In the late 1800s, a baboon named Jack was employed as a signalman by the Uitenhage railway in South Africa. Jack was the companion of James Wide, a railway worker who had lost both legs in an accident.
Wide trained Jack to operate the railway signals with his guidance, and the baboon quickly became exceptionally proficient.
Jack’s work was so reliable that he was officially hired by the railway, receiving rations as payment.
Over the course of his nine years of service, Jack never made a mistake, remaining a dedicated worker until his passing in 1890.
His story is widely remembered as a remarkable example of animal intelligence and collaboration with humans.
