As the National Council of SPCAs continues our investigation and monitors the situation at the East London Zoo, it is confirmed that criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid against all responsible for: cruelty, suffering, neglect and unacceptable conditions found at the facility.
Discovery of suffering:
This follows an unannounced pro-active inspection by the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit on Thursday 26 May 2017. They were informed that the male Chacma baboon, William, was suffering from some form of paralysis in his hind legs and that a Veterinarian had been contacted the previous day, but that he would only be available to attend to the animal on Friday 27 May.
The male baboon appeared lethargic in his enclosure. He moved by dragging his lower body. In the light of his severely limited movement and his general body condition which was considered to be shocking, the NSPCA Inspectors issued a Warning in terms of the Animals Protection Act, requiring the baboon to be examined by a Veterinarian by close of business and the report to be forwarded to them.
The Warning was not complied with and no Veterinarian had been in attendance. The baboon had not been assisted and was left to suffer.
The NSPCA’s return visit the following day revealed a significant deterioration in the condition of the baboon. He had open, bleeding wounds and was found in the exact area as the previous day.
The concrete flooring around the animal was covered in blood and pieces of his flesh were visible. Inspector Cassandra McDonald stated that “The stench of urine was overpowering and unbearable. Flies were swarming around the animal. In my opinion, the baboon was in severe distress.”
The baboon was still on public “display”
The Zoo superintendant confirmed that the baboon had not been able to reach his night quarters and had spent the night in the spot where he had been the previous day.
The serious and worsening condition of the animal led to the NSPCA requesting that the baboon be signed over into our custody to render assistance. He had large open wounds and lesions on his buttocks and flesh had been eroded away. The wounds were infested with maggots and the baboon appeared to be grossly underweight.
To prevent further suffering, the baboon was humanely euthanased on site. The result of the post mortem examination is awaited.
A further Warning in terms of the Animals Protection Act was issued to the East London Zoo on 28 May, citing further contraventions of the Act to be rectified.
Those responsible will be held accountable.
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