CapeNature and the City of Cape Town invite organisations and interested individuals to apply to CapeNature for permits for the translocation of three raiding male baboons to suitable wildlife facilities outside of the Western Cape, but preferably within the subspecies range of the Chacma baboon, Papio ursinus ursinus.
Organisations are encouraged to apply to CapeNature for translocation permits for all, or any one of the three baboons. The processing of the applications will be prioritised by CapeNature.
Case history
SK13 first left his natal Slangkop troop in April 2022 and has been spending considerable time in the Kommetjie area, raiding occupied houses, and roosting on rooftops and buildings. He returned to his natal troop a week ago, but is showing signs of dispersal, meaning he may again venture into Kommetjie.
WF8 and WF9
WF8 and WF9 are adult male baboons from the Smitswinkel Bay troop and Waterfall Troop respectively, who have been venturing into Simon’s Town for several months now.
Both males are assertive and brazen, have had negative interactions with the public and baboon rangers, and are raiding properties for food on a continuous basis with confidence, while encouraging their troops to do the same.
WF8 has forcefully gained entry to properties in the recent past.
As such, CapeNature and the City took the joint decision that the best outcome at this point in time is to provide interested organisations and individuals the opportunity to apply for permits to translocate the baboons to centres where they can be rehabilitated.
The joint decision is based on the following:
- SK13 is exposed to many dangers in the urban environment such as dogs, traffic, and hostility from some residents. Attempts to keep him out of the urban environment have been largely unsuccessful and it is anticipated his raiding behaviour will escalate in frequency and assertiveness over time
- Raiding by WF8 and WF9 have been increasing over the past months and their assertive behaviour makes it very difficult to manage their movements, or to encourage them to leave the urban environment
- It is in the interest of the safety and welfare of residents, the three baboons, and their respective troops that these baboons be translocated
If no applications are received, or none is successful, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town will reconvene as soon as possible to decide the future of the baboons, under the leadership of CapeNature. This may include euthanasia if no other alternatives are available.
In the meantime, the City’s service provider, NCC Environmental Services, will keep on monitoring SK13, and WF8 and WF9.
CapeNature and the City are calling on residents, the general public, and stakeholders to please not follow, or interfere with the baboons in any way.
The public is also reminded that the feeding of wild animals is prohibited by law.
