The eco-ranger training has been completed, and the full implementation of the Adaptive Baboon Management Program, including the entire suite of tools, has been in place since the end of June 2024. Significant progress has been reported. The troop has been successfully kept out of town for longer periods on most days and has even remained outside town for entire days on a couple of occasions. This has led to fewer incursions, raids, confrontations, and attacks on the baboons themselves.

However, the troop continues to sleep in town most evenings. The eco-rangers are expected to work overtime, pending approval from Senior Management, which will allow them to remain in the field later into the night (until after sunset) and start earlier in the morning (before sunrise). This adjustment is anticipated to improve the success of keeping the troop out of town at night, allowing them to return to their natural sleep sites around town, and to prevent the troop from re-entering town in the early mornings, thereby facilitating easier daily management and increasing the time the troop spends outside town.

Challenges remain as some residents are reluctant to grant access to their properties for moving the baboons. Consequently, the troop has started using these properties as “safe havens” once in town, which hampers the efforts of the eco-rangers. Efforts are ongoing to manage the troops’ access to these properties more effectively as evening and early morning management improves.

There are also reports of some residents shooting live projectiles at the troop while they are in town. Residents are reminded that the Municipality has the necessary permits and training to use non-injury and non-lethal tools to manage and relocate the troop safely. Residents are urged not to harm the baboons and to contact the baboon hotline at 069 151 5962 if assistance is needed to move the troop off their property.

Residents are also reminded to baboon-proof their bins and vegetable gardens, heed the early warning system, and close and lock windows and doors when the troop is nearby. Additionally, they should avoid putting out birdseed and refrain from feeding any wild animals, including baboons. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that all property owners comply with these guidelines. Law Enforcement will issue notices and fines where appropriate, and property visits are being scheduled to educate owners on the importance of these measures.

There is no “miracle wand” to address the habituated behaviour of the troop, and resolving the routine the troop has become accustomed to will take time and understanding. Improvements in the troop’s movements and behaviour are already being observed, and there is optimism that these trends will continue in the coming months with ongoing community support.

Reduced time spent in town is expected to lead to fewer incursions and raids, leading to better health and safety of the baboons. Collaborative efforts are essential for securing a better future for the town, its residents, properties, businesses, and baboons. Achieving these goals will require collective action and co-operation from all involved.