THE PRINGLE BABOONS

Baboons are an integral part of the Biosphere, having foraged in the fynbos for millions of years.

However, they have come to enjoy human food, and as such have become great at raiding houses.

On food raids, baboons have been known to:

• Remove sliding doors from their tracks.
• Push youngsters through small window gaps.
• Open lever-handle doors with ease.

Baboons mean no harm and rarely cause damage — they are simply after one thing: FOOD.

Feeding baboons, or allowing them to regularly take food from your house, makes the problem worse for everyone — including the baboons themselves.

• Stay calm — remember, it means you no harm.
• Ensure an exit route is clear - they will want to go out the same way they came in.
• Approach slowly and firmly tell it to leave.
• Waving a catapult can also be effective.
• Teach your children now (not during a hit):
  • Sit quietly, out of the way.
  • Do not run, panic, or scream.
• Never scream, throw objects, or hit a baboon — this may cause aggression.

• Listen for warning signs: barking dogs, or baboon barks and squeals usually signal their arrival.
• There are baboon monitors who follow the troops, listen out for whistles & vuvuzelas indicating the baboons’ location.

🚫 Don’t leave doors or windows open, unless baboon-proofed.

• Your presence will NOT deter a baboon from entering.

🚫 Don’t leave fruit or food visible through windows. 

• If baboons see it, they will try to get in.

🚫 Don’t encourage raids:

• Never leave your boot open with groceries inside.
• Avoid carrying groceries from your car when baboons are nearby.

Pringle Bay Baboon Watch:  (028) 273 8026  |  076 838 5002