Cape Town's Baboon Battle: Coexistence or Conflict?

Cape Town is grappling with an escalating conflict between its growing human population and a burgeoning chacma baboon population. By 2024, over 600 baboons inhabited 17 troops on the Cape Peninsula, a significant increase from the turn of the century. This surge has led to increased human-wildlife conflict, with human-related baboon deaths rising from four in 2013 to 33 in 2024.

The city's urban expansion has encroached upon baboons' natural foraging grounds, leading to habituation and dependency on human food sources. This situation has spurred furious debate on coexistence versus separation, with incidents ranging from baboons entering homes to altercations at protests.

Authorities have agreed on a "zero tolerance" approach to harming baboons and plan to construct fences in some areas. However, in Simon's Town, where topography makes fences unworkable, the proposal is to move two baboon troops to a sanctuary later in 2026. This plan, along with the potential for euthanasia as a last resort, faces legal challenges and opposition from animal rights activists.

Activists argue that sanctuary proposals are akin to "relegating them to living captivity" and question decisions made before new ranger management was settled. The effectiveness of current ranger management, which involves scaring baboons with paintballs, is also debated, with some scientists deeming it a "losing battle" in densely populated areas like Simon's Town. The debate continues over accountability and viable solutions for long-term coexistence.