A juvenile baboon that had been roaming parts of Durban has finally been safely captured after several days of tracking and rescue attempts.
According to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), the animal was first seen in Umbilo last weekend near Wilson’s Wharf before disappearing from view. It was later spotted at a nearby warehouse, where the owner managed to lock it inside while CROW volunteers prepared a baited trap.
However, the baboon managed to escape once again, prompting a search across properties, roads and railway lines. CROW, working with the Durban and Coast SPCA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, also attempted to dart the animal, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
“While one of our team members managed to net the baboon, she managed to break out of the net and escape,” CROW said.
A second trap was eventually successful, allowing the team to capture the baboon safely. The animal has since been transported to CROW’s facility, where it will stay until another baboon — believed to be its mother — is also caught.
Carol Booth of Monkey Helpline explained that the animals are out of place in Durban. “Baboons are not endemic to Durban and this little one will not find any of its own kind. We do hope he or she is rescued and returned to be with other baboons,” she said.
It is suspected that the baboons may have stowed away on a vessel from Cape Town and disembarked at Durban Harbour.
Anyone who spots the second baboon is urged to call 082 411 5444 or 082 659 4711.
