A male baboon was spotted roaming the Tokai urban area and crossing the M3 has since been returned to his natal troop on Saturday, February 6.

NCC Environmental Services, who is contracted to manage the City’s Urban Baboon Programme, informed the City that the male baboon had crossed the very busy M3 road in Tokai on Friday [February 5].

This baboon is likely the same one Parkscape has been warning residents about for the past week. According to Parkscape, Buddy the baboon (also known as Tony or TK57) tends to roost in a pine tree on the field on the southern edge of Tokai Forest most evenings and moves variously between the forest and suburbia during the day.

The baboon needed to be captured and returned to his natal Tokai troop and natural habitat as the urban area, with its busy roads, domestic animals, people and unhealthy food, is dangerous for baboons.

The City consulted CapeNature and the SPCA on this matter and was given permission to capture and return him to his natal Tokai troop. NCC Environmental Services undertook the operation.

Baboon rangers will continue monitoring the Tokai Troop.

The City kindly requests residents from neighbourhoods adjacent to mountainous areas to please store wheelie bins in a safe space; to enclose vegetable gardens and composting areas; and not leave food out for pets as means to discourage opportunistic foraging.

Residents can phone the Baboon Hotline number 071 588 6540 for assistance.

Picture: City of Cape Town

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