The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is overseeing the process of relocating baboons in Cape Town, as two local groups are planned to be moved into fenced enclosures.
In the Simons Town area, Chacma baboons regularly descend from hills onto residential streets. Due to plans to move two local groups into enclosed facilities, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is closely monitoring how this will affect the animals' welfare.
The relocation operation began on Friday, November 13, 2026, when the groups were transported to the Urban Wildlife Centre in Khayelitsha.
Previously, on Thursday, November 12, the SPCA reported receiving several calls from citizens reporting baboon captures. An inspector was dispatched for verification, but at the time of the official's arrival, no capture operations were taking place.
Later that evening, the organization announced that permission for the relocation had been granted and requested that an inspector be present during the operation.
The presence of an SPCA inspector does not mean that the organization supports the decision to keep baboons in captivity. According to the SPCA, its duty is to independently monitor the animals' welfare throughout the entire process. This includes supervising their capture, handling, transportation, and placement in the new facility.
The organization emphasized that the decision to relocate the groups remains with the relevant authorities, while its inspectors are present to identify and address any animal welfare issues within their legal authority.
The SPCA also reiterated its stance against keeping healthy baboons, which live freely in nature, in permanent captivity, noting ongoing concerns about the long-term condition of the animals.
The organization acknowledged the dangers baboons face in urban environments, noting that its inspectors and veterinary teams regularly work with animals that have been shot, poisoned, injured, or killed.
It was stated that leaving the two groups in the current circumstances is unacceptable, and it was confirmed that at this stage, the organization does not support euthanasia as a management method for these baboons.
Given the available options, the SPCA believes that the reserve environment offers a way to protect the animals from immediate threats while keeping them alive. However, the organization stressed that moving the baboons to the reserve does not mean an end to its concern for their welfare. The Urban Wildlife Centre will need to provide the animals' physical, behavioral, and social needs in the long term.
At present, the SPCA states that its priority is ensuring humane treatment for all baboons affected by the operation.
