Living Alongside Baboons
Baboons may look imposing and many people initially react fearfully to them, but they are not dangerous. In over 75 years, there’s never been a case of a baboon seriously injuring anyone in Rooiels. They key to peaceful coexistence is simple: treat them with respect, don’t offer rewards and make your home and habits baboon-proof. Baboons are interested in food, not you. If they visit your plot and realise there’s nothing to gain, they’ll simply forage on the natural vegetation, or move on.
It’s normal to feel uneasy at first. Learn their behaviour, watch them from a safe distance, and you’ll see how fascinating their behavior and social interactions are. If you need any help or advice, just ask the Conservancy at rec@rooiels.org.za.
Sticking to a few simple principles consistently is essential.
- In your home, store food where the baboons can’t see it (no fruit bowls on window sills).
- Feed your pets inside and don’t leave any food outside. That includes bird seed, unprotected veggie gardens and compost heaps.
- If you have a garage, unpack your groceries inside, with the garage door closed.
- If you’re eating outside, serve the food inside and take individual plates out.
- If you have reactive dogs, check that the baboons aren’t around before you let them out. And don’t let your dogs chase baboons on walks.
- Always use the baboon-proofing mechanisms on your windows and doors.
- Put your rubbish out shortly before it’s collected, and always in a secured bin.
- Lock your stationary vehicle, even if you’re inside it. Baboons can open car doors.
- Teach visitors (including children), guests and workers how to remain calm and baboon-wise.
- Obey the law. Baboons are protected in the Western Cape. Don’t feed them or harm them in any way. That includes driving at them, shooting at them with any firearm (including paintball and pellet guns) or targetting them with projectiles like stones or catapults.
If a baboon does get into your home…
- Stay calm and don’t panic. It is looking for food and doesn’t want to get into a confrontation with you.
- If you have dogs, secure them away from the area the baboon is in.
- Ensure there’s at least one clear exit route (preferably the same way the baboon came in).
- Keep your distance until the baboon has filled its cheek pouches and tucked what it can under it’s arms, then firmly encourite it to leave through the exit point.
- Stand tall, put your shoulders back and calmly and assrtively walk toward the baboon saying “OUT”.
- Don’t block the exit route, scream or get too close. The aim is for both of you to remain calm – panicking the baboon will just cause a mess.
- The baboon will almost always leave, but if you’re struggling, ask someone in the village to help you out.