City defends baboon sanctuary plan amid growing opposition

THE City is forging ahead with the planning and development of a proposed baboon sanctuary on the Cape Peninsula despite opposition from animal welfare organisations.

Animal Survival International (ASI), has raised concerns, saying the process was marred by lack of transparency. A member of the Cape Point Baboon Trust, who has publicly objected to the proposal, was served with a cease-and-desist letter from lawyers acting on behalf of the private landowner where the enclosure is intended to be built, said the organisation.

It warned that the use of legal threats against critics was a dangerous shift in conservation decision-making, where public participation and scientific debate are suppressed rather than encouraged.

The organisation said conservation outcomes should be driven by transparency, evidence and community engagement, not fear or intimidation.

The organisation urged authorities to prioritise ethical, science-led approaches to the conflict between human and wildlife, and to honour the coexistence-based strategies outlined in the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan, including fencing, waste management and habitat protection.

Responding to questions on the status of the proposal, Gregg Oelofse from the City’s Environmental Management Department said the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team, comprising CapeNature, SANParks and the City of Cape Town, has approved the intention to capture and relocate two baboon troops to a purpose-built sanctuary.

"As part of this process, all required planning, approval and legislative obligations are being addressed. No relocation of either troop will occur until full compliance with all legislative requirements has been achieved and the purpose-built sanctuary is complete."

Oelofse said the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Action Plan is guided by the principle that what benefits the baboon population also benefits people.

"This Action Plan describes a range of actions that, if implemented, will result in a healthy, well-managed, sustainable, free-ranging Peninsula baboon population with minimal human conflict and a focused reduction on day-to-day aversive measures through securing baboon habitat and not permitting troops to live in marginal areas."

Oelofse rejected claims that the baboons would be confined to inadequate space.

"The Cape of Good Hope Baboon Sanctuary will exceed this minimum guideline in order to better cater for the two troops. The claim that two troops will be placed in a single enclosure of one hectare is incorrect and misinformation.”

Cape Times