A Baboon Was Employed by a South African Railway in the 1880s

In the annals of unusual animal tales, the story of Jack the baboon stands out as a remarkable example of a creature performing tasks typically reserved for humans. This true story from the 1880s in South Africa involves a railway employee named James Wide and his unlikely assistant, a baboon named Jack.

Wide, who had lost both his legs in a terrible accident while working for the South African railway, struggled to perform his duties effectively. Desperate to keep his job, he discovered an ingenious solution in the form of Jack, a baboon he encountered leading an oxcart at a local market. Impressed by the animal’s intelligence and capabilities, Wide purchased Jack and trained him to become his assistant at the Port Elizabeth Railway Station.

The tale of Jack the baboon employee is not only an intriguing piece of South African history from the 1880s but also a testament to the extraordinary bond that can form between humans and animals. As the story unfolds, it reveals how a railway inspector’s innovative thinking and a baboon’s remarkable abilities combined to create one of the most unusual employee arrangements ever recorded.

Key Takeaways

• In 1881, a South African railway employee named James Wide trained a baboon named Jack to assist him at work after losing his legs in an accident.
• Wide discovered Jack leading an oxcart at a local market and was impressed by the baboon’s intelligence and capabilities.
• Jack the baboon became an official employee at the Port Elizabeth Railway Station, helping Wide perform his duties.
• This true story from the 1880s showcases the extraordinary bond that can form between humans and animals.
• The tale of Jack the baboon employee is a unique piece of South African history that demonstrates innovative problem-solving and the remarkable abilities of animals.

The Incredible Story of Jack the Baboon

In the 1880s, a remarkable story unfolded in South Africa involving a baboon assistant named Jack and his owner, James Wide, a railway signalman who had lost both of his legs. Wide, facing the challenges of his disability, found an unlikely solution in Jack, whom he purchased in 1881 and trained to become a unique service animal.

James Wide worked for the Cape Town–Port Elizabeth Railway service, and with Jack’s assistance, he was able to continue his duties as a signalman. Initially, Wide trained Jack to push his wheelchair, providing him with the mobility he needed to navigate the railway station. This was a time when the concept of service animals was not widely known or accepted, making their partnership truly groundbreaking.

As their bond grew stronger, Wide discovered that Jack had the potential to take on more responsibilities. He began training the intelligent baboon to operate the railway signals under his supervision. Jack quickly adapted to his new role, showcasing a remarkable ability to understand and execute the tasks required of a signalman.

However, convincing others of Jack’s capabilities was not an easy feat. Wide and Jack had to work together to demonstrate that they could effectively function as a team. Through their dedication and the support of a few open-minded individuals, they gradually gained acceptance within the railway community.

Jack’s role expanded beyond just operating the signals. Wide also taught him how to operate the station switchboard, further enhancing his contributions to the smooth running of the railway. The duo’s efficiency and reliability became the talk of the town, and their story spread far and wide.

Jack’s Railway Employment and Duties

After observing his owner, James Wide, operate the railway signals, Jack the baboon quickly learned how to perform the task himself. With his incredible intelligence and adaptability, Jack mastered the skill of throwing switches and changing tracks. Throughout his nine-year tenure, he carried out his duties with unwavering precision, never causing a single incident or accident.

As time passed, Jack’s competency as a railway employee grew to such an extent that he could perform his job without Wide’s direct supervision. Conductors passing through the area were often astonished to discover that a baboon was solely responsible for operating the railway signal system, a fact they could only confirm with their own eyes.

Jack’s unique employment situation eventually drew attention from higher-ups in the railway company. An official investigation was launched after someone reported witnessing a baboon changing railway signals at Uitenhage, near Port Elizabeth. Initially met with skepticism, the investigation ultimately confirmed Jack’s remarkable job competency, leading the railway to officially hire him as an employee.

As compensation for his services, Jack received a daily wage of twenty cents and a weekly allowance of half a bottle of beer. Throughout his nine-year career with the railway company, it is widely acknowledged that Jack never committed a single error, showcasing his exceptional intelligence and reliability as a service animal.

The Legacy of Jack the Baboon

The inspiring true story of Jack the Baboon celebrates the history of service animals and the powerful bond that can form between humans and animals. Jack’s unique employment case as a railway signalman in the 1880s highlights the incredible intelligence of baboons and their ability to perform complex tasks. His devoted friendship with his handler is a heartwarming example of the strong man-animal bond that can develop.

Sadly, Jack’s life was cut short when he died from tuberculosis in 1890, during an era when vampire panics swept New England during tuberculosis. His skull is preserved in the collection of the Albany Museum in Grahamstown, serving as a reminder of his extraordinary life and contributions. While Jack’s story is largely a positive one, it also raises important questions about the exploitation of wild animals, the ethics of keeping them in captivity, and the dangers of anthropomorphism.

Despite these complexities, Jack the Baboon remains a truly unique case in the annals of service animal history. His remarkable abilities and the close relationship he shared with his handler continue to captivate people to this day. Jack’s legacy serves as a testament to the profound connections that can exist between different species and the incredible potential of animals to assist and enrich our lives.