In Simon’s Town, chacma baboons regularly make their way down from the hills into residential streets. Now, with plans to move two local troops to fenced enclosures, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is keeping an eye on what the relocation means for the animals’ welfare.
A chacma baboon in South Africa examines foliage / Corné Nel / Pexels / Illustrative purposes only
The relocation operation began on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the troops being moved to the Urban Wildlife Centre at Kogelfontein.
The SPCA said it had received several calls on Thursday, 12 November, from people reporting that baboons were being captured. An inspector was sent to investigate, but no capture activity was taking place when the official arrived.
Later that evening, the organisation was informed that a permit had been granted for the relocation and was asked to have an inspector present during the operation.
SPCA clarifies its role in the relocation
The presence of an SPCA inspector does not mean the organisation supports the decision to move the baboons into captivity.
According to the SPCA, its responsibility is to independently monitor the animals’ welfare throughout the process. This includes overseeing their capture, handling, transportation and placement at the new facility.
The organisation stressed that the decision to relocate the troops rests with the relevant authorities, while its inspectors are there to identify and address any animal welfare concerns within their legal powers.
The SPCA also reiterated its opposition to placing healthy, free-ranging baboons in permanent captivity, saying its concerns about the animals’ long-term wellbeing remain.
Concerns over the baboons’ future
The organisation acknowledged the dangers baboons face in urban environments, with its inspectors and veterinary teams regularly dealing with animals that have been shot, poisoned, injured or killed.
It said leaving the two troops in their current circumstances was not an acceptable option and confirmed that it does not support euthanasia as a management solution for these baboons at this stage.
Given the options currently available, the SPCA believes a sanctuary environment offers an opportunity to protect the animals from immediate harm while keeping them alive.
However, the organisation emphasised that moving the baboons to a sanctuary is not the end of its welfare concerns.
The Urban Wildlife Centre will need to provide for the animals’ physical, behavioural and social needs over the long term.
For now, the SPCA says its immediate priority is ensuring that every baboon affected by the operation is treated humanely.
Originally published via Cape {town} Etc
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