Why This Matters: Cape Town is preparing to remove two troops of chacma baboons from areas where they repeatedly enter homes and shops. The plan has exposed a sharp dispute over public safety, costs and animal welfare.
What happened
Cape Town’s city council says it will “imminently” round up the Waterfall and Seaforth troops, sterilise the animals and permanently move them to a newly constructed sanctuary.
The decision follows years of conflict on the Cape Peninsula, where baboons have raided bins and kitchens, entered unlocked cars and buildings, damaged roof sheeting and taken food from homes and convenience stores. Residents in Simon’s Town have reported baboons breaking into homes at night.
Why the plan is disputed
- Animal rights activists and some scientists say the troops should remain free-ranging and that alternatives have not been properly considered.
- Opponents argue that removing baboons could cause psychological distress and social disruption, while reducing their ecological role in dispersing plant seeds.
- Some experts say a fence excluding the troops from urban areas would be preferable to removing them from their environment.
Behavioural ecologist Justin O’Ria9in said baboon activity had depressed property values, while warning that the proposed fence might simply shift the animals to another low-lying area if there is insufficient food behind it.
Key facts
- A 2025 census found 493 baboons in 12 managed troops, up from 360 in 2000.
- The city’s baboon management programme costs about 20 million rand over 18 months, according to the report.
- The plan also includes a baboon-proof northern boundary fence between urban areas and nearby mountains.
- Chacma baboons are not considered endangered, but some are being poisoned, hit by cars, chased by dogs or shot.
What happens next
The city is expected to proceed with the roundup and relocation of the two troops. The Cape Baboon Partnership, which works with the city and local conservation authorities, previously proposed moving four troops but revised the plan to give two northern troops more time to adjust to the remaining space.
FAQ
Where is the conflict taking place?
The problem is concentrated on Cape Town’s Cape Peninsula, a narrow area between Table Mountain National Park and urban development.
Are all of Cape Town’s baboons being removed?
No. The reported plan targets two troops, while other troops will remain under management.
Bottom Line: Cape Town says relocating two baboon troops is necessary after escalating conflict with residents. Activists and some scientists dispute that approach, arguing for stronger exclusion measures and continued coexistence.
Source
This report is based on information published by The Guardian.
