The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has released its first ‘State of Baboon Welfare’ report for the year ending March 2023. The report takes a critical look at the state of baboon troops in Cape Town.
Also read: Activists unite to protect ‘abandoned’ baboon troop in Constantia
The report counts all Chacma baboons admitted to or by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023. Although the report is not intended to be a census or count of the current baboon population on the peninsula, one unexpected finding has been uncovered: while it is mostly adult baboons that get into harmful contact with humans, juvenile baboons are only slightly less persecuted.
As per the SPCA, a baboon is classified as being an adult over the edge of eight years old for males, and over the age of six years for females – while a juvenile baboon is anywhere between the ages of one year and five years old.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Appreciate the beauty of Cape Town with a 60-minute cruise for just R155 (valued at R310). Get the deal here.
About 50% of all adult baboons treated by the SPCA suffered a human-induced injury, whether being shot at with some sort of weapon or being attacked by a vicious dog. Further to this, 31% of all the juvenile baboons treated by the SPCA suffered similar injuries.
‘While generally watched over, protected and cared for by their doting moms (and other responsible troop members), juvie baboons, just like the youngsters of our own species, can be mischievous and curious; which can be a lethal combination out on the urban edge.’
To read the full report, visit this link.
Need a vehicle that fits your needs and your budget? Find car listings here.
Also read:
Agreement signed for a more sustainable baboon programme in the Cape
Picture: Vishva Patel / Pexels
