If we are to sum up more than 25 years of active work, research and effort, we can say that there are no baboon-proof bins, none of the suggested strategic baboon-proof fences, no fines or prosecutions, very little education or signage, but now a huge threat of loss of life for 120 baboons.
1990: Kommetjie troop killed
3 June 3 2025: 120 baboons to be “removed”
In my book Beast or Blessing I examined the history of baboons and established that baboons have been around for many thousands of years, and certainly living on the Cape Peninsula before the arrival of the first settlers.
But it is neither here nor there who got here first – the priority must be to manage the situation so that we co-exist; wildlife neighbours alongside urban dwellers.
