Cape Town - The male baboon spotted wandering the southern suburbs last week has been captured after making its way to Green Point.
Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Belinda Abraham, said the male baboon was spotted on Saturday morning in Victoria Road, Clifton, before making his way through Camps Bay, Sea Point and finally, Green Point.
“Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s chief inspector, Jaco Pieterse, followed the baboon throughout the morning to ensure both the safety of the baboon and the public.
“He called on the support of a wildlife veterinarian, who was able to successfully dart the baboon with a tranquiliser just before 3pm.
“The baboon was transported to the SPCA’s short-term wildlife rehabilitation facility for a medical check-up and discussions for his release into a safe area are under way with the relevant authorities.”
Lynda Silk from the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation said the baboon is the same one that was spotted by SPCA on December 23 in Lavender Hill.
“The baboon has been nicknamed ‘Gulliver’ because of his propensity to travel afar.
“Whilst other dispersing male baboons have managed to find their way between Tokai baboon troops and troops of the South Peninsula successfully, Gulliver has been unusual for the extent of his journey.
“Gulliver has covered large distances, with many obstacles, within just a few days.
“It seems he was possibly in Sun Valley and Noordhoek on December 20, before popping up in southern suburbs to Lavender Hill by December 24 then from Tokai via Hout Bay and Clifton to Green Point by December 28.
“Along the way one overnight stop with a health check at the SPCA.
“It seems that this baboon knows where he wants to go and might just have the will and strength to get there if he is given a chance.
“Experts have guessed that he would be headed for the Helderberg area if he were again released.”
Jon Friedman, supervisor of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Department, said they called for calm, restraint and understanding in all human-wild animal interactions.
“A wild animal in our urban areas is usually in unfamiliar territory, is terrified, might be injured and may act out of character if cornered or hurt by people. Keep dogs leashed and away from the animal as far as possible and educate children not to want to hurt or kill wild animals for any reason.”