The Life Story of Cindy the Baboon

Hi everyone,
Welcome to my channel.
I'm very excited to share with you the life story of my Sister Cindy, the 29 year old rescue baboon. My parents took her in when she was just a couple of weeks old as she was found by farmers, without a Mother. This was 5 years before I was even born, so we've literally grown up together.
The video has lots of old photos of Cindy for you to enjoy and really get to know my beautiful Sister. I love her more than words can say and am so grateful for all the love and support she receives from you too! May she have many more years left yet!
Ruben 🇳🇦
*None of the animals featured on this channel are pets, they all live a natural life outside (no cages or captivity) where they feed on natural food around our farmstead just like it should be 👍
Subscribe to my KZbin channel: @Rubennamibia
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Follow my travel account on Insta: @idreamnamibia

[@user-mf6nu3sy4y]

Huge respect young man for sharing Cindy's life story. You will grow to be a father of note with an unmatchable gentle and loving heart. Your Mom and Dad are beautiful people for letting Cindy share in your lives. ❤

[@davidsauls9542]

I watched this while my 20 year old cat is sleeping in my arms. He also sleeps a lot now and I am so grateful for every moment. You are wise beyond your years.

[@CristinaF210]

aw and yes enjoy every minute, i completely believe and KNOW theres is NOTHING like the love of an animal you have raised, nothing, they really are priceless so I wish you the happiest days to come with your baby cat they are always your babies no matter how old, and God bless you both, its very emotional when they get old its the only thing is theyre life is so short, must enjoy every moment and LOVE them day and night and spoil them day and night, they deserve it right? God bless 💘

[@allisoncompeaux3981]

She is obviously very special to all of you. She is truly beautiful. Wishing her comfort and joy. ❤

[@troutfisher7182]

Almost everything one sees about baboons makes them out to be dangerous and scary. I'm glad Cindy can be an ambassador of her kind and show us a different side. She's a lovely sister.

[@MrFloppyHare]

It's so beautiful to call her your sister. She really is.

[@konradyearwood5845]

He calls her his big sister.🙂 Now that is special.

[@X_85]

What a polite, smart, handsome and charismatic young man. You can tell a lot about a man by the way they treat animals, and it's evident that he has a lot of compassion. The Afrikaners are such lovely, warm people. Truly the salt of the earth type of people. I have watched every video and every short on this channel by now and it fills me with pride and hope seeing such kind and caring young men.

[@sallysorrentino4013]

And very pleasing to look at too ! 😅

[@shanec9325]

Well said

[@celestinevander4079]

I really appreciate your comment. I am a South African who has been living in the UK for the last 15 years, as my husband is British. It has been great with lovely people. However, I miss the sincerity, warmth, down to earth attitude, genuine caring and love and respect for each other, nature and annimals of people in SA.

[@jeaguiardod]

Cindy is loved and she knows this. And she loves you back. Hold onto this! Everyday with her is a blessing for all of you.

[@Robert-bg7bl]

She’s been apart of your family for many years. Also a childhood friend. What a beautiful friend indeed.

[@SB-mm9zh]

Just remember you have given Cindy the best life ever. She would not have survived or had any life but for you and your family. For any beloved animal this is what you ask yourself when they're gone "did I do the best for him/her?" and you have.

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

That made me cry. My father was a zoo veterinarian when I was a child. I love animals so much and learned to recognize their various voices and postures. Thank you for sharing Cindy’s story.

[@Leguminator]

It's a mistake to underestimate what our non-human companions bring to our lives, they're gifts. I just lost my cat after 22 years and I'd forgotten life without him, he was family.

[@chancegivens9390]

I know that feeling all too well... I lost my boy Maxx two days ago, and I'm trying to figure out life without him.

[@chancegivens9390]

Good luck to you

[@junecat1597]

​@@chancegivens9390God bless you as you feel your way adjusting to life without Max. I've been there. You can do it. 😇😌💕

[@mariestreeting4213]

@@chancegivens9390So sorry, it’s never easy ❤️

[@mariestreeting4213]

You’ve given him 22 years of love. It will be hard for quite awhile ❤️

[@chefmichaelt]

I am crying so hard thinking about when she passes on. I believe that all animals have a place in heaven.

[@Ste967]

I recently lost my 13 years old german shepherd and during the last months of his life he was very sleepy too. I miss him so much. I think that this is normal during last chapter of their life. Love what you do for Cindy. Cheers from Italy ❤

[@carrotcake2429]

Cindy has lived such a long and happy life because of the love and care you have given her. If the world was full of people like you and your family, it would be a happier place.

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much

[@bradleysmith9431]

I just lost my 15 year old dog. Got him when I graduated high school. He was my best bud.

[@ssc125]

Thank you for sharing her life with us! My heart broke a little when you were thinking about her not being there with you! She is so precious and is your life! Don't worry about being emotional as Cindy knows how much you love her! ❤

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much. I got emotional watching it back!

[@stevenhalley2811]

I think we all got emotional at the same time during your story, Thank You for sharing!

[@kim.4100]

What a special relationship. ❤

[@FloridaFarmingFamily]

​@@Rubennamibia Just wondering if you have a mailing address or either a PO Box set up yet for those of us who really would like to send you some gifts for Cindy, because we would love to send her some really nice treats to enjoy, as well as also some for all of the other beautiful animals that you have running around over there on your beautiful farm & then MAYBE you could even set it up to actually record you helping Cindy open all of her gifts & actually watch any & all of the action, excitement &/OR caos and then of course we also want to watch her as she (hopefully) actually enjoys all of her special lil' treats & goodies! God Bless you & your beautiful family, from our family here in Florida, USA 🇺🇸 ~♥︎~

[@Mcfreddo]

We can all feel for you man. Loss is so very hard, but none of us would deny the loving of another cherished like Cindy, as you do and your family does. Hugs to all.

[@6d9dnd74]

I never knew i could have loved a baboon so much 😢

[@soberstudy160]

Being around animals gives you understanding, a lot of people don't get that change but get to see it here on youtube. It's important to see this, we are still part of nature

[@marth9660]

I’m sitting here in Scotland in total wonder. You are really amazing for being such a warm and loving big brother to Cindy and for sharing her life (and yours) with us. ❤🙏🏽

[@user-vs2th2id5v]

She was so lucky that she ended up with your family.

[@josephjanitorius797]

Cindy is truly fortunate to have such a loving family for her entire life.

[@tontoepstein6860]

OK, but his story at the beginning of this video about how the animal was originally obtained is absolute bullcrap. "The neighbors called my parents and said, "We found a baby baboon without a mother." *Horsehockey!!!* Have you ever seen videos of primates with their newborn offspring? The mothers and the offspring are bound together at all times like they're wrapped in heavy-duty Velcro. There is precisely a 0% chance the neighbor simply found that baboon, and there is precisely a 0% chance that this guy's parents didn't know that. That baboon was poached and was a transaction in the illegal pet trade. Point blank. I think it stinks that this guy would sit there with a straight face and knowingly lie to people just so he can make money from social media and goose his tourist safari business. It may have occurred before he was born, but he's not some naive bumbling idiot who fell out of the back of a turnip truck. He knows the truth, just say it.

[@carlychichester5271]

Her long, healthy life is a testament to this family’s love and care for this delightful “old lady.” ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@plankface]

My gosh I LOVE her….this is why YT is so great….living half a world away, but getting to learn all about Rubens sister, Cindy….it’s beyond awesome…the work and sacrifice is mind boggling. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@andrewkeller2842]

You know you are good at conveying your feelings when u are able to make a 50 yr old man who lives in a different country (& who hasn’t watched any of your other videos) cry from your touching words and emotionally rich delivery. You are a special young man with an incredibly unique bond to an animal who is also a true family member!

[@angelicajacobs584]

We always say our childhood dog stole a packet of 2lbs of chocolate hershey kisses - we were crying she was going to die ...she lived 19 years... we said it was the hershey kisses ha! I think its so beautiful that you and your brother have grown up side by side with her and the other animals. I love how motherly she is with the other animals. I've always loved baboons eyes - you can see the emotion in them. Love to you Cindy and your farm family!

[@domaybotha8572]

Ex South African here. Love watching your videos. Miss the wild life the most. Ek se baie Dankie vir wat julle doen.

[@Minetty]

Ek stem saam! So mooi ons afrikaners en ons mooi diere ❤

[@kevscranes]

Cindy one very fortunate baboon to be rescued by you wonderful kind people.

[@user-rz3gv2gp9y]

So so precious. My grandpa when he was alive took in orphaned bears squirrels bobcats and all sorts of critter's. He used to show them off when tourists would come through our reservation in Cherokee NC and charge a dollar to try and get funds to help feed them. It was a lot of fun and a beautiful learning experience

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

That would be a good book.

[@bigdaddydaddy3203]

29 years probably one of the oldest living baboons in the world u brought tears to my eyes when u got emotional she really is like a sister I wish I could give her another 29 years to live love u Cindy ♥️✌🏼☺️

[@user-cc5od3zk4p]

It will be heartbreaking for us all when Cindy crosses the rainbow bridge. Thank you for sharing your life and Cindy with all of us ❤️

[@OhGummy]

That’s family right there. It’s written all over your face how much you love her, and I’m sure she feels the same way. I hope you guys have plenty more time together! ❤️

[@JustiisLeague]

I cried when you said you were getting emotional. I know and I feel that you love her so so much ❤

[@petroferreira1052]

You deserve to be part of National Geographic channel, I sure hope they could dedicate a program about Cindy's story, well done to you and your mother a great example how we are supposed to take care of animals

[@shadowbanned1999]

Nat geo doesmt deserve him.

[@mosterli]

Ruben & Cindy - thank you for sharing your fabulous life with us 🩷 I can really see the Baboon toes sticking out under the curtains 😂 Cindy 🩷

[@vloggynana]

I lost a wild companion animal of 35 years ,( not primate)13 months ago, I understand the commitment, and the attachment. Thank you for sharing.

[@Pamela-jb3nz]

We resurendered ours after 6 years she destroyed our home furniture landscape and attacked our dog until we gave our neighbors our dog monkeys are not pets not ever it's a life time commitment don't do it!!!

[@keithweiss7899]

I think the best thing in the world is to watch a baboon lip smacking! The short clips of her doing that made me smile! Thank you for that smile because my wife is dying of MDS, epilepsy and Parkinson’s and I am in high pain 24/7 despite having a pain pump delivering morphine all of the time. So smiles and laughs are so very special to me! All my best to you, and please groom Cindy a bit, from me. Thank you!🥲

[@Rubennamibia]

I'm so sorry to hear that and I'm glad that this video brought you some joy. Lots of lip smacking in the next video on Friday too! Sending you and your wife best wishes

[@keithweiss7899]

@@Rubennamibia Thank you so much! We are “Kindred Spirits”. You have a short time left with Cindy and I have a short time left with my Barbara. Barbara doesn’t lip smack however😊 All the best to you and Cindy.

[@franciscochagas5395]

Vocês tem sorte e um grande coração. Quem poderia no mundo viver essa experiência com tanto carinho e amor ? Emocionante ouvir sua narrativa. Dê um beijo em Cindy por mim.

[@user-bl1ds6cj8t]

Please give her chair to sit like yours, so she can be comfortable at this age, she is part of your family , so sweet 😘

[@lorry2763]

Cindy is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing her with the world. ❤

[@kenpalicki5162]

I love her and I love ur love for animals. Cindy,u r BEAUTIFUL!

[@Christy-tg2ln]

I can't believe there is finally someone who is loving and caring😃so very very happy you just made my evening. Thank-you!

[@ForeverBells712]

Thank you for sharing Cindy’s story with us. You’re beautiful, Cindy ❤

[@JoanWhack]

Can you imagine being a lost little baby baboon, and being brought into a family that will love you forever no matter what. Baboons live hard lives in the wild, and Cindy was blessed with a family who has given her a beautiful life. 29 is an excellent age, I think she’s keeping strong and healthy because she’s a secret tea drinking Brit. I’m so glad she’s still around, that you’ve had this wonderful unique relationship with her, that you got to make memories together. Baboons get a bad rep, but Cindy is a baby. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you all only the best in life. Also your mum, is an angel.

[@lynneaiken1647]

That's beautiful...💜☺️

[@tiffsjourney877]

Cindy is beautiful and thank you for sharing her precious story. I can tell how much you and your mom love her and how much she loves yall. ❤❤❤

[@johnsmith4589]

Who knew an old, blind baboon could bring a tear…? Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your part of the world. 😎

[@EggJump]

She is just a sweet old lady. I love her so much!

[@swerdna77]

Thank you for sharing Cindys story. It brought me to tears. What a special girl she is.

[@founde4435]

Me too I got emotional when you start talking about her age and life expectancy...

[@gerundioreoyo7282]

We just met Cindy. My entire family saw the video. We are in tears of joy. Thank you for sharing. We pray for you and your family, including Cindy.❤❤

[@DerkBerkowitz]

Cindy is the best! She's blessed to have you in her final days. ❤

[@barbaraolsem5150]

She's a real sweetie pie. Thank you for sharing. It's always heartbreaking when we lose one of our fur babies. They leave us with wonderful memories and moments we'll treasure for the rest of our lives.

[@elsabenortje6811]

And now I'm teared up.! Beautiful story

[@lunaj.6272]

Thanks so much for taking us on Cindys ride through this world. Tears coming up when you said she might be the oldest of her race...she is such a wonderful, cute, great soul, hope so much she will stay with you and us for a couple more years!!! Please pass a special cuddle and hug from Vienna!! ❤️🤗😘

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much and I will!

[@sallysorrentino4013]

MY GOD HE IS A GORGEOUS HUMAN !!! 😮😮😮😮❤

[@1c1pal]

What about Cindy?

[@rockowilson2320]

He could be an elite male fashion model. Why is he wasting his time on youtube? He could eventually transition from modeling to acting. The sky is limit. 😅

[@oliverarchibald8309]

She has been important in your life and it shows

[@marawatson6257]

Thank you for such a beautiful video, what a wonderful relationship you have with Cindy, a big thank you to your Mum for taking Cindy under her wing and loving her for all of her naughty years.

[@smilingthrudabs9627]

Bless you and your family for taking such good care of her, just like you would a member of the family. Because thats exactly what animals become, a member of our families. Your story and memories you shared are beautiful, and brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing them, and sharing Cindy and your other beautiful animals. Take care ❤️.

[@Nguoiren]

why wouldn't men like this rule the world? it would be so peaceful, for all.

[@debrabolton9372]

Aww, how sweet she is. You and your family have taken such care of her. I can feel for you. She is a member of your family. ❤

[@kevinhinton3404]

Just the best video ever. I could sit and listen for hours and hours. Please give Cindy lots of cuddles from all of us. She is one very rare and lucky soul ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much

[@michaelrosspearson9756]

Handsome.

[@Reneekincaid]

Omg this made me cry... I have a monkey that I absolutely love as my child, I can't imagine 😢❤❤❤ how beautiful of a life

[@cocochanel6495]

Having and taking care of animals make us better human beings. They teach this to us because of their loyalty, love and honesty. The World is better because of the beautiful animals everywhere.

[@tonyvandermerwe4266]

ALL life is precious and if within our own existence we can have relationships such as this we should know that we are blessed and extremely fortunate ....Thank you for sharing .

[@bill90405]

I don’t know how to compare it, Cindy was with your family a whole dog’s life before you were born. Now she has lived two more dog’s lives with you. Im glad you understand what a long outstanding life she has lived, but it will someday end. No amount of preparation can shield you from that. My grandma lived 94 years, the last eight in a home with dementia. We had years to prepare, but when she finally went it was hard. You will have al these videos to watch though. I wish we had vides of grandma. Peace.

[@d.jacksonayers1235]

Thank you for sharing! This is why I love the internet. Such amazing stories to be shared and told! Thank you!

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you!

[@Jelam1]

Cindy is such a gift 💝

[@drchangtorres]

Beautiful story.

[@MichaelOliver-ry7fj]

One cannot stop aging, be one a Baboon or a human.. Bless Cindy and her family.

[@stephenregan5688]

Very touching Ruben. Hope she’ll be ok for a while yet.

[@paulguerrero9992]

Hi Ruben. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and see the beautiful things in this world like Cindy. Love to sister Cindy

[@robertselmer-olsen9112]

All your videos are so lekker. I'm glad that the world gets to see how people live in Southern Africa. I hope more people across the world see what life is like here.

[@user-ps5er4ff2s]

I was going to say that Cindy is the luckiest baboon ever but watching your video its absolutely clear that you & your family are just as lucky to have Cindy as she is to have all of you. What an amazing video Ruben! 😎👊💪

[@reneemills-mistretta790]

I'm so glad you did this for us. Yes, I love Cindy. And love to hear about her life. She is most definitely a family member to you. ThankQ for this. ❤❤

[@j.d.youtube6557]

You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your and your sister’s story.

[@fee4900]

Cindy loves that you are petting her head. It's putting her to sleep. She is such a sweet heart ❤️.

[@tanyaroberson9629]

Awww! Cindy is very sweet. I have taken care of lots of senior animals. My advice is keep them well hydrated. Like mix extra water into food for hydration.

[@MrHuismeester]

A beautiful story and i get emotional by the moment you told she is in the winter of here Life and one day in the future you have to deal that she will traveling in a other direction then yours...Until that time enjoy every moment with here. Such a nice video and thanks for sharing.....

[@cellman1829]

What a great relationship you have with Cindy and all the animals. Your family are awesome people. May you have many more years with your best friend ♥️♥️ United States

[@barbarabruce7648]

I have also grown up with a cockatoo that my parents rescued as a chick from a bad situation. A few years before I was born. Cocky ( blame my sister for the name) , is in all our birthday photos. Can't imagine life without him. Cocky is 60 years old and saw my parents as his parents. He views me as a sister. He has a sense of humour. Laughs when we trip or slip, calls us all by name. I'm Bubsi to him. His little sister. What a treasure to have grown up with Cindy. I love this story.

[@user-mh1px1bh4q]

Вы доказали, что взрослая гамадрил может спокойно жить рядом с людьми❤️

[@msannasstorytime6914]

Baie dankie dat jy dit met ons deel! My hele lewe is ek so bang vir ‘n bobbejaan agv nare insident met een, maar Cindy maak my hart sag 😊

[@LacosteAlain]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH RUBEN FOR THE VIDEO...SO TOUCHING ❤❤❤

[@simplesimon4957]

❤ Beautiful life ❤ Thank you ❤❤

[@cyberessa]

Thank you for sharing Cindy's and your story with us. The relationship between man and wild animals is so unique and quite entertaining!

[@durchlaucht7050]

What a beautiful life your family has given her!!!

[@markdittbenner9949]

We all love Cindy and thanks for sharing her with us we all will be sad when her time comes to move on she's had a wonderful life with you and your family❤

[@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267]

love her and thank you and your family for taking care of her.. greetings from The Netherlands...

[@julieclayton-west624]

Ruben is so adorable if he didn’t exist you’d have to make him up. What a beautiful soul and what a fabulous sister he has in Cindy. 🇳🇿

[@renatanahlovska3439]

Díky moc,uzasne❤

[@christineburgess3423]

Love Cindy. Thank you for sharing her story. ❤ I'm still emotional & teary after watching and how much she means to your family.

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much

[@jenniferjennyjen211]

That story is truly beautiful. Your Mom is an amazing person. Thank you for all that you do for Cindy.

[@andyroo9381]

I understand where you are at. I have a 14yr old, female, dog. She is at the horizon of her life. She has lost her hearing and sleeps most of the day. I've had her since she was 6 months old. A stray dog, living in a parking lot, that I trapped and took home. Now, here we are.

[@roccosophie6498]

Congratulations! That is another true success story. Living to 14 is outstanding for dogs. You must have given her a wonderful life with great love and respect.😊

[@pommiebears]

I lost my most handsome boy, Sherman, at 15 years old. We had him gently put to sleep, as he had cancer and he had stopped eating. It was my last show of absolute love for him, to be able to let him go. And, I’ve grieved for him, badly. Still do, always will. I think of him every day, and still sometimes think I’m going to see him in the morning, then I remember he’s gone. I have his ashes right here with me, and I will see him again one day. Remember, a dog is a big part of your world, but you are their ENTIRE world. Kisses to your lucky dog 🐶 ❤

[@louiseharris8809]

Thank you Ruben for sharing her life story. So special 😢❤

[@Lifewithpersians]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! Cindy is a treasure and you are all blessed to have each other.

[@rebeccaboisvert6758]

I enjoyed seeing your video. Cindy was blessed to have you and your family adopt her and love her so much 😊

[@jellybellybean14]

Wow, such amazing memories with her! Not tearing up here at all 🥹 Thank you for sharing a glimpse into her life.

[@Rubennamibia]

Thank you so much

[@christophrodig5738]

Thank you so much, for helping these wonderful creatures ❤❤❤

[@GenXstacker]

What a unique relationship you've had. Probably one ogf the only humans ever to grow up with a baboon.

[@rebeccasmith8511]

So sweet to see the love you have for Cindy. I wish there were more people like you!

[@Munichismybaby]

I wish Cindy good health and happiness for the rest of her days and comfort and healing for your family when her time comes. ❤

[@CristinaF210]

she s like your aunt you can tell she loves you a lot, God bless you Lady Cindy♥