CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) have reached out on social media for people of the West Rand to help them track a wandering baboon.
West Rand, Gauteng (08 March 2021) – With wild animals appearing in the headlines more often than ever before, it is becoming evident what kind of role humans are playing in their lives. We have laughed at the idea of hippos in the suburbs and crocodiles on beaches but the reality is, the wild world is shrinking rapidly.
A baboon has been spotted roaming the West Rand and CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) are working with local law enforcement to make sure the baboon is able to exit the built up areas and finds its way to more wild spaces.
CLAW played a vital role in the capture and relocation of the Fourways Baboon back in November 2019. They managed to lure the terrified baboon into a hotel room in Sandton after tracking it for over a week.
This baboon’s behaviour is nothing new; the only reason it is now visible is due to loss of natural habitat. It is a sobering thought to realise that your home is situated on a space that was once designated for nature. In fact, it is quite heartbreaking to see hear about the baboon’s struggle to find its way to a natural environment not crowded by complexes, highways and curious humans.
Much like the Fourways Baboon, darting him isn’t an option. This is because he would most-likely attempt to get to safety in a tree or up a roof before the drug sets in, leaving him to fall from unknown heights into unknown situations.
“Dear friends and supporters on the West Rand,
We once again have a dispersing Baboon in the area of Roodekrans, Wilro Park and HelderkruinAll male Baboons and Vervet monkeys leave their troops at some stage. This is Nature’s way of preventing inbreeding.
Because we are encroaching on so many green corridors, sightings of these poor animals are obviously on the increase. Please note that we are receiving cooperation from all the communities involved, and are keeping track of his journey. He does not pose any danger unless he is deliberately cornered.
To assist us in keeping track of him, please inform your local security company of sightings, or join the Whatsapp group set up for this purpose”
You can get the WhatApp Group info here.
So if you see him, make sure your dogs are locked away and reach out on the group chat. The aim is to make sure the baboon exits the area unharmed.
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