TWO young baboons who made the headlines across Durban this week after reportedly arriving by ship from Cape Town were safely captured by the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) on September 25.

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On September 22, Clint Halkett-Siddall, director at Crow, issued a public warning after an adult baboon was spotted moving from the Durban harbour area towards Glenwood and Umbilo. The public were cautioned not to approach or chase the animal.

“The animal was visibly frightened, on the move and in need of professional handling,” said Halkett-Siddall.

What followed was a three-day nail-biting rescue operation between Crow, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Durban and Coast SPCA and Monkey Helpline. The first success came on September 24, when Crow caught a young female baboon in a trap set at a Durban warehouse. She was relocated safely to Crow’s new primate enclosures, where she is being cared for until she can be released back into the wild.

But the mission wasn’t finished yet. Reports were circulating on social media that there was a second baboon. On September 25, the rescue team responded to calls about yet another baboon in Malvern. The crew tracked it to an apartment building and set a trap, capturing what turned out to be a young male of the same age. It was taken to Crow for veterinary assessment and care.

“Both are safe and sound at Crow now,” said Halkett-Siddall.

The rescue mission was not devoid of drama. One of the juveniles escaped from a warehouse overnight, and it succeeded in evading capture despite having been momentarily netted by a Crow rescuer. The animals were seen darting across roads, railway lines, and even Wilson’s Wharf before they were eventually captured.

Halkett-Siddall welcomed the public and partner support but warned residents not to attempt to handle wild animals themselves. “Any attempt to harm these animals will be prosecuted. The welfare and safety of both the baboons and the public remain our top priority,” he said.

It is believed that the animals stowed away on a vessel from Cape Town and got off the vessel when it docked at the Durban harbour.

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