Baboon chaos in Cape Town: Residents left frustrated as management plan falters

Mike Wills interviews Professor Ben Cousin.

Listen below.

Imagine returning home from work to find your kitchen in disarray, despite diligently securing all doors and windows – victimised by curious baboons.

This unsettling scenario is a stark reality for many residents living on the South Peninsula in Cape Town, where a once-effective baboon management programme has gradually lost its effectiveness after more than a decade of success.

Over the past four years, there has been a steady uptick in baboons scavenging through suburban homes, gardens, restaurants, and hotels.

This frequent intrusion often results in costly property damage, with repairs sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of rands.

Compounding these issues, there has been a distressing surge in injuries and fatalities among baboons due to shootings, road accidents, and confrontations with domestic dogs.

"Across the whole of the South Peninsula, people are very, very worried."

- Professor Ben Cousin

Currently, a joint task team comprising the City of Cape Town, SANParks, and Cape Nature has proposed a strategic management plan to address the baboon issue.

However, according to Cousin:

• The strategy lacks clarity
• It is unclear how baboon monitors, who are used to herd baboons back into the mountains, will be funded. There have been suggestions that communities may be required to cover these costs.
• The current monitoring programme is scheduled to conclude in December of this year.
• It is uncertain what programme will be implemented from January 2025 onward.

In the event of a baboon on your property, Cousin recommends contacting the baboon hotline at 071 588 6540.

"It's not a good situation for residents, it's not a good situation for baboons."

- Professor Ben Cousin

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.