Witnessing their kind under attack, dozens of chacma baboons banded together to confront a dangerous foe.
Crocs, often referred to as the kings of the swamp, dominate shallow waters, instilling fear in most animals when confronted. However, crocodiles do not always succeed in subduing their prey.
During a visit to the Kwando Lebala Reserve in Bwabwata National Park, Botswana, Craig Beal captured a rare sighting in the wild. It was the moment when a troop of chacma baboons launched an attack on a crocodile to rescue one of their own.
The video begins with a desperate chacma baboon thrashing in the river, its hind leg clamped in the jaws of a crocodile. On the shore, a troop of at least ten baboons watches intently.
It seemed the unfortunate baboon would meet its demise at the hands of the “king of the swamp.” Yet, with extraordinary effort and tireless determination, it crawled step by step toward the bank, hoping for rescue.
True to their nature, the troop sprang into action. They relentlessly clawed and bit at the crocodile, simultaneously pulling their trapped companion away from danger.
After a few tense minutes, the chacma baboon finally triumphed and crawled ashore. This swift action alerted the troop to the danger, prompting them to attack the predator to save their comrade.
Many comments on the video suggest that the baboon was incredibly lucky to receive help from its troop. Without their intervention, it would have almost certainly fallen victim to the enemy.
The troop rushes down to rescue their teammate.