UPDATE – Loose baboon was shot in Secunda
The baboon was shot in Tugela Street, as per the Mpumalanga Dapartment of Tourism and Parks Agency's instructions, because it was brought to South Africa from Zimbabwe.
Jacques Fourie from StratconRisk explains why the baboon was shot.
UPDATE: The baboon was shot in Tugela Street, as per the Mpumalanga Dapartment of Tourism and Parks Agency’s instructions, because it was brought to South Africa from Zimbabwe.
UPDATED VIDEO’s ON THE SITUATION:
Ms Jenneth Geel explains here where the animal came from.
Apparently this animal was brought into the country from Zimbabwe as a pet, but it escaped. The baboon apparently lived in the Sasol Wildlife Centre and is probably looking for more food in the residential area.
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SECUNDA – A baboon on the loose has been spotted in Secunda today and yesterday (4 April).
The Highveld Ridge SPCA was alerted yesterday of the baboon near the traffic lights in Ext 22. They rushed out but could not locate the animal.
Another sighting was reported this morning at about 8.30am when four contract workers saw the animal between Tugela and Umfolozi streets. A video is also doing the rounds of the baboon being spotted in Tugela Street. The woman who took the video said she initially thought it was a dog.
This morning members from the Secunda Firebrigade, emergency services and SSS Security scanned the green strip in this area on the lookout for the animal.
Ms Jenneth Geel, senior inspector of the Highveld Ridge SPCA, said although there is a possibility that a resident illegally kept this animal. This large male baboon is considered wild and should be treated as such.
She said male baboons when fully grown will sometimes leave their troops in search of new families. “This could be the case. Please note that these animals are highly intelligent and will not be easily caught. It is best to leave them be.”
Ms Geel warned residents not to approach the animal, but rather to chase it off by making a noise. Baboons are dangerous. The animal is probably looking for food. “They are omnivores, so be careful with your pets. Keep their food inside. If the baboon does not find food, it will move off.”
Also remember, it is illegal to kill the animal without the proper approval from the authorities.
Do not corner the animal.
Contact Nature Conservation Ermelo office at 017 819 2827 and report sightings.
Also read: Highveld Ridge SPCA looks ahead one year after devastating fire
