An autopsy on the adult male baboon shot in Betty’s Bay has found 20 projectiles in its body, with an air-gun pellet identified as the cause of death.
The baboon identified as BBM2 and known locally as Thunder, died on Saturday 19 September after a suspected gunshot wound was discovered on the left side of its chest. Hermanus Times previously reported on the baboon’s death with police confirming that an investigation into its death is ongoing.
An inquiry has now been opened with the police.
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Edward Jantjies, the Overstrand Municipality acting municipal manager, says that officials from the municipality’s Baboon Management team, Cape Nature, Law Enforcement and police attended the scene and assisted with the infield investigation and taking of statements.
Subsequently, “BBM2’s body was taken to the Caledon Veterinary Clinic for a full autopsy,” said Jantjies in correspondence with Hermanus Times.
The municipality said the autopsy confirmed that the baboon died from blood loss cause by an air-gun pellet. The pellet entered the animal on the left side of the chest, near the vertebrae; before severing the arteries between the aorta and left kidney.
“A large amount of blood was found in the abdominal cavity and in the perirenal space, and the air-gun pellet was found within the fresh blood of the perirenal space,” said Jantjies. X-rays revealed 20 projectiles in total.
However, Jantjies said it was not possible to determine the age of the additional projectiles or when they entered the baboon’s body. “No other abnormalities were noted,” he said.
Information gathered during the infield investigation, including statement and the recovered projectile, has subsequently been handed over to police to assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made or reported for now. Members of the public who have information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact Kleinmond SAPS on 028 271 8200.
Warning against shooting baboons
Meanwhile, the municipality has warned residents against taking matters into their own hands when dealing with baboons.
“Residents are reminded that Overstrand Municipality holds the necessary permits and training to implement its baboon adaptive management plan, using non-lethal and non-harmful tools and techniques. It is an offence to hunt a baboon without authorisation,” Jantjies said.
According to the municipality, hunting a baboon without authorisation is an offence. It could also result in a fine of up to R10 000, imprisonment for up to two years or both. Moreover, a conviction could result in up to five years’ imprisonment ans the person being declared unfit to possess firearms.
“Shooting baboons not only inflicts unnecessary pain on the animal but also disrupts their natural behaviour and the delicate social balance within their troop,” said Jantjies.
The municipality has urge residents experiencing problems with baboons to use non-lethal detergents. These include but are not limited to garden hoses capable of spraying water over a distance and loud noises such as banging pots and pans.
“Remember that baboons will get used to continuous use of any deterrent, and therefore varied use of deterrents are advised,” Jantjies said.
He added that “for effective baboon management, residents must also play their part. This includes fully baboon-proofing bins, heed the early warning system and following their local baboon WhatsApp sightings groups”. This is to ensure that “their windows and doors are closed and locked when the baboons are nearby.”
The municipality said these measures need to be implemented alongside its adaptive management plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Residents seeking information about baboon-proofing, keeping baboons off their properties or their legal rights as property owners can contact the Overstrand Baboon Hotline on 069 151 5962 or email projectmanagerbmp@overstrand.gov.za.
