A male baboon was captured by the SPCA on Monday morning after it had caused a stir in the southern suburbs area near Grassy Park, traipsing across rooftops.
The baboon was spotted in the area by residents who reported their sightings in their yards via social media, before he was captured.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham, confirmed they captured the baboon and had taken it into care.
“The baboon was safely captured by the SPCA (on Tuesday) morning and is currently in our care.
“We are awaiting guidance from the authorities with regards to a safe release site,” said Abraham.
Last week, the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City, announced their partnership with Shark Spotters.
CPBMJTT confirmed it had signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
“SANParks and CapeNature as parties to the CPBMJTT are committed to initiating their own discussions with the Shark Spotters who will be assisting with the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan on the Cape Peninsula,” the City said.
The Shark Spotters, a non-profit organisation, will perform selected operational tasks and secure and manage community resources needed for the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan after the MoA was signed on December 20.
CPBMJTT parties will individually engage with the Shark Spotters to support the implementation of the Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
The baboon rangers currently appointed by NCC Environmental Services will be retained from January 1, 2025 to ensure a smooth transition to the new management structures.
The partnership, with the Shark Spotters being an NPO, will ensure that they can receive grant funding.
In a statement, CPBMJTT said the funds will be used to perform selected operational tasks, such as the provision of baboon ranger services, continuous public engagement and education, and research.
In terms of the MoA between the City and the Shark Spotters, the Shark Spotters will be responsible for, among others, the:
• Employment of a field manager and baboon ranger services for stipulated baboon troops
• Assist in the roll-out of an infrastructure programme to establish hard boundaries between natural areas and the urban environment where suitable
• Implement a baboon population research programme and employ a baboon researcher
• Acquire and maintain the required operational infrastructure and technology to ensure an effective and efficient programme
• Respond to reported baboon incidents
• Develop, drive and engage public education and awareness programmes around baboons and the Baboon Strategic Management Plan
• Submit monthly operating reports and an annual report
• Submit an annual baboon management research report
Cape Times