Baboons in South Africa have found an ingenious way of avoiding lions – by clinging to a bridge for dear life. The primates, who live in the Kruger National Park, have been observed hanging from a bridge that spans the Crocodile River, which separates them from the lions. The baboons, who are used to the routine of crossing the river to forage for food, have been seen clinging to the bridge in an effort to avoid the lions. According to witnesses, the primates can be seen hanging from the bridge, with their faces towards the river, for up to half an hour at a time.
The bridge provides a safe haven for the baboons as the lions cannot cross it. The bridge is also higher than the surrounding landscape, making it difficult for the lions to attack the primates from below. The baboons’ behaviour is not a new phenomenon and has been observed for many years, with some researchers suggesting it may be a learned behaviour, passed down through generations.
The baboons’ use of the bridge as a refuge has been compared to the way humans use buildings to protect themselves from the elements. The bridge, which was built in the 1950s, has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to the area to witness the baboons’ ‘hanging act’. The baboons’ use of the bridge to escape from lions provides a fascinating insight into their behaviour and the ingenuity of the primates, who are adept at finding creative solutions to dangerous situations. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the natural environment, so that animals like the baboons can continue to thrive.
