Baboon Debate

Close Encounters of the Fur'd Kind 

While working alone at the old Kiosk at Cape Point in 1977 I was terrified to see a large male baboon sitting in front of me on the counter while I was cashing up at about 4:30pm.  I was not able to prevent the baboon from entering the premises and he was followed by others who proceeded to help themselves to packets and chips and cigarettes - I just left the place to them and had no option but to let them run amuck until the owner arrived who then radioed the game rangers. It was scary but they never actually threatened me.  I worked in the reserve at the Homestead Restaurant and the kiosk  for two years on Sundays and Public Holidays.  There were a number of so called baboon incidents but it was always related to people feeding them and situations that were caused by people doing stupid and irresponsible things and many baboons were shot because of it!  Tourists love them and we should value them as part of our Cape Peninsula heritage!

AJ - Fish Hoek 

Enough is Enough

I live in Kommetjie and these animals are a nightmare!  Baboon lovers have no idea what we have to put up with! They have no place near residential areas and they could hurt young children and pets! Those living near suburbs should be caught and moved into the reserve!

M Roussouw - Kommetjie 

Live and Let Live! 

I am sympathetic with residents who have problems with these animals but we do need to find a balance and a means of accommodation for these animals.  The have been pushed out of so many areas where are they supposed to live!  I agree they are an asset and need to be valued and people who buy property in baboon areas KNOW the problem and if it is too much for them to handle they should not buy there! 

Martin - Glencairn 

Send your opinion to baboon@glencairn.co.za