| Aged baboon put down following strict protocols | Aged baboon put down following strict protocols | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>JOINT STATEMENT BY ALDERMAN MARIAN NIEUWOUDT, CITY OF CAPE TOWN MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT AND DR ERNST BAARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CONSERVATION OPERATIONS, CAPENATURE</p> | <p>On 9 July 2021, the baboon WF7 (Bolo, a 14+ year-old male from the Waterfall Troop) was examined by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CoGHSPCA) at their premises for injuries sustained. He presented with a long and deep laceration on his left upper thigh, damage to the right eye and upon examination, severe cataracts to the left eye leaving him with impaired vision. He appeared very thin and obviously hungry, and X-rays of the skull, thorax and abdomen showed four pellet gun pellets distributed across the body. There was also bruising of the skin on the right side of the body. The attending veterinarian concluded that trauma seemed to be caused by falling or during an altercation with another male baboon. Following five days of recovery and upon request, CapeNature granted five more days for recovery. On Monday, 19 July 2021, WF7 was re-examined and recommended for release by the CoGHSPCA. </p><p>Having taken all the relevant information into consideration, both from an individual welfare and baboon conservation perspective, it was CapeNature’s opinion that, on the balance of probabilities, WF7 should not be released. To release the animal would not be in his or the troop’s best interests and would most likely result in future troop destabilisation and potential welfare compromises. Backed up by a comprehensive body of evidence, CapeNature subsequently issued an instruction to the City and its service provider on 19 July 2021 in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance No 19 of 1974 to euthanase WF7. This was actioned on 20 July 2021.</p><p>During the course of the 10 day recovery period when WF7 was with the CoGHSPCA, the City of Cape Town and its service provider, brought to the attention of CapeNature the fact that, since May 2021, the baboon has been identified and evaluated as follows: </p><ul><li>He is estimated to be around 14 years of age;</li><li>He was previously the former alpha male of the troop and has offspring. However, his genetic contribution is in fact detrimental to the troop as he was a natal male in this troop;</li><li>In his absence, his splinter group of baboons has returned to the main troop making it much easier to keep the troop out of the urban space , resulting in lower risk and improved wellbeing and welfare for the troop.</li></ul><p>Apart from the troop’s wellbeing, his behaviour was also closely monitored and the following incidents were reported:</p><ul><li>He raided dozens of occupied houses;</li><li>He charged and challenged service provider staff on numerous occasions;</li></ul><p>From a welfare perspective, WF7was also missing most of his incisors and one lower canine and is showing signs of senescence including weight loss, loss of muscle mass and a dull hair coat. Irrespective of a full recovery from the condition in his right eye, he would have remained visually impaired, if not fully blind in the left eye due to advanced cataracts.</p><p>City of Cape Town has the necessary authorisation in the form of a permit issued by CapeNature to the service provider subject to special conditions under the auspices of the Nature Conservation Ordinance. This authorisation allows City and the service provider to undertake restricted activities, such as and including using aversion techniques, capture and relocation, and euthanasia. With this permit, the City and the service provider do not have to consult CapeNature every time that a restricted activity needs to be undertaken. </p><p>The City in its press release of 24 June 2021 noted that while the broader governance issues of roles and responsibilities are being addressed, the City will not take a decision on any specific baboon or baboon troop as well as relocations or euthanasia in particular. In these cases, and in all other matters that may arise, we will be guided by CapeNature as the decision-making authority on interventions required. </p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2021-07-19T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#c14f4280-0d1f-445c-b56a-6a27e5ddf88a;L0|#0c14f4280-0d1f-445c-b56a-6a27e5ddf88a|Baboon;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#469cf9db-51bb-4b3c-ab1d-8a1a935a6073;L0|#0469cf9db-51bb-4b3c-ab1d-8a1a935a6073|environment;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
