Bushbaby's accidental journey to CPT ends with VIP flight back to Gauteng

A little lesser bushbaby this week found himself transplanted from his homeground in Fourways, Johannesburg, to Cape Town, through no fault of his own.

The big-eyed creature, since dubbed Maurice, somehow found himself tucked into a transport truck bound for Cape Town following a music festival in Jozi.

When he woke up, he was far from home - 1 400 km, in fact.

And even more problematic, Maurice was now in a province where bushbabies don’t naturally occur.

When he was discovered, the tiny hitchhiker was immediately taken to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA where he was given a full veterinary check-up.

"Apart from a slightly confused expression and an appetite to match his energy, he was in excellent health."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

The next step of course, was to get Maurice back to his natural habitat.

With help from the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and considering the festival location, the local SPCA was able to pinpoint the very colony the teeny primate had strayed from near Fourways. 

With permits to travel secured through CapeNature, and the support of regional carrier Airlink, Maurice was able to catch a flight back home.

It's appropriate that this VIP bushbaby travelled home just before Heritage Day, said the SPCA.

"How better to celebrate it (Heritage Day) than with a show of unity for the protection of our natural heritage."

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

They've now reported that Maurice has since touched down safely in Joburg where he would be rejoining his family.

"For a wild spirit like his, captivity was never an option – and we're overjoyed to be part of his journey back to freedom. Maurice’s story is proof that when hearts unite, no distance is too far, and no challenge too great."

Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital