The baboon is safe, rescuer assures

A baboon, whose picture was widely shared on social media recently, will soon find a safe and suitable home, its rescuer said yesterday.  

Bahraini Sayed Yousif Ahmed now owns the animal after buying it from its previous owner.

He told DT that the baboon was safe and being looked after well. Meanwhile he accused social media users of defamation. 

Ahmed explained that he rescued the animal last week after seeing it in a sorry state in another man's vehicle.

He was now using temporary solutions to keep the animal safe, but hopes to find a home for it in two weeks. 

He held discussions with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) about moving the animal to a safer home, suggesting Al Areen Wild Life Park.

Ahmed told DT News that he had already spend BD250 on the animal. 

“When a customer walked into my shop to buy some birds, I noticed a baboon in his pick-up vehicle in a terrible state,” he explained, “I felt sorry for the animal and decided to buy it.” 

“However, I felt really shocked to read what people had alleged about me on social media without knowing the truth,” he added. 

In a post on BSPCA’s Facebook page, he said, “I can’t put up with cruelty to animals. I assure everybody that the baboon is safe with me. I’m taking good care of it. I held the baboon outside the shop instead of placing it in a cage and regarded it as my personal friend. It was so hungry when I got it from the previous owner that I had to feed it well.”

“I approached BSPCA this morning to inform them of the situation. I was willing to cooperate with them to create a good life for the baboon. I had a nice talk with the manager of the organisation. He advised me on what I should do with the animal. We agreed that in maximum of two weeks time, the baboon will be surely placed in a safe and fun environment,” Ahmed said. 

“Following the guidance of BSPCA, the baboon will be taken from the shop to another suitable place where he can live in peace. I would like to thank BSPCA for their cooperation. I also appreciate all concerns regarding the animal from the community,” he added.