Baboon activists are reeling after a male baboon, fondly known as 'Blondie' was found dead. Blondie is believed to have been shot.
His body was discovered in Palace Hill Road, Simon’s Town on Saturday. Police and authorities have yet to confirm the cause of death.
Cape Peninsula Baboon Management( CPB) who had been following “Blondie’s” movements through Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay to Clovelly, Elsie’s Peak and Glencairn said the baboon had a wound resembling a bullet hole and was likely shot.
Lynda Silk, Chairperson and spokesperson for Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation said they believed Blondie was a victim of a vicious attack: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of the baboon known as "Blondie",” she said.
"We were informed by CBP that Blondie had a wound resembling a bullet hole, we did not actually see this wound", said Silk.
“Only last weekend we were following the progress of this dispersing male baboon through Kalk Bay, Clovelly, Fish Hoek, Elsie's Peak and Glencairn. There was hope when he found his way to Simon's Town and began attempts to join the Waterfall troop.
“It is devastating that against so many odds Blondie did so well, spent so little time in the urban area along his swift journey, only to die by what seems to be human hands when he attempted to settle. We urge anybody with information to come forward.
"Blondie" was given this nickname because of his unusually fair fur. He was a mature adult male who journeyed from Tokai troop through Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Elsie's Peak, Glencairn to Simon's Town.
“In Simon's Town he had begun engaging with the Waterfall baboon troop, seeking to integrate with them. There had been some conflict as is usual when a new baboon tries to join a troop.
“We are awaiting a post-mortem investigation to give a formal cause of death. The entry wound on his chest suggests that he was shot.”
She said educating the public was key as it was not the first time that baboons were either attacked or shot.
“We would also like the public to understand more about the phenomena of "dispersing male baboon" as this is a very vulnerable time for them,” she added.
“Baboons really need to be with a troop, however, when male baboons reach adulthood, they have an instinct to move from the troop they were born to a different troop. This instinctual migration ensures healthy genetics within troops.
“Moving between troops is a time of great vulnerability for male baboons who are navigating unfamiliar territory and hazards. Because of the way the City of Cape Town has developed, dispersing male baboons often find themselves in the urban areas and are especially vulnerable there. By educating the public and increasing awareness we hope to increase tolerance and care.
“We remind residents that it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the urban area without very good reason, and that it is an offence to shoot baboons. We urge people to work with baboon management CBP and not attempt to go beyond the law.”
The Cape Argus has since reached out to the police and the CPB for information about the investigation and yet to receive a response.
Belinda Abraham, of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that an investigation was under way.
“I believe a post mortem has been arranged with a qualified wildlife veterinarian. If anyone has any information about this case they are welcome to contact the SPCA Inspectorate on 0217004158/9 email [email protected] or make a report online. Reports can be made anonymously,” she said.
In 2023, a Seaforth resident, who allegedly shot and killed a juvenile baboon was let off the hook and did not face charges. The woman had claimed she had shot three baboons in total and that she did so in self-defense.
The woman's identity has been kept secret and out of the public eye and her social media posts removed.
The Directorate of Public Prosecution decided not to institute prosecution in the matter.
Last month The National Council of SPCA (NSPCA)said they concluded their investigation into the killing of a male baboon known as Raygun.
Cape Argus