Rescue Mission Launched After Baboon Hitches Ride from Cape Town to Durban

• A juvenile Baboon is on the loose after it allegedly caught a lift on a ship from Cape Town to Durban
• It is reported that the baboon was spotted on a docked vessel at Durban Harbour before it disembarked and fled
• Efforts to rescue a young baboon wandering the streets of Durban continued on Sunday, 21 September 2025

A juvenile Baboon reportedly hitched an unexpected ride on a ship from Cape Town to Durban. Efforts to rescue the young baboon wandering the streets of Durban continued on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

Baboon trades Cape Town for Durban

The young baboon was first spotted on a docked vessel at the Durban Harbour before it disembarked and fled. Wildlife rescuers Steve Smit and Daniel Stewart, who form part of a specialist response team, spent the day tracking the animal but were unable to capture it on Saturday, 20 September 2025. They hoped for better luck today, 21 September 2025.

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This has caused concern on social media as the young baboon risks being caught, killed or burned. This allegedly results in the misconception in some communities that baboons are associated with witchcraft. Baboons are not native to Durban, leaving the youngster isolated and vulnerable without its friends.

South Africans weigh in

Social media users shared their opinions regarding the young baboon.

Annelize Oosthuizen said:

"He wanted to become a Durbannite instead of a Capetonian."

Carin Cloete said:

"Is there maybe a pet tracker or K9 team that can assist in finding this baby, or at least track scent to know in which direction or in which area, for trapping...just wondering if it will help?"

Diana Dreboldt said:

"Gosh, people are bonkers believing nonsense about baboons. Shame. He’s so far from home."

Susanna Hermina Wise said:

"I do hope that the baboon is found and returned to CT before something awful happens to it."

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Janet Macgregor Naude said:

"How awful and terrifying for this young baboon. Thank you for trying to help him. We all need to spread the word and be vigilant. This little guy could be anywhere."

Sue Edgar said:

"Could they be escapees from someone peddling them near the docks."

What you need to know about baboons in SA

• Briefly News also reported that several people in Simon's Town, Western Cape, gathered to show support for the baboons in the area. The protesters were against the decision to remove five troops of baboons and shared their thoughts on the matter.
• A baboon that went on the loose in Northcliff, Gauteng, has not been found, and South Africans made jokes. The primate was last seen roaming the streets on 22 June after it was reported missing a day before.
• A baboon's mischievous antics were caught on camera and left many South Africans stunned and amused. The TikTok video went viral on social media, gathering loads of views, likes, and comments.
• A woman who was eager to enjoy the outdoors uploaded a scary encounter she had with wildlife between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• A group of students went toe to toe with intrusive and unforgiving baboons that invaded their student accommodation.

Source: Briefly News