Two buffaloes were recently spotted walking down a major highway on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, causing a stir among motorists. The sharp-horned bovines, each weighing up to 800 kilograms, posed a significant danger due to their grumpy and unpredictable nature. City authorities swiftly mobilized to capture and relocate the buffaloes to ensure public safety.
After disappearing following their highway escapade, a security and risk assessment company utilized a helicopter equipped with an infrared camera to track down the elusive animals. The buffaloes were eventually located in a bushy area near OR Tambo International Airport, where plans were made to tranquilize and transport them safely.
Veterinarian Cliff Bull, tasked with darting the buffaloes, highlighted the challenges of moving such large animals through uneven terrain and thick bush. The operation will involve guiding the tranquilized buffaloes onto a truck using cattle prods, as physically carrying them out would be extremely difficult.
Bull emphasized the complexity of herding buffaloes, noting their ability to evade detection despite their size. This incident is not the first of its kind for Bull, who has previous experience in safely removing wild animals from urban areas, including a leopard found in a laundry room and a bushpig roaming the streets near a financial district.
Reports suggest that the buffaloes may have been roaming the region for months, with previous sightings dating back to April. The upcoming operation to relocate the buffaloes will require careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of both the animals and the public.
