Dog attacks lead to baboon deaths

The Cape Baboon Partnership and SPCA responded to sick and injured baboons, after several urgent welfare issues arose in the Northern baboon (Tokai and Constantia) troops over the last week.

The Cape Baboon Partnership said two baboons required humane euthanasia, including a very sickly juvenile baboon from CT2 (troop) and an adult female baboon from the Tokai troop that had been mauled by dogs.

They added that a subadult male from MT2 (troop) was killed by a vehicle, a juvenile male from CT1 (troop) was killed by dogs, and a search for an adult male in the MT1 troop that was spotted with a snare around his body continues.

“Human landscapes are exceptionally dangerous for all wildlife, including baboons, caracals, porcupines, penguins and more. From accidents like vehicle collisions and electrocutions to intentional, illegal harm caused by disgruntled people, there are numerous risks to wild animals entering urban and peri-urban areas,” they said.

They urged the public to follow the upcoming educational series on the dangers of the urban landscape, where they will share some common causes of injuries and deaths of baboons in the Cape Peninsula and what can be done to help prevent further harm.

“Dealing with these tragic and often jarring instances of human-induced mortalities and injuries is difficult for all involved, including the first responders, the vets, and especially our team members, who spend countless hours with the baboons and care deeply for them.

“These incidents remind us that the safest place for baboons is in the natural environment and that our primary aim throughout our activities is the improved welfare of the baboon troops on the Peninsula,” they said.

The Cape Baboon Partnership thanked the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for their continued support and assistance.

“We also extend a thank you to the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue services for responding to the call-out and providing advice on retrieving the gravely ill baboon in a tree.”

Baboon activist group, Baboon Matters added: "When people speak of the loss of predators from the Cape ecosystem, they overlook dogs and humans who have killed many baboons in recent years.

"It’s clear we need to keep baboons out of urban areas for their safety."

On July 19 organisations such as Beauty Without Cruelty, Baboon Matters, and others will hold a family-friendly march calling for the protection of Cape Town’s baboons.

“No to Killing – Yes to Solutions: March for Cape Town’s Baboons” will be held from 10 am at the Simon’s Town Train Station Parking Area, where they will march to Boulders Beach and designated handover points.

They are calling for an end to the killing of baboons and want to see an investment in science-based, humane solutions, “like effective fencing, waste management, and community education”.

Cape Times