The holiday season is almost here in South Africa, and one bushbaby has already kicked it off with an unexpected adventure to Cape Town.
Maurice the bushbaby found himself in unfamiliar surroundings over the past few days after accidentally slipping into the luggage of a Capetonian who recently flew out of Johannesburg.
According to Cape of Good Hope, the man was unpacking his cooler boxes, folding chairs, and baggage when he discovered an unusual creature — a Lesser Bushbaby, the only one of its kind spotted in the Mother City.
The gentleman immediately took Maurice to the SPCA’s Wildlife Unit, where he received a full check-up. Fortunately, he was found to be in excellent condition.
According to the Cape of Good Hope, with help from the Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, travel permits secured through CapeNature, and support from Airlink, Maurice was safely flown back home.
“It’s quite fitting that Maurice boarded his flight back to his roots just ahead of South Africa’s Heritage Day Celebrations” Belinda Abraham Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said.
“What wonderful tribute to the day it was to send Maurice back home and how better to celebrate it than with a show of unity for the protection of our natural heritage,“ Abraham added.
On Tuesday 30 September, Airlink took to social media to celebrate the bushbaby's happy return.
"After quite the adventure, Maurice is finally home! 💙🐾From Joburg to Cape Town and all the way back, Maurice the bushbaby has been on a journey like no other. After accidentally hitching a ride on a truck far from home, his unexpected journey was met with big care from his rescuers. Thanks to the dedication of #Airlink, @flyairlink_cargo, @CapeSPCA, @CapeNature, @JohannesburgWildlifevet, and @impactforwildlife, Maurice was safely flown to Johannesburg and returned to the home where he belongs."
Maurice is now at Casalinga, his beloved home.
"After a short period of rest and observation, he was released into his natural habitat at Casalinga, where he can swing, climb, and explore once again. A tiny life, a big adventure, and the happiest ending ✈️🫶," Airlink wrote.
Scores of people joined in the celebrations, hailing Maurice’s safe return as the perfect Heritage Day gift to his family in the bushes.
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