When we think of railway workers, we imagine humans in uniforms, signaling trains and ensuring passengers’ safety. But history holds a remarkable tale of a railway assistant who wasn’t human at all—it was a baboon named Jack. This true story from South Africa in the 1800s is so incredible that it sounds like folklore, yet every word is real.
A Signalman’s Struggle
James “Jumper” Wide was a railway signalman in Cape Town, South Africa. Known for his daring stunts, he once leaped between railway cars—earning him the nickname “Jumper.” But in a tragic accident, he lost both of his legs. With wooden prosthetics, life became a daily struggle, and performing his duties at the railway station seemed nearly impossible.
Meeting Jack the Baboon
One day, Jumper saw a baboon helping an ox-cart driver by steering the oxen with surprising skill. Amazed, Jumper bought the baboon, named him Jack, and brought him home. What started as companionship soon turned into something extraordinary.
A Monkey with a Job
Jack wasn’t just a pet—he became Jumper’s assistant. He learned to push Jumper’s wheelchair, fetch items, and eventually operate the railway signals under careful supervision. Passengers and workers were astonished to see a baboon handling such responsibility.
Tested and Trusted
At first, the railway authorities were skeptical. Could an animal really be trusted with safety? They decided to test Jack. The baboon passed every test flawlessly, pulling the correct levers whenever a train approached. From then on, Jack was given official work, earning 20 cents a day and half a bottle of beer every week as his wages.
Years of Loyal Service
Jack worked faithfully for nine years, never making a single mistake. He became a local legend, drawing visitors eager to see the railway’s most unusual employee. Sadly, Jack died of tuberculosis in 1890, but his story lived on.
The Legacy of Jack the Baboon
Today, Jack is remembered as more than just an animal helper. He symbolizes loyalty, intelligence, and the surprising ways humans and animals can work together. His skull is even preserved in a museum in Cape Town, a reminder of the baboon who made history on the railways.
✨ Moral of the Story: Sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places. Jack’s story shows us that intelligence and loyalty aren’t limited to humans alone.