Cape Town’s city council announced it will "imminently" round up two troops of chacma baboons that have been in repeated conflict with residents. The plan involves sterilizing the animals and permanently relocating them to a newly constructed sanctuary.

The decision comes after years of escalating issues, particularly in the past two years, where baboon populations have grown and their interactions with humans have become more disruptive. The city stopped culling baboons in the late 1990s due to public pressure, leading to a significant population increase.

A 2025 census revealed that the baboon population on the Cape Peninsula has grown by a third since 2000, from 360 to 493 individuals, now distributed across 12 managed troops. This population boom has led to the baboons frequently breaking into homes and shops, raiding food pantries, and even entering unlocked vehicles. Residents report difficulties in maintaining normal outdoor activities like barbecues and garden parties due to the constant threat of these incursions.

"It's depreciated property values because it's hard to sell a house when it's covered in baboon faeces and paw prints, and you know they're coming every day," stated Justin O’Riain, a behavioural ecologist at the University of Cape Town who has studied the local baboons. The animals have been observed ripping off roof sheeting and entering homes and convenience stores, often late at night.

This relocation plan has been met with strong criticism from animal rights activists. They argue that coexistence is achievable and that less drastic measures, such as improved waste management and better baboon-proofing of properties, have not been adequately explored. Activists insist that the monkeys should be allowed to roam freely and that the current plan is an overreaction.

The geographical layout of the Cape Peninsula, a narrow landmass, is cited as a contributing factor to the concentration of the problem in this area. The baboons' encroachment into residential and commercial spaces has created a significant challenge for both residents and local authorities, impacting daily life and local economies.

Officials emphasize that the relocation is a necessary step to mitigate damage to property and ensure public safety. However, animal welfare groups are calling for a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes non-lethal deterrents and community education, aiming to foster a sustainable balance between human development and wildlife.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the long-term success of the sanctuary and the potential impact of removing these troops on the broader baboon ecosystem within the region. The city council has stated the relocation will happen "imminently," but further details on the exact timeline and methods are awaited.