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Baboon bandit: how an unexpected hotel visitor turned a dream trip into comedy gold

Baboon bandit: how an unexpected hotel visitor turned a dream trip into comedy gold

IOL Newsa day ago
Illustration image. A baboon's cheeky antics have gone viral after it ransacked a couple at a Zambian hotel..
Image: Unsplash
It's not every day a couple gets mugged in their hotel room by an unexpected visitor.
But that's precisely what happened to American travellers, @heierman, while staying in Livingstone, situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
What they thought would be a peaceful retreat turned into a comical showdown with a crafty baboon determined to raid their room.
Sharing the entire encounter on TikTok, the couple introduced social media to their unusual assailant, who boldly opened the sliding door of their accommodation, which they had carelessly left unlocked.
"You fly 8 000 miles to Zambia/Zimbabwe for a dream trip and get mugged by a baboon. In your hotel room," the couple laughed as they recounted their peculiar event.
The footage, now viral with over 250 000 views, shows the baboon rummaging through their belongings with little regard for the couple's astonishment.
Tea, coffee, and sugar sachets from the hotel's hospitality kit were swiftly snatched, and it didn't stop there. The furry bandit rummaged through their cosmetic bags and luggage, making himself utterly at home.
Fortunately, the encounter was friendly - there were no injuries or hostilities involved.
The Heiermans recounted that this was not a singular occurrence; the same baboon made several return visits over the subsequent days, suggesting that their room had become a playful target.
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This whimsical tale struck a chord with netizens, who took to the comments section to share their own similar experiences or simply poke fun at the couple's unique misfortune.
@Rhoslynne chimed in: "Wow, last time I was there, they ransacked the room and took stuff from the coffee station, but I thought we might have left the door open."
@Ms P👊🏽 added: "They would never harm you as long as you stay out of their business of robbing you! 😂 Also, do lock the door next time."
@Michael noted the baboon's nonchalance: "The way he's just shopping around as he casually eats his fruity snacks and acts as if you don't even exist. 🤣🫣"
@user1590340131115 enthusiastically remarked: "It was an amazing trip though, right?!! We did South Africa and Zimbabwe/Zambia for Victoria Falls/Devil's Pool. Beautiful!"
For those unfamiliar, Livingstone serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, offering various adventure activities alongside exquisite wildlife viewing opportunities.
With its distinctive atmosphere, the area attracts countless visitors eager to explore the natural wonders of both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
For the Heierman couple, their unforgettable tale with the uninvited baboon is sure to be a lasting memory of their travels, adding a humorous twist to their dream holiday.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected encounters lead to the most cherished stories.
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