Health and Safety

Human food is unhealthy for baboons. Research shows that baboons that have access to human food show signs of tooth decay, become overweight and have increased cholesterol. Baboons can also pick up human diseases and parasites through contact with waste. They are also possible carriers of diseases and parasites which can be transmitted to humans.

Double Lockable Bins

The City of Cape Town needs the support of residents to ensure a baboon free residential area. If you live in a baboon raiding area, the City of Cape Town requires you to have a double lockable bin secured with two padlocks. The City’s waste removal trucks which serve baboon areas have been converted to open and empty the bins, even with the locks in place. The keys are not needed by City staff.

By keeping your bin locked you not only help to prevent baboon raids, but also help to assist waste staff who are obliged to clean up the mess left by the baboons after a raid. This poses a real health hazard and makes for a very unpleasant job.

What to do

• Place a strong padlock on each latch on the bin. Lock the padlock and keep the keys in a safe place.
• Secure the bin either upright against a wall or pole or place it side down (locks towards the ground) at the road side or on the pavement.
• Store your bin in the garage or in a locked cage.
• Advise and educate new residents in the area on the use of baboon-proof bins.
• If there are any residents in your neighbourhood who do not use baboon-proof bins, please inform Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) on the Baboon Hotline – 071-588-6540.