A complaint became a jobSourced
The railway tested its baboon assistant
In 1881, South African railwayman James Wide bought Jack, a baboon, and trained him to operate signals under supervision. A passenger complained about the animal working the signals. Railway officials investigated, tested his abilities, and formally employed him.
The investigation ended with an official job.
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Jack (baboon) · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-10