Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature highlight animal welfare concerns following human-wildlife conflict incident in Pringle Bay

On Saturday, 24 August 2024, a Pringle Bay baboon (REM1), was shot with a pellet gun by an unknown individual in Pringle Bay. SAPS, Overstrand Municipal Law Enforcement and Baboon Management Officials and CapeNature were alerted to the incident and undertook an investigation. No conclusive evidence was found which could identify the perpetrator.

Following a post-mortem by a vet, it was concluded that cause of death was a punctured lung from a pellet fired from an airgun. X-Rays revealed an additional 8 pellets lodged in the carcass, all from previous shootings and the origin of which is impossible to determine.

An enquiry docket has been opened with Kleinmond SAPS, and a police investigation is underway. The authorities are working closely with SAPS and have provided the necessary information to SAPS to take the investigation further. Members of the public are asked to contact Kleinmond SAPS on 028 271 8200 with any information that may help with the investigation.

Residents are reminded that Overstrand Municipality holds the necessary permits and training to implement its baboon adaptive management plan, using non-lethal and non-harmful tools and techniques. It is an offence hunt a baboon without authorisation. Such illegal activities could result in penalties such as a fine not exceeding R10 000 or to two years’ imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment. The discharging of an airgun in a built-up area is a contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and conviction may result in up to five years’ imprisonment and the convicted person being declared unfit to possess firearms.

Shooting baboons impedes the progress of the adaptive management plan currently being implemented by the Overstand Municipality. We understand that some residents are frustrated with the current scenario in Pringle Bay, but taking matters into their own hands only serves to delay and complicate matters. The adaptive management plan was put in place for the welfare of baboons and safety of residents. For this reason, we aim to get the troop out of town, and safely back into their natural surrounding habitat, outside of the urban area, for the welfare of baboons and safety and security of residents.     

CapeNature and its partners are committed to the welfare of all wildlife. This incident shows the importance of treating wild animals correctly, even in challenging situations. Shooting baboons not only inflicts unnecessary pain on the animal but also disrupts their natural behaviour and the delicate balance within their troop. Humane and non-lethal methods of managing human-wildlife conflict are needed and residents are urged to prioritise coexistence strategies that safeguard both animal welfare and community safety.   

For residents to effectively deter baboons from their property, they should make use of garden hoses with attachments that spray water a good distance, and make loud noises, like banging pots and pans. Remember that baboons will get used to continuous use of any deterrent, varied use of deterrents is advised.

For successful baboon management, residents must also do their part; baboon proof your bins, heed the early warning system and close and lock windows and doors when the troop is nearby, don’t leave out birdseed or any food, pick ripening fruit from fruit trees and bushes, enclose vegetable gardens and compost heaps, and most importantly, DO NOT FEED BABOONS. If we remove the continuous access to food sources in town, there will be less reason for the troop to continuously come back into town. This must however be implemented in conjunction with the adaptive management plan. All residents are requested to work together, so that similar incidents do not reoccur.

If residents require additional information on baboon proofing, tips to keep baboons from their properties, or on their legal rights as property owners, please feel free to contact the Baboon Hotline West (069 151 5962), or contact Gary Beukman at projectmanagerbmp@overstrand.gov.za.