- The Southern Cross community is in distress after the sudden disappearances of two prominent baboons, Madala and Quinton, leaving the local baboon troop in turmoil.
- Volunteers and conservationists are working together, with social media playing a key role in locating the missing animals, while concerns rise about the troop’s survival without their leadership.
- Baboon Matters is calling for more funding and transparency to support the ongoing efforts and improve local baboon management.
The Southern Cross community is grappling with the sudden disappearance of Madala, a prominent male baboon, following the unexplained vanishing of Big Lad Quinton three weeks ago.
The twin disappearances have left residents and conservationists in a state of distress, with the community rallying to locate the missing animals.
Bonita Franklin, a key volunteer with Baboon Matters, has been instrumental in keeping the public informed about the search efforts. She emphasised the emotional toll these losses have taken on both the baboons and the community. “The troop dynamics have been deeply affected by these losses, especially Madala’s sudden disappearance,” Franklin said. “The emotional impact is not just on the baboons, but on the people who have come to know them and care for them.”
Madala, who had been a constant presence in the Constantia area, was last seen on Wednesday 13 November, adding to the already profound sense of loss after Quinton’s disappearance.
Franklin pointed out the difficulty of the situation. “The troop is now in turmoil. With Quinton gone, and now Madala, the remaining baboons, including Knopplekop, are struggling to find their footing,” she explained.
The consequences of losing these alpha males are far-reaching.
Franklin explained that without Quinton’s leadership, Knopplekop has been unable to fully assume the alpha role, leading to further disarray within the troop.
“Knopplekop is confused and frustrated. There is no longer a cohesive structure to protect the younger baboons, like the injured Tainy, who is now in critical condition,” Franklin said.
The community has mobilised, with volunteers extending their efforts to search for any signs of the missing baboons.
Social media has played a crucial role, with locals sharing sightings and urging anyone with information to contact Baboon Matters. “We need the community’s support now more than ever,” Franklin urged. “If the situation continues to spiral, the troop may not survive without ongoing monitoring.”
Franklin also highlighted the need for proper baboon management practices, urging local residents to secure their food and waste to prevent further conflicts with the animals.
“It’s essential to understand that baboons are not just roaming; they are being drawn to human settlements because of the food available. The solution lies in better waste management,” she said.
In the light of the ongoing crisis, Franklin is calling for more funding to support the monitors who remain with the troop. “Without financial support for our monitors, we will not be able to continue this vital work,” she said, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
The disappearance of Quinton and Madala raises broader questions about human interference in baboon management and the ethical considerations involved in decisions such as euthanasia.
Baboon Matters and other conservation groups are calling for more transparency from authorities.
Franklin pointed out: “Residents need answers. There needs to be better communication about what’s happening and why these decisions are being made.”
