Overstrand Municipality received numerous complaints about rogue baboons in Pringle Bay. 

According to residents, there is one male baboon in particular, called Blue Tag, that has been habituated to such an extent that he no longer displays any fear of humans.  Residents are “robbed” of their shopping as they exit shops, and some have experienced minor injuries after tussles with Blue Tag.

It has been established earlier in the year that Blue Tag is not a native of the Pringle Bay troop and migrated from its natal troop in Gordon’s Bay earlier in this year. 

The Municipality is currently liaising with the relevant officials at the City of Cape Town to capture Blue Tag and to return him to his natal troop, in accordance with the G04 – Guidelines for Dispersing/Displaced male baboon(s) in Urban Areas. 

At this time, we would also like to report that HKM1 has moved to Silversands troop on 9 August, and we have had no interaction with this male since it has moved.  It was originally from the larger Hangklip troop, but we have no evidence of current raiding behaviour from it in the towns of Bettys Bay or Pringle Bay. 

REM1 has become the Alpha male of the PB troop and although it is raiding in the CBD and residential areas and is teaching the juveniles these raiding traits, it will be very unwise to remove the Alpha male from the troop.  This will disrupt the social structure of the troop and there is no known male at this point that can take over from REM1 in the position of Alpha male.  The Municipality will keep a watchful eye on it, but not remove the baboon at this stage.

Residents in towns where baboons are known to be present are once again reminded that it is an offence to feed baboons.  Also do not interfere with our staff working with the baboons and refrain from treating these wild animals as pets or family members.