A chimpanzee in Masindi district of Uganda attacked and killed a three-month-old baby, in what locals say is part of a growing pattern of human-wildlife conflict near Budongo Forest.
The attack occurred on Saturday morning when the child’s mother, together with other women, had gone to collect firewood near the forest. According to eyewitnesses, a large chimpanzee chased and grabbed the baby’s mother, struggled and overpowered her and then snatched the baby before running into the forest.
“As the mother was crying, the large chimpanzee threw the baby and ran away,” one of the witnesses was quoted as saying. The child sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival. The baby’s father, Julius Berea said he received the news while at work and rushed to the facility, only to find his child had died.
“I was informed that chimpanzees had attacked my baby. When I reached the clinic, it was already too late,” Berea said. Local authorities confirmed the incident and warned that such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent in the area. They said Chimpanzees have become a serious threat because they keep venturing into communities.
MG/abj/APA