Question 1

✖️ We should relocate troublesome baboons

Claire · Accepted Answer

Relocating a baboon is not a feasible solution for a number of reasons:

It is not favoured by managing authorities as a baboon management strategy. While there have been isolated cases in the City of Cape Town, such as the attempted relocation of SK11/Kataza in 2020-21, there is no specific policy in the Western Cape for the safe relocation of baboons into the wild, and away from populated areas.
There is nowhere for them to go. There are no baboon sanctuaries in the Western Cape and Cape Nature’s protocols do not include the relocation of baboons¹. As such, they cannot be moved to other nature reserves, and it is highly unlikely that private landowners of suitable habitat would consent to the release of a wild baboon on their property.
It’s a very expensive and complex process. The logistics and costs involved in relocating a baboon are substantial. This includes darting and transportation, preparing a suitable release site, dealing with permits and paperwork, and providing veterinary and management oversight throughout the process.
It has a low success rate. A naturally dispersing male is only successful in joining a new troop 10-30% of the time. Forced relocation often results in the baboon struggling to integrate with a new troop. Without the autonomy to move on and attempt integration with other troops, he is destined for a life in captivity, surviving as a lone baboon, or more likely, he will be killed.

Relocation is unlikely to happen, has a low chance of success, and does not solve the underlying issues.

Question 2

✖️ We should relocate troublesome baboons

Claire · Accepted Answer

Relocating a baboon is not a feasible solution for a number of reasons:

It is not favoured by managing authorities as a baboon management strategy. While there have been isolated cases in the City of Cape Town, such as the attempted relocation of SK11/Kataza in 2020-21, there is no specific policy in the Western Cape for the safe relocation of baboons into the wild, and away from populated areas.
There is nowhere for them to go. There are no baboon sanctuaries in the Western Cape and Cape Nature’s protocols do not include the relocation of baboons¹. As such, they cannot be moved to other nature reserves, and it is highly unlikely that private landowners of suitable habitat would consent to the release of a wild baboon on their property.
It’s a very expensive and complex process. The logistics and costs involved in relocating a baboon are substantial. This includes darting and transportation, preparing a suitable release site, dealing with permits and paperwork, and providing veterinary and management oversight throughout the process.
It has a low success rate. A naturally dispersing male is only successful in joining a new troop 10-30% of the time. Forced relocation often results in the baboon struggling to integrate with a new troop. Without the autonomy to move on and attempt integration with other troops, he is destined for a life in captivity, surviving as a lone baboon, or more likely, he will be killed.

Relocation is unlikely to happen, has a low chance of success, and does not solve the underlying issues.