SK11, alias Kataza, interacting with Slangkop troop
13 November 2020
The City of Cape Town can confirm that the male chacma baboon SK11, colloquially known as Kataza, has been interacting with his natal Slangkop troop after his relocation yesterday morning, 12 November 2020. Read more below:
The City has received reports and photos confirming that SK11 (Kataza) has been interacting with his natal Slangkop troop.
He was released within the troop’s home range yesterday morning, 12 November 2020, and was seen interacting with the troop in the vicinity of Imhoff’s Gift about 24 hours later.
The City wants to reiterate the following:
- SK11 (Kataza) was released within his natal Slangkop home troop range at around 11:30 yesterday morning, 12 November 2020
- The location where he was released is about 3,5 km from the urban area, and well within the Slangkop troop home range
- The location is close to water, in the event he needed some after being sedated and released
- He is familiar with this area
- All artificial identification has been removed
- He was not returned in direct proximity to the troop as he needed an opportunity to acclimatise, and also to minimise the risk of attacks by the dominant male in the Slangkop troop
- By releasing him within a reasonable distance from the Slangkop troop, SK11 (Kataza) was allowed the opportunity to re-orientate himself, assess the situation and choose how to re-enter or approach the Slangkop troop at his own time and pace
To give SK11 (Kataza) a fair chance, his raiding history will not be taken into consideration in decisions about his future going forward. His behaviour will be monitored and assessed again according to the guidelines.
We kindly request the local community of Kommetjie and surrounds to please allow SK11 (Kataza) to adapt to his surroundings and to not follow or feed him. This is pivotal, as interference may have an impact on his movements.
SK11 (Kataza) and the Slangkop troop will be monitored as per usual by the City’s service provider NCC Environmental Services. This includes encouraging the troop to forage in its home range and remaining out of the urban environment.
Further, the surrounding community is encouraged to please assist by baboon proofing their properties as far as possible, and to reduce food attractants as this will discourage raiding.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
