It was the afternoon of the 16th of August 2021 and Joubert and I were parked on the shores of Sunset Dam, just outside Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park, enjoying the serene scenes playing out all around us as a myriad of birds and animals, including a troop of Chacma Baboons, mingled at the water’s edge.

Baboons peacefully foraging on the shore of Sunset Dam

Suddenly there was a frightful commotion as the baboons started screaming in alarm. Almost immediately we noticed a young baboon, shrieking to high heaven, being chased by two slightly older “teenage” baboons. This in itself was not abnormal, as there is often disagreements in a baboon troop, and peace usually returns quickly after the necessary discipline has been dispatched. The young baboon rushed into the muddy water at the dam’s edge, eliciting even more worried squeals from its mother as Sunset Dam is home to some monster crocodiles.

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

However, as soon as one of the “teenage” baboons got hold of the youngster, it was clear that this attack was much more sinister. We have no idea about their motive, but judging by the viciousness of their bites to the skull, neck and throat and the very rough way they tried to pull the younger baboon apart limb from limb, there was no doubting that the two teenagers were intent on killing their unfortunate target. At one stage early into the encounter an adult, perhaps the mother of the younger one, tried to intervene but this proved only a temporary reprieve – instead of running away the badly injured youngster tried to hide in the mud again where he was soon cornered once more.

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam (photo by Joubert)

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon murder

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

Baboon attack at Sunset Dam

By now the attack had gone on for about four minutes. Probably as was to be expected, the fracas attracted the attentions of a large crocodile that was hitherto lying dead still on the bank. With the tables likely to be turned on them within a second, the attacking baboons let go of their quarry and ran for safety.

A crocodile breaks up the fight (photo by Joubert)

A crocodile breaks up the fight (photo by Joubert)

A crocodile breaks up the fight

The youngster that was so viciously mauled also scampered away, heading over the road towards the Sabie River, and out of our sight. His attackers apparently also lost track of him, as they searched every bush in the general vicinity looking for the young baboon without success.

One of the murderous baboon “teenagers” passing by us as he looks for their victim. (photo by Joubert)

Whether the little one could’ve survived its injuries we’ll never know, nor whether the murderers managed to track him down and finish the job… This definitely was one of the most harrowing experiences we’ve ever had in the bush.