Cape Town battles with baboons

10 Jul, 2012

Cape Town has introduced measures to deal with recent forays by baboons into the small seaside town of Gordon's Bay in the Western Cape.

It follows an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of baboons roaming through the town's residential area and raiding refuse bins.

Municipal authorities, which blame residents for feeding baboons and not disposing properly of household refuse, have launched an awareness campaign and procured baboon-proof bins. They have also set up a "baboon-hotline" so residents can alert officials when baboons arrive in town, by calling 0715886540.

The city has advised Gordon's Bay residents to not feed baboons, warn neighbours when baboons arrive, and scare off the animals by making loud noises, spraying water and throwing small stones in their direction.

Baboons should be treated with caution and authorities have warned that it is a crime to injure or kill baboons.