CapeNature, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and the City of Cape Town (COCT) met on Friday, December 10 to discuss the possible interventions regarding a young rebellious male baboon, better known as SWB12 from the Smitswinkel Bay troop.
According to a joint statement issued by the roleplayers involved, SWB12 has left his natal troop about six weeks ago and is spending most of his time in Simon’s Town where he is displaying raiding behaviour.
“Unfortunately, attempts to keep SWB12 in his natural environment and out of town where he is exposed to many dangers, have been unsuccessful.
As such, a joint decision was made under the leadership of CapeNature, to relocate the baboon to the Da Gama troop as soon as the situation allows. This is in his best interest and provides the best possible outcome at this point in time,” the joint statement said.
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The statement also indicated that SWB12 will be captured once the situation allows, and released on City-owned land, in the vicinity of the Da Gama troop.
“The City’s service provider, NCC Environmental Services, will undertake the capturing with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CGHSPCA) present,” the statement said.
Decision:
It was also further decided that this intervention will be made with minimum interference, therefore, SWB12 will not be collared or ear-tagged. However, the City’s service provider will be monitoring his movements and attempts at integration with the Da Gama troop.
Meanwhile, CapeNature, the CGHSPCA, and the City are calling on residents, the general public, and stakeholders to please not follow, or interfere with SWB12 in any way as this will seriously hamper his efforts to integrate.
The statement said further that the relocation may not succeed as it is impossible to predict how the process will unfold as baboons are wild animals.
“Every relocation is different, and relies on the individual animal, it may take months for SWB12 to integrate. He may not integrate at all and display raiding behaviour in his new environment. In such a case, one of the outcomes that may need to be considered as a last resort is euthanasia,” the statement said.
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