The male baboon that was spotted roaming the suburbs of the West Rand at around New Year’s Day and a few days thereafter, is still in the area but has been keeping a low profile.
Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) confirmed that the baboon is currently in the Wilgeheuwel area, not disturbing anyone as there is plenty of natural vegetation for him to feed on.
When the baboon was spotted by residents in a yard on Merlot Close, Hercules and CLAW were contacted.
Cora Bailey from CLAW said, “We were told that he was not around any longer, but we actually saw him the past weekend. We went to fetch our trap and whilst we were there we spotted him looking at us from behind a shrub.”
She confirmed that they have repositioned the baboon trap and are putting in fresh food often.
Members of the community used to see the baboon quite often, but then there were no sightings for a good while.
Members of the public are advised not to call but send a WhatsApp to CLAW on 076 850 4466 as the veterinary clinic is very busy and they do not have the time to answer calls.
According to CLAW, male baboons leave their maternal troop at some stage in their lives, and go in search of another troop to join.
CLAW has appealed to the community not to panic as the baboon is doing its best to avoid people and has no intention of harming anyone.
According to CLAW they have successfully trapped a vervet monkey in Soweto and can confirm that there is another baboon moving around in the Sandton area.
