The City of Cape Town (COCT) along with CapeNature, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA made a joint decision to give a young dispersing male baboon from the Smitswinkel Bay troop a second chance at integrating with the Da Gama troop.
The decision comes after an unsuccessful attempt to relocate the young baboon identified as SWB12 in December 2021 after he left his natal troop in October.
According to a statement by the COCT, SWB12 has been spending most of his time in the surrounding areas of Simon’s Town while displaying violent behaviour.
“CapeNature, the CGHSPCA and the City agreed that SWB12 should be given a second opportunity to integrate with the Da Gama troop before alternatives are considered.
This time around a different methodology will be applied that will attempt to increase the exposure of SWB12 to the troop before and after his release within their home range,” the statement said.
Also read: ‘Lawless baboon’ to be euthanised if relocation to the Da Gama troop is unsuccessful
The COCT further indicated that the joint decision is based on SWB12 spending all of his time in Simon’s Town raiding and roosting in the urban environment where he faces many dangers such as dogs, traffic, and hostility from some residents.
“A second attempt at relocation still provides the best possibility of survival for SWB12. Should SWB12 integrate, he may spend most of his time with his new troop, in the natural environment,” the COCT said.
Meanwhile, the intervention will be done with minimum interference as SWB12 will not be collared or ear-tagged. However, the City’s service provider will monitor his movements and attempts at integration with the Da Gama troop.
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc gallery