The Story of a Baboon Serving as a South African Army in WW1
Jackie the Baboon
You may have heard the story of Jack, a baboon who worked as a train signal conductor in South Africa. However, you may be surprised to learn that Jack was not the only animal employed by this country's government.
Also, a baboon of the same species as Jack the Chacma baboon, Jackie served in the 3rd South African Infantry Regiment during World War I.
The early story of Jackie the Baboon
Jackie’s human story started in the early half of the 1910s, a pet to a man named Albert Marr.
Albert finds Jackie wandering around his farm and decides to train him as one of his family members, as others have done.
Jackie lived with Albert for several years and learned to be a wise and respectful baboon. Then in 1915, Albert Marr was listed to join the First World War.
Unwilling to leave his pet, Albert asked his superiors if Jackie could also join the army. And the answer given was surprising. This baboon was allowed to join them.
Enroll as a South African soldier
After registering, Jackie was treated the same as all the other soldiers. He was given a uniform, complete with…
