READ: Simons Town grapples with human-baboon conflict.

SIMON'S TOWN, South Africa – April 25, 2025 – The picturesque coastal village of Simon’s Town, nestled on South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, is facing a growing crisis as troops of chacma baboons increasingly encroach on residential areas, causing distress among locals. Recent incidents, including fatal shootings of two baboons, have heightened tensions, with experts warning that the situation has reached a critical point.

The baboons, driven into urban spaces by wildfires that devastated their natural habitats earlier this year, are foraging for food in gardens, raiding refuse bins, and even entering homes. Residents report frequent encounters, with the primates clambering onto roofs, swinging from gutters, and disrupting daily life. “It’s become chaotic,” said local shop owner Maria van Wyk. “They’re fearless, snatching fruit from stores and holding up traffic.”

Ecologist Justin O’Riain from the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa described the conflict as unprecedented. “The loss of habitat has forced baboons into closer contact with humans, and without sustainable solutions, this will only worsen,” he said. The recent shootings, reportedly by frustrated residents, have sparked outrage among conservationists, as baboons are protected under South African wildlife laws.

Efforts to mitigate the issue include baboon-proof waste systems and community-led monitoring by groups like Green Group Simonstown, which guides baboons across roads to avoid accidents. However, these measures have not fully curbed the problem. The City of Cape Town’s Urban Baboon Programme, set to expire in December, is under review, with plans for new partnerships to manage the estimated 500 chacma baboons in the region.

The conflict has also taken a toll on the baboons themselves. Reports of pellet gun attacks and poisoning have surfaced, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protections. “We need coexistence, not violence,” urged Green Group volunteer Sarah Ndhlovu, advocating for expanded non-lethal strategies.

As Simon’s Town navigates this delicate balance between human safety and wildlife preservation, the community awaits a long-term plan to restore harmony. For now, residents are urged to secure homes, avoid feeding baboons, and support conservation efforts to protect both the town’s charm and its wild neighbors.