When temperatures soar in Kruger National Park, many visitors head for the camp swimming pool through the heat of the day. As this video shows, some of the local residents also enjoy a cooling dip.
Jacques Schutte filmed this fun-filled footage and submitted it to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at the Skukuza Rest Camp swimming pool, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Poolside peace
When temperatures rise in Kruger, certain animals take to the water to cool down. Hyenas, wild dogs, baboons, and others are known to swim quite frequently.
However, since most rivers and dams in the park are also home to crocodiles and hippos, the practice is not without risk. So, it was perhaps for that reason that Jacques spotted a troop of baboons at the camp swimming pool.
To begin with, we see only one youngster, seemingly lost in thought at the water’s edge. Perhaps it doesn’t want to swim alone.
Troopmate arrives
Subsequently, a second baboon comes into view, sauntering around to the far side of the pool. Like the first baboon, its coat is partially wet.
Seeing this, the first animal gets up to meet his friend. Meanwhile, the second baboon stops next to the pool.
There it pauses, looking out over the shimmering water. At this point, both animals are calm, seemingly enjoying the safety of being within the camp.
Here for a drink?
Subsequently, the new arrival stoops down to the water….
It looks like it is about to have a drink. However, as you’ll soon see, it had other plans entirely.
Let’s get this party started
Instead of drinking, the baboon tenses its body before launching itself into the air. By its trajectory, we can tell that it knows exactly what it’s getting itself into.
After soaring through the air for a few seconds, the playful primate lands in the water, completely submerging itself in the refreshing water.
The baboon’s behaviour is clearly intentional, and it is obvious that the animal is out to enjoy itself.
Pool party gets underway
Seeing their compatriot in the water, other members of the troop rush in to join the fun.
While some jump straight in, others take a more cautious approach by climbing in carefully at the steps. Perhaps they saw the “No diving” sign.
Whatever the case, in a matter of seconds, the scene transforms from poolside peace to a full-blown pool party. Soon, no fewer than four baboons are cavorting as if it were the most natural thing for them to do.
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Splash n dash
For several minutes, the baboons play, chasing each other around and taking great delight in making big splashes when they jump into the pool.
Then, as if by some hidden signal, they begin to leave the water. While some sit in the sun, one goes to help another get out the water.
As social creatures, baboons look out for one another, often forming strong friendships within their troops.
Taking to the trees
With the pool party now over, the baboons start heading back into a place where we’d expect to see them: trees.
As the video comes to an end, the troop rushes off to continue with their day. Maybe now, Jacques can enjoy a swim of his own.
