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Baboons and Us

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Humans and baboons are closely related – it’s true. Scientists say that we are 94% the same! So while we may be “similar” to our baboon cousins, we still don’t understand nor do we treat them very well. Here’s some advice from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department on what TO DO and what NOT to do when you are around baboons!

AT HOME

DO:
  • – Close doors and windows when baboons are about.
  • – Tell your neighbours to do the same.
  • – Make sure your bins at home are “baboon-proof.”
  • – Make sure your vegetable gardens and compost heaps are covered at all times.
  • – If you have fruit or nut trees in your garden, make sure to pick all the ripe fruit or nuts from the trees.
  • – Make sure you have the Baboon Hotline emergency number saved on your cellphone or written down somewhere close by at all times: 071 588-6540.
  • – Call your nearest SPCA if you spot a sick or injured baboon.
DO NOT:
  • – Feed baboons. Ever! It is against the law and can lead to a baboon who is fed becoming a problem or becoming ill from eating the wrong foods.
  • – Get close to a baboon! Stay at least 10 steps away. Remember that baboons are wild animals.
  • – Use weapons to try and scare or hurt baboons. The use of pellet guns (“BB guns”), air rifles, catapults, sticks and other weapons is against the law.

Baboon Hotline Emergency Number
(071) 588 6540

Call your nearest SPCA if you spot a sick or injured baboon.

AT A PICNIC

DO:
  • – Close and lock cars door and windows when baboons are about.
  • – Make sure your food containers, baskets and packets containing food are covered at all times.
  • – Make sure you have the Baboon Hotline emergency number saved on your cellphone or written down somewhere close by at all times: 071 588-6540.
  • – Call your nearest SPCA if you spot a sick or injured baboon.
DO NOT:
  • – Feed baboons. Ever! It is against the law and can lead to a baboon who is fed becoming a problem or becoming ill from eating the wrong foods.
  • – Leave food or old food wrappers, fruit skins or vegetable peelings lying around at your picnic site after you have eaten or prepared food.
  • – Get close to a baboon! Stay at least 10 steps away. Remember that baboons are wild animals.
  • – Use weapons to try and scare or hurt baboons. The use of pellet guns (“BB guns”), air rifles, catapults, sticks and other weapons is against the law.

VISITING A NATIONAL PARK

DO:
  • – Keep car doors and windows closed and locked when baboons are about.
  • – Pay close attention to your surroundings and equipment when photographing baboons.
  • – Call your nearest SPCA if you spot a sick or injured baboon.

NEVER feed baboons!

It is against the law

DO NOT:
  • – Leave food, fruit or other snacks where they may be visible through the car windows.
  • – Feed baboons. Ever! It is against the law and can lead to a baboon who is fed becoming a problem or becoming ill from eating the wrong foods.
  • – Get close to a baboon! Stay at least 10 steps away. Remember that baboons are wild animals.

WHAT TO DO WHEN BABOONS ARE RAIDING

  • – Stay calm.
  • – Stay in a group.
  • – Keep pet dogs and cats away from wherever the baboons are.
  • – Close any cupboards if the baboon is inside your house.
  • – Do not try and use weapons against the baboons.
  • – Call the Baboon Hotline emergency number: 071 588-6540
  • – Call your nearest SPCA if you spot a sick or injured baboon.

Keep your distance!

 

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Here’s some advice from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department on what TO DO and what NOT to do when you are around baboons

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