The male baboon who dispersed from his troop and embarked on a tour of Cape Town’s southern suburbs has been safely captured.
After days of causing a buzz on social media, the adult male baboon was finally captured by a joint team of animal welfare organisations yesterday, who worked tirelessly to bring the animal to safety.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said along with the Animal Welfare Society of SA and NCC Environmental Services, they were able to dart the animal at a home in Lansdowne yesterday.
Sightings of the animal captured the imaginations of Capetonians who recorded the animal visiting Plumstead, Kenilworth, Ottery, Kenwyn, Lansdowne and even Hanover Park since the weekend.
Videos on chat groups showed the baboon perched on the roofs of homes and rummaging through wheelie bins for food.
“The baboon dispersed from the Tokai troop and was initially spotted in Plumstead.
“On Monday he moved to Ottery and Kenilworth and was being tracked. Late on Monday afternoon there was an attempt to dart him so we could take him into a safe place but he was so clever each time he saw the dart gun he bolted,” Abraham said.
She said on Saturday the baboon was spotted in Lansdowne. A wildlife veterinarian was called and the animal was darted.
“The baboon is with the SPCA and only had one minor injury.
“At this stage, we are waiting to hear from the Cape Peninsula Baboon Task Team to establish what will happen with him. Adult male baboons often disperse from their troops when they reach about eight or nine years old. People need to remember that a baboon is a wild animal and not inherently aggressive.
“There was fear due to the uncommon areas the animal visited but the public needs to remember that they should not block any exits if a baboon enters their home and not get too close.”
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team said it was not uncommon for baboons to end up in the urban areas. “We kindly request the public not to approach or feed baboons, and to close all doors and windows when it is observed in the neighbourhood.”
They advised residents noting baboons in public urban spaces to call NCC’s 24-hour line on 071 588 6540.