Cape Town Divided Over Plan to Remove Baboon Troops
Cape Town's city council has announced plans to "imminently" round up two baboon troops causing repeated conflicts with residents. The animals will be sterilized and relocated to a newly constructed sanctuary. However, this decision has sparked fierce criticism from animal rights activists who advocate for coexistence and argue that less destructive options have not been thoroughly considered.
The baboon problem in Cape Town has been growing since the 2000s, following the city's decision to stop culling troops in the late 1990s due to public pressure. Over the past two years, the situation has escalated.
A 2025 census revealed that the baboon population has increased by a third since 2000, rising from 360 to 493 baboons, now organized into 12 managed troops.
Background: The Baboon Crisis in Cape Town
The city's baboon population began to surge in the early 2000s, after the city ceased culling troops in the late 1990s due to public pressure. Over the past two years, the situation has escalated, leading to conflicts with residents.
Animal Rights Activists Speak Out
Animal rights activists argue that a more sustainable approach should be pursued, emphasizing the importance of coexistence. They claim that the city has not thoroughly explored less destructive alternatives before deciding to remove the baboons.
City Council's Decision
In response to the escalating conflicts, the Cape Town city council has announced plans to round up the two baboon troops causing repeated issues with residents. The animals will be sterilized and relocated to a newly constructed sanctuary.
Baboon Population Growth
A 2025 census reveals that the baboon population has increased by approximately 40% since 2000, rising from 360 to 493 baboons, now divided into 12 organized troops.
The Baboon Crisis in Cape Town
The baboon population in Cape Town began to surge in the early 2000s, following the city's decision to cease culling troops in the late 1990s due to public pressure.
Activists Advocate for Coexistence
Animal rights activists argue that a more sustainable approach should be pursued, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with the baboons. They claim that the city has not thoroughly explored less destructive alternatives before deciding to remove the baboons.
City Council's Decision to Remove Baboons
In response to the escalating conflicts, the Cape Town city council has announced plans to round up the two baboon troops causing repeated issues with residents. The animals will be sterilized and relocated to a newly constructed sanctuary.
Baboon Population Growth in Cape Town
A 2025 census reveals that the baboon population in Cape Town has increased by approximately 40% since 2000, rising from 360 to 493 baboons, now divided into 12 organized troops.
The Baboon Crisis in Cape Town
The baboon population in Cape Town began to surge in the early 2000s, following the city's decision to cease culling troops in the late 1990s due to public pressure.
Activists Advocate for Coexistence
Animal rights activists argue for a more sustainable approach, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with the baboons. They claim that the city has not thoroughly explored less destructive alternatives before deciding to remove the baboons.
Cape Town Council's Decision to Remove Baboons
In response to the escalating conflicts, the Cape Town council has announced plans to round up the two baboon troops causing repeated issues with residents. The animals will be sterilized and relocated to a newly constructed sanctuary.
Baboon Population Growth in Cape Town
A 2025 census reveals that the baboon population in Cape Town has increased by approximately 40% since 2000, rising from 360 to 493 baboons, now divided into 12 organized troops.
The Baboon Crisis in Cape Town
The baboon population in Cape Town began to surge in the early 2000s, following the city's decision to cease culling troops in the late 1990s due to public pressure.
Activists Advocate for Baboon Coexistence
Animal rights activists advocate for a more sustainable approach, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with the bab
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
