Cape Town's plan to cage baboons sparks outcry

Cape Town's plan to cage baboons sparks outcry

Plans by city authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, to permanently cage around 60 Chacma baboons has triggered a bitter dispute over whether wildlife that has adapted to city life should be confined, culled or allowed to coexist with residents. The move, presented as an alternative to culling in the baboons in Simon's Town district, has drawn fierce opposition from some residents and conservationists who say confining wild baboons sets a dangerous precedent.

Chacma baboons are southern Africa's largest monkey species. They are highly adaptable and have increasingly come into conflict with people as cities expand.

At a protest outside the planned enclosure site, demonstrators waved placards declaring Cape Town the "City of Chacma Torture" and carried makeshift cages containing stuffed baboon toys. City officials argue the welfare of the animals has already been compromised by their dependence on urban areas.

Animal welfare groups and activists say the root problem is urban encroachment rather than baboon behavior, and argue residents should do more to secure properties and remove food sources.

REUTERS | SUE-ANNE NORTON

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