Primate Jeffrey’s month-long adventure comes to an end in Helderkruin field

The scenic surroundings of the beautiful expansive spaces in Roodepoort draw more than just your average nature enthusiast.

Johannesburg’s favourite baboon, who goes by the casual moniker ‘Jeffrey’, has finally seen his month-long saunter around the suburban streets come to an end. With the help of concerned residents, detailed tracking and a large steel cage, Cora Bailey of Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) was able to make the successful capture.

Jeffrey was tracked to the lofty ridge that divides Helderkruin and Little Falls, where he would take the bait, being trapped in the transporter cage just off Skyhawk Close sometime between 2pm and 3pm on Friday, 2 April.

“We had been following him quite intensely, plotting his favoured routes so we could then anticipate where he was going to be,” explained Cora.

The popular primate has been spotted by several residents and CCTV cameras from Krugersdorp to Parkview, raising concerns for his safety as well as the wellbeing of small dogs and children.

“The last thing we wanted to do was to have to catch him. We really wish there wasn’t a need to. Our only reason is that we are scared for his safety,” Cora said.

“I want to thank the people of the West Rand. Our Roodepoort community has been amazing and the people have shown what big hearts they have,” said Cora of the over 800 text messages she has received since Jeffrey first made an appearance.

The furry adventurer has since been taken to a rehabilitation facility in Limpopo where he will be slowly familiarised with other baboons before being re-released into the wild.