Cape Town baboon removal sparks fierce debate over homes and animal rights

Cape Town’s municipal council announced an “imminent” roundup of two chacma baboon troops that have been breaking into homes and shops. The Cape Town baboon removal plan calls for sterilisation and permanent relocation to a purpose‑built sanctuary. Residents complain that the animals leave “baboon faeces” on roofs, driving down property values and making sales almost impossible.

Cape Town baboon removal plan under fire

Animal‑rights groups argue that non‑lethal coexistence measures were never fully explored. A 2025 census shows the baboon population rose from 360 in 2000 to 493 today, a rise of ↑ 37%, now split into 12 managed troops.

“We cannot simply evict wildlife from urban spaces,” a spokesperson said.

The council’s proposal has drawn criticism from Reuters and AP News, which note similar clashes in other African cities. Proponents stress the move protects over 200 households that have reported weekly intrusions, while opponents warn that forced relocation could trigger broader ecological imbalance. The debate resurfaces as the city still grapples with the pandemic, which strained municipal resources and delayed earlier mitigation efforts.

Analysis by: Dominic Mercer

Global Real Estate Strategist