Question 1

What should I know about baboons and children?

Accepted Answer

In general, Rooiels is a safe place for children to play outside, and a wonderful opportunity for future generations to observe and learn about living with wildlife. But unexpected or confrontational encounters between children and baboons can be frightening and create long-lasting anxiety. It’s important for both parents and children to be mindful of the baboons’ presence and to understand how to handle situations. Ensure that children are aware and educated about how to handle themselves around baboons.

First and foremost, ensure that children (and adults) don’t have food on them while out and about in the village. In the worst case scenario, if the child has food, and a baboon has already become fixated on it, they should calmly set it on the ground and back away. If children are out walking in the village, cycling, on the beach, in a vehicle, at a restaurant or inside the house when they encounter a baboon, please see the FAQs for each of those situations.

If children are playing outside, and the baboons are in the area, teach them to calmly and quietly go inside. Do not panic and rush them inside as this could create a fearful attitude in the child.

The general advice remains the same for everyone in all scenarios: remain calm, distance yourself from food, keep your distance from the baboons, do not corner them, and ensure there’s a clear escape point.

Question 2

What should I know about baboons and children?

Accepted Answer

In general, Rooiels is a safe place for children to play outside, and a wonderful opportunity for future generations to observe and learn about living with wildlife. But unexpected or confrontational encounters between children and baboons can be frightening and create long-lasting anxiety. It’s important for both parents and children to be mindful of the baboons’ presence and to understand how to handle situations. Ensure that children are aware and educated about how to handle themselves around baboons.

First and foremost, ensure that children (and adults) don’t have food on them while out and about in the village. In the worst case scenario, if the child has food, and a baboon has already become fixated on it, they should calmly set it on the ground and back away. If children are out walking in the village, cycling, on the beach, in a vehicle, at a restaurant or inside the house when they encounter a baboon, please see the FAQs for each of those situations.

If children are playing outside, and the baboons are in the area, teach them to calmly and quietly go inside. Do not panic and rush them inside as this could create a fearful attitude in the child.

The general advice remains the same for everyone in all scenarios: remain calm, distance yourself from food, keep your distance from the baboons, do not corner them, and ensure there’s a clear escape point.