Jeffrey the baboon has been safely captured and relocated to the mountains in Polokwane, after being on the loose in the residential areas of Johannesburg for two weeks.
Cora Bailey, Founder of CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare), confirmed that the baboon was safely capture on Good Friday, and moved to the mountainside out of danger’s way.
He is estimated to be about six-years-old, and was looking for a troop to join to avoid inbreeding. It is a natural movement for baboons of his age. He was spotted by residents in Quellerina, Northcliff, Helderkruin and Parktown.
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“We were able to trap him on Good Friday in the Helderkruin area in Roodepoort. We took him to a rehabilitation facility in Limpopo,” Bailey said.
She said it was a difficult task to capture him because he crosses the N1 twice, and moved as quick as 25km a day.
“We wish to thank the more than 800 people who sent Whatsapp location pins, called in sightings, or the hundreds of people who messaged to wish him well. Jeffrey is already at a Primate facility where he will shortly be released to give him an opportunity to find a “family “of his own,” Bailey said when they had captured.
Jeffrey was kept at the facility with other animals for a few days then released into the mountains, where he will hopefully find a troop to join.