A lone male baboon wandering around in Aerorand, Middelburg, in search of food, has been safely rescued and is now on his way to a new and hopefully happier chapter of his life.

The baboon, fondly called ‘Kees’, is believed to have been hand-reared and later irresponsibly released into the wild. He has become increasingly dependent on human environments to survive during the harsh winter months.

Unlike wild baboons that rely on the support and structure of a troop, Kees never integrated into a wild group, having missed out on critical socialisation and learning that normally takes place within a troop setting. Experts suspect that his early upbringing without proper preparation for reintegration into the wild left him ill-equipped for survival in a natural environment.

Kees is a classic example of what happens when wild animals are raised in captivity and then released without the skills they need to survive or the ability to join a wild troop. He’s been living as a solitary animal, which is highly unusual and stressful for a species that relies so heavily on social bonds.

Initial considerations were made to transfer Kees to a rehabilitation facility in another province, where integration into a suitable troop could be attempted. However, specialists determined that successful integration was unlikely due to his background and lack of social conditioning.

Instead, the Wildlife Paws Rehabilitation and Education Centre in Dullstroom will be offering him an assessment period, where his behavioural and psychological needs can be evaluated. If suitable, the centre may become his permanent home.

In a progressive move for wildlife welfare in Mpumalanga, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey Centre is collaborating with international primate behaviour specialists to ensure that Kees and others like him receive expert care. This initiative is being undertaken alongside the Wildlife Paws Rehabilitation and Education Centre, in an effort to build local capacity for handling complex wildlife cases within the province.

They are proud to be stepping up and taking responsibility for our province’s wildlife challenges. By bringing in international expertise and strengthening their local rehabilitation efforts, they hope to ensure that animals like Kees do not have to be relocated across the country and can instead find sanctuary and support right at home.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of improper wildlife handling and release. However, with collaborative efforts and a focus on ethical principles, there is hope for a brighter and more stable future for Kees and potentially many other species.

• The rehab centre would like to thank the CPF members, the Middelburg Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, and Deon Cornelius (uBhetyan O’Africa Wildlife Rescue Services), who were involved in his capture and relocation.

• If anyone would like to sponsor Kees or contribute to his care and rehabilitation, please call 071 516 0131.

@middelburgobserver

From the streets to a sanctuary. Watch the incredible rescue journey of Kees, the baboon who was safely captured in Aerorand in Middelburg and transported to the Wildlife Paws Rehabilitation Centre in Dullstroom.

♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver