Centre, Dr Robert Campbell and Val De Grace Vet staff, Lynn Venter, the supportive public, and inspector Mariska Venter.
“Ballot’s story ends here, leaving us with a bittersweet sense. We may never know how his journey continues, but he has united a community, all working towards a common goal – ensuring Ballot finds his way home,” added Lombard.
