Eric the Baboon on the road to recovery - Cape Town.

July 27, 2009

'Eric was alone when he came under attack'

Quinton Mtyala July 27 2009 at 08:01AM

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 & click_id=14 & art_id=vn20090727032126595C332479

Barelya week after he was attacked by two bull terriers in Kommetjie Road, near Ocean View, Eric the baboon is on the road to recovery.It is hoped Eric, at 20 the oldest baboon in the Cape, might soon return to the Slangkop troop after being displaced as the alpha male by two rivals.Merlei Martins of Baboon Matters said that on Friday night "Genius", as he is also known, started eating again."He started eating again two nights ago to our great relief... who has ever heard of a baboon who doesn't want to eat?"Martins said Eric's recovery was confirmed when he reached out for food that had been placed outside his cage.Continues Below ↓

Vets at the Fourways Veterinary Clinic, where Eric is being kept, have indicated that he might not require invasive surgery.He will be examined again today and could be released later in the week."It's important that he returns to his troop. We're trying to slip him into the troop as quietly as possible so that he is not noticed by the two alpha males," said Martins."There are chances that Jessie and Harry, who took over the the troop and are battling amongst themselves for ultimate supremacy, might kick him out. That's why he was alone when he came under attack." Martins said public support for Eric had been "absolutely awesome" since news of the attack last Tuesday which left his face and legs badly injured."School kids of the area have been dropping off food. We got so many bananas that we'll be able to bake several banana cakes." On Saturday, The Emma Animal Rescue (Tears) sold boerewors rolls to raise money for Eric's veterinary bill."He's the oldest baboon. If there's an ambassador for his species it would be him," said Martins.

quinton.mtyala

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 & click_id=14 & art_id=vn20090727032126595C332479