Cape Town authorities have announced a plan to relocate two troops of approximately 60 chacma baboons from the coastal town of Simon's Town to specially constructed enclosures near Scarborough. According to Africanews, city officials determined that current non-lethal deterrents are insufficient to manage the animals' incursions. The baboons will be kept behind electric fences under full-time care. Male baboons will be sterilised to prevent reproduction, allowing the troops to die out naturally over 20 to 30 years.
The proposal has created a sharp divide within Simon's Town. Residents who have suffered property damage support the removal of the animals. Peter Willis, a resident of 15 years, told Africanews that baboons have broken into his home, causing devastation. He stated that the animals "got high on whatever they were eating and ran amok," leaving behind a smell that took two days to eliminate. Willis argues that the animals have become too accustomed to human food sources and pose a risk to people and pets.
Conversely, animal welfare campaigners oppose the confinement and sterilisation of the baboons. Protesters have gathered outside the proposed enclosure sites. Shirley Windell, a protester, told Africanews she is "totally against them being caged, vasectomised, and confined for the rest of their lives." Windell argued that coexistence is required and that the conflict is largely precipitated by residents' inability to manage kitchen waste. She believes the baboons belong in the area and should remain free.
City officials rejected translocating the baboons to other wild habitats, citing poor ecological outcomes. Gregg Oelofse of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team explained to Africanews that releasing them elsewhere was ruled out quickly. He noted that culling is the usual alternative when habitat is unavailable, but the city chose enclosures as a final alternative to ensure welfare. While officials stated that fencing along firebreaks is effective in other neighbourhoods, they concluded it would not work in Simon's Town due to the eight-kilometre border with the mountain.
The situation reflects a broader challenge across the Cape Peninsula, where nearly 500 baboons regularly enter urban areas. Primatologist David Gaynor told Africanews that installing fencing along firebreaks is the most effective way to keep baboons out of residential zones. He criticized the city's decision not to implement this in Simon's Town. The dispute continues as the city moves forward with its relocation strategy.