Roaming Baboon Captured After Startling Southern Suburbs of Cape Town

The Cape Town community recently followed the unexpected wanderings of a male baboon with bated breath as it took a stroll through the southern suburbs, creating quite a stir on social media. The adventurous baboon, originating from the Tokai troop, managed to visit several suburbs including Plumstead, Kenilworth, Ottery, Kenwyn, Lansdowne, and Hanover Park. After days of being the talk of the town, the animal was safely darted and captured in Lansdowne by a coalition of animal welfare organizations.

The animal’s escapade through the city began over the weekend, quickly becoming a local sensation as residents tracked his journey across the suburbs. Captivated Capetonians shared videos of the baboon perched atop rooftops and scavenging bins, a sight rarely seen in the urban locales.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, along with the Animal Welfare Society of SA and NCC Environmental Services, teamed up to bring the situation under control. SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham informed that a wildlife veterinarian was successful in sedating the baboon at a Lansdowne residence on Saturday, following an initial failed attempt earlier in the week where the smart primate evaded capture upon spotting the dart gun.

Belinda Abraham provided reassurance that the baboon is now in the care of the SPCA with only a minor injury and awaits a decision from the Cape Peninsula Baboon Task Team regarding his future. She also emphasized the need for the public to recognize and respect a baboon’s wild nature and to respond appropriately in the event of such rare encounters.

Residents were reminded by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team of the importance of not feeding baboons or approaching them and to secure their homes by closing doors and windows upon observing a baboon in the neighborhood. They offered further guidance for urban residents who notice baboons in public spaces, advising them to contact NCC's 24-hour line for assistance.

This safe capture marks a successful collaboration between communities and wildlife organizations in handling unexpected wildlife-human interactions. With the baboon now safely in custody, the southern suburbs can return to their usual calm, with the recent events serving as a reminder of the proximity of the wild to urban life in Cape Town.