SPCA confirms capture of baboon on the loose in Cape Town

The South African

21-06-2025

The SPCA has confirmed the the male baboon that was on the loose in the southern suburbs in Cape Town has been captured and will be released into its natural habitat.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, the SPCA confirmed that after a tense day of tracking and multiple evasions, they were relieved to share a positive outcome for the young dispersing male baboon spotted in Claremont and surrounding suburbs.
'Early this morning, our team, working alongside the Cape Baboon Partnership and a wildlife veterinarian, returned to the area where he had slept the previous night.
'The baboon was successfully darted, given a full health assessment, and is en route to be safely released into his natural roaming territory.
'This outcome gives him the best chance to continue his natural dispersal without facing the many dangers posed by urban environments.
'Baboons do not belong in residential areas. Urban spaces are filled with threats: roads, fences, domestic pets, and people. While sightings may seem exciting, these moments are stressful and dangerous for wildlife.'
The SPCA expressed its gratitude to all those involved in the capture and release of the animal, and also issued a reminder that baboons remain a protected species.
'A heartfelt thank you to the community for your cooperation and care, and to every member of the response team who worked tirelessly to ensure his safety.
'If you see a wild animal in distress, please contact the SPCA at [phone]/9.
'Baboons remain protected under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974. It is illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with them.'
The South African website received videos and confirmed reports on Friday of the baboon moving between houses in Rondebosch.
This comes amid concerns of increasing encounters between baboons in the South Peninsula and residents in Cape Town's southern suburbs. The video shows a large male baboon climbing off a terrace and into a garden. Video: Supplied
An earlier report, published on Friday morning, urged residents to be cautious after a young male baboon had been seen making his way through Wynberg towards Newlands.
In a second video, a trap appears to have been set for the primate.
It initially looked successful, before the animal breaks free again. Watch below: In this second video, the baboon evades capture. Video: Jill Thewlis-Hunter
In related news, a road patrol guard was filmed earlier this year assisting two baboons as they tentatively crossed Simon's Town's busy main road.
The footage was originally uploaded on Instagram by thecaperobyn. It included the caption 'If you listen very carefully, you can hear Charles Darwin laughing.'
It began to go viral after it was shared by the South Africa Instagram account – a page that regularly publishes South African travel content.
While some baboon encounters in the area have lead to conflict, this moment offered a rare example of coexistence, with a human stepping in to ensure the baboons aren't hit by cars.
Chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus ) are native to Southern Africa. They are commonly found in the Cape Peninsula, where they often come into contact with humans.
The chacma is like all other baboons – from the Old World monkey family – and is one of the largest of all primates.
The species is highly adaptable and frequently ventures into urban and residential areas in search of food.
As human development pushes up the mountain into their natural habitat, the animals are increasingly entering plush properties to forage in gardens and take the pickings from bins.
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