Watch: Cape Town Stowaways or 'muti' market escapees? Baboons captured in Durban
DURBAN residents can breathe easier as both baboons that were loose in the city have been captured after a three-day pursuit.
The Crow team successfully trapped the juvenile primates, whose mysterious arrival had sparked speculation about their origins.
The baboons were first spotted in Glenwood and Umbilo on Monday.
One of them was captured after Crow had set a trap at Wilsons Wharf, soon after they were spotted on Wednesday.
Yesterday, Crow staff managed to capture the second baboon in Malvern, after residents spotted it on the roof of a garage at a storage facility.
Clint Halkett-Siddall, Crow’s operations manager, said both baboons would be housed at Crow until they were released.
“The baboon captured on Wednesday was taken to the vet and then to Crow. The baboon that was caught yesterday was taken to the vet. The second baboon decided to follow a local troop of vervet monkeys to a residential complex.
“Our team led by our clinic nurse and primate mom Liz set the trap. While our team was keeping the monkeys away from the trap, the baboon, enticed by the tasty treats, walked into the trap and the door dropped, successfully securing the baboon.
“The pictures and videos we received were deceiving and it turned out to be a juvenile male about the same age as the one caught yesterday.
“He has been taken to our vet for examination and will be transported back to Crow. Once back at our facility we decide on the next steps. We believe that the baboons have now been caught and residents of Durban can let their guard down. Both baboons are safe and secure,” Halkett-Siddall said.