Cape Town’s iconic baboons are in grave danger.

Authorities have proposed the removal of five entire baboon troops from the Cape Peninsula. While cloaked in clinical language, the reality is grim: these animals will likely be killed!

We call for an immediate halt to this destructive plan and demand that ethical, sustainable alternatives be pursued. 

What’s Really Happening

Authorities have announced a plan to “remove” five baboon troops from the Cape Peninsula. 

This decision comes from the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town). Instead of working toward coexistence, they’re choosing convenience and cruelty under the guise of compassion. 

We can’t let this happen quietly.

Why This Matters
Population Devastation
121 baboons lost means generations of family lines wiped out and the destabilisation of remaining troops.

Environmental Impact
Baboons play a vital role as seed dispersers. Removing them will disrupt delicate fynbos regeneration and biodiversity balance.

Public Opposition
Cape Town residents have not been consulted. Many strongly oppose lethal force and want ethical, co-existence-based solutions.

Ethical and Legal Failures
This plan violates the spirit of South Africa’s biodiversity and animal protection principles. 

There Are Better Ways! 

Instead of killing, why not:

• Improve waste management to keep baboons out of bins
• Create safe and attractive spaces for wildlife focusing efforts on restoring and rehabilitating their spaces where we all can benefit 
• Use ethical deterrent tools and technology
• Educate communities on how to live alongside baboons

These approaches are effective worldwide—and they can work here too. We would welcome the opportunity to lead in ethical and holistic wildlife practices.

We Call on Decision-Makers to:

❌ Halt the planned killing of 121 baboons immediately
🤝 Bring in communities and experts to develop humane, lasting solutions
📢 Be transparent and involve the public in decisions that affect our wildlife
🌿 Invest in true coexistence—not elimination

What You Can Do Right Now:

1. Please sign this petition to keep our baboons alive and thriving in the Cape Peninsula. 
2. Send an email to the key decision-makers and let your voice be heard

• Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis: Geordin.HillLewis@capetown.gov.za
• CPBMJTT: cpbmjtt@capenature.co.za
• CC Carol Knox (concerned citizen): aruraza@gmail.com, admin@ greengroup.org.za
  Use the subject line:
  "URGENT: Stop Planned Killing of 121 Cape Peninsula Baboons"

The Cape's Baboons Are a Treasure, Not a Threat.
We urge the City of Cape Town and its partners to choose compassion, science, and community consultation over destruction.

These baboons have lived on the Peninsula longer than any of us. They belong here—just like we do. Let’s protect them, not destroy them.

Sign. Share. Speak up. Before it’s too late.

How To Help Us Spread the Word: 

Share this petition
Post on social media with hashtags: #SaveCapeBaboons #savethebaboons #SavePeninsulaBaboons #greengroupsimonstown
Speak to your local media outlets and councillors
Tag decision-makers on social media

Visit: https://greengroupsimonstown.org/ to learn more