Beloved baboon Quinton missing, residents urge help

Residents of Southern Cross are growing increasingly anxious as the search for Quinton, a much-loved local baboon, enters its second day. The beloved primate, who is known for staying close to his troop, went missing on the morning of October 29, sparking an outpouring of concern from the community. Volunteers, locals, and wildlife teams have been working tirelessly to locate him, and the Baboon Matters team has called on the public to assist in any way possible to reunite Quinton with his family.

Quinton, affectionately known as “Big Lad Quinton” to those who regularly spot him around the area, is a prominent member of a local baboon troop in Southern Cross. His sudden disappearance has left both residents and wildlife experts baffled and worried. Typically seen in close proximity to his troop, Quinton’s absence is considered highly unusual, and many in the community are struggling to understand what might have happened.

Community Concern Deepens

As soon as news of Quinton’s disappearance spread, residents began organizing their own search efforts. Social media has become a vital tool for locals to share information, spread the word, and urge anyone who might have seen the baboon to report sightings immediately. The Baboon Matters team has been working alongside residents, conducting ground searches in areas where Quinton is often spotted, but as of last night, no sign of the baboon had been found.

“The troop is not relaxed at all,” the Baboon Matters team shared in an update, referencing the anxiety felt by the other baboons as they roosted in De Hel overnight. “We are continuing the search in hopes of locating him and bringing him back to his family.”

Lynette Johnson, a local resident, expressed her distress over the situation, saying, “My heart sank when I read the news on social media. Quinton is never without his troop, and I can’t bear to think that something terrible could have happened to him.” Others, like Desiree van Nierop, shared heartfelt messages of hope for Quinton’s safe return: “I pray that he will be found safe and unharmed.”

The sense of urgency is evident, as volunteers continue to scour the surrounding areas for any sign of Quinton. Given his close bond with his troop, many are hopeful that he will be found soon, but the uncertainty of his disappearance has left the community on edge.

Search Efforts Intensify

The search for Quinton has been focused on key locations where the baboon is known to frequent. Volunteers have been combing the Diep River Trail, the De Hel area, and the surrounding regions near Bellevue Avenue, where sightings of Quinton and his troop are common. In addition to the ongoing physical search, the Baboon Matters team has requested that anyone with information immediately contact them or volunteer coordinators to report any possible sightings.

Bonita and Jennie, two key contacts for the search, are urging residents and hikers to remain vigilant. “If you see Quinton or have any information, please let us know as soon as possible. Every sighting could bring us closer to finding him,” said Bonita, one of the lead volunteers. Her contact number is 083 444 4674, while Jennie can be reached at 084 413 9482.

Local residents have also been sharing photos of Quinton on social media platforms to raise awareness and keep the search effort front and center. Many are hoping that widespread awareness will lead to someone spotting him and helping bring him back home safely.

A Community United for Quinton

While the search continues, the sense of unity within the Southern Cross community is evident. Neighbors, volunteers, and wildlife enthusiasts have all come together, driven by a shared love for Quinton and the desire to see him reunited with his troop. The bond between the baboon and the people of Southern Cross has always been strong, and Quinton’s disappearance has only deepened the sense of connection within the community.

The Baboon Matters team has reassured residents that they are doing everything they can to locate Quinton and are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. However, as the search enters its second day, there is still a pressing need for any leads that might help bring the missing baboon home.

The hope remains that Quinton will be found soon, safe and sound, and that his absence will be nothing more than a temporary scare. Until then, the Southern Cross community continues to rally together, hoping that their collective efforts will lead to a happy reunion for the popular baboon and his worried troop.