- Animal rights activists, led by Chad Cupido, protested at Muizenberg Beach, calling for an end to the killing and disappearance of baboons in the South Peninsula.
- Activists, including Jenni Trethowan, denounce the recent killings of male baboons in the CT2 troop and demand justice for the disappearing baboons.
- Protesters urge authorities to take stronger action to protect baboons and emphasize that residents must understand their role in protecting wildlife in baboon territories.
With loud speaker in hand, animal rights activist and Beauty Without Cruelty spokesperson Chad Cupido called for fair and just treatment of baboons in the South Peninsula.
“Our baboons are dying on a monthly basis,” his voice echoed into the distance during a protest held at Muizenberg Beach on Saturday 1 February.
“Some are going missing and some of are being killed, we are here to say no to the killing of these sentient beings.”
More than a dozen activists and residents, brandishing placards supported the cause.
“We can’t see injustice around us and say nothing about it,” he voiced. “For many animal welfare organisations and baboon action groups, it is our right, responsibility and duty to stand up for injustices.”
The protest comes after the alleged disappearance and killings of baboons in Constantia in recent months.
In a statement on Saturday 18 January, Baboon Matters founder Jenni Trethowan called on the community to speak up when witnessing any violence against baboons.
The impassioned plea, came days after the disappearance of yet another alpha male baboon in the Constantia area.
The animal rights activist did not mince her words when she called the alleged perpetrator a “heartless monster”.
“In recent months, the small CT2 troop of Constantia has been subject to predation of the worst kind and I cannot mince my words as I tell you what has occurred,” she said.
“An unscrupulous, heartless monster has knowingly killed and removed the males of the CT2 troop one by one.”
She further claimed that the bodies of the missing baboons are yet to be found.
“At the end of last year, we lost Quinton, then young Knoppies and lastly Madala. The bodies of these baboons were never found,” said Trethowan. “Killing the males creates havoc within a baboon troop, leaving the females and their infants vulnerable to incoming new males.
“There is no way I can adequately describe the trauma the troop and teams working with the animals endure.”
According to Trethowan, up to eight baboons have either died or disappeared.
“My colleagues are reeling, and I am furious, frustrated and heartbroken. We have lost eight baboons from this troop in recent months – all because of one inhumane individual.”
She called on eyewitnesses to come forward. “Somebody must know something, one of the residents along the leafy roads off Rhodes Drive is picking off our males with calculating disdain. He must be aware of the havoc the troop is going through, and yet no-one knows. This is a crime, and people shooting baboons are criminals.”
Meanwhile, on Saturday activists and residents called on authorities to intervene.
Fish Hoek resident Sue Meyer, who is familiar with baboons entering her property, said she supported the protection of baboons.
Meyer explained how she learnt to interact with the majestic creatures.
According to Meyer, the baboons left as soon as they saw her moving towards the door. “I wish people would know that baboons are opportunists, so if they find a kitchen door open they will go inside and raid because they looking for food,” she commented. “If that is understood, then the kitchen doors and windows will be kept shut in baboon areas.”
Janis Blatchford, a volunteer from the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, joined the protest and emphasized the importance of baboons.
“I’m standing in solidarity and support of protecting our baboons,” she said. “They play a vital part in the fauna and flora because there are certain parts that only they can reach. So, we need to come together and protect baboons.”
Blatchford added that people, who purchase properties in areas like Constantia, should do their due diligence and understand that their homes are in a path baboons have been using for many years.
“I don’t think people who live in Constantia understand that. When they purchase a house there, they are going into an area where there is wildlife,” she said. Before that house was built, it was a bushy area and baboons follow a path they have been foraging for many years. “Even though your house is built there, baboons are still going to come through your property.”
