Baboons living near Cape Town face many dangers like cars, dogs, traps, and loss of their homes because the city keeps growing. These risks make it hard for them to survive as they try to move through neighborhoods and wild areas. Rescue teams work hard to help injured baboons, but the problem is big and tiring. People in the community are starting to learn how to live better with baboons, hoping that kindness and care can help both humans and animals share the city’s edge safely.
Cape Town’s CT2 baboon troop lives between the forest and nearby suburbs, searching for food while avoiding dangers like paintball markers used to scare them away. As the city grows, these clever baboons face tough choices: stay safe in the forest or risk the suburbs’ tempting but risky meals. Volunteers work gently to guide the troop away from trouble, showing that kindness can help humans and baboons share space. Still, the fight continues as people worry about their homes and the baboons’ survival hangs in the balance.
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) is a new team formed in 2025 to help baboons and humans live together peacefully in South Africa’s beautiful Cape Peninsula. They bring together community members, scientists, and animal welfare advocates to find smart and kind ways to manage the local baboon population. With so many people living near baboons, CPBAG focuses on listening to the community and using their ideas to solve problems. This exciting initiative not only aims to protect the baboons but also ensures a healthy environment for future generations to enjoy.
For over ten years, there have been ongoing conflicts between humans and baboons in South Africa over sharing habitats. Baboon conservation organization Baboon Matters has taken legal action against various authorities due to their failure to implement strategies to resolve the conflict, putting both humans and baboons at risk. Specific demands include baboonproof fences, bins, traffic calming measures, and insulation of electric power lines. The lack of collaboration among authorities has put the wellbeing of Cape Peninsula baboons at risk, causing suffering for both locals and baboons.
