Python Swallowed Baboon Python in Action

Python Swallowed Baboon Python in Action While collecting data for research on a wild, habituated troop of chacma baboons in the Soutpansberg mountains, in South Africa, we were suddenly alerted by sharp screams several of them directed to the bottom of a tree. We got closer and discovered there a giant rock python wrapped around a juvenile baboon. It took some time before the oldest male of the troop finally took the initiative to brave the snake and tried to save the young one. The python had to free his prey to fight back and then escape. Unfortunately, the young baboon died later from his wounds. Who we think was his father carried him and stayed always by his side, probably til the end.I just wanted to share with you what happened next and what I will always remember as an amazing scene of solidarity among monkeys. Sorry for the extremely low quality of the footage, but that’s all I could do with my old compact camera.