X-rays of an adult male baboon from the Smitswinkel troop in the Simon’s Town area revealed up to 15 penetrating pellet gun wounds to his head, torso, arms and legs. The baboon, known among locals as Van Damme, was examined by the SPCA and later euthanised.
An adult male baboon from the Smitswinkel troop in the Simon’s Town area was euthanised on Tuesday, 21 February, after an investigation by SPCA veterinarians revealed serious injuries.
X-rays revealed that besides the injuries from a reported fight with another male, baboon WF8 – better known as Van Damme – had up to 15 penetrating pellet gun wounds. Pellets had lodged in his abdomen, chest, arms and legs, with one large-calibre pellet lodged in his ear canal, according to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The SPCA said the fight with the other baboon left him blinded in one eye, with additional injuries to his face, arms and chest. It stated that the severity of his wounds would have necessitated an extended and painful healing period, with repeated medical procedures
“It would not have been fair or kind to keep him medicated, isolated and separated from his troop for such a long recovery time,” it said.
“Importantly, given the loss of vision in his one eye, returning him to the troop would not be a viable or humane option as this would increase his vulnerability to welfare risks.”
The SPCA statement referred to the death of the “beloved” baboons as a “tragic loss”.
Read the full SPCA press release here.
There have been many reports of baboons being captured, their bodies riddled with pellets and other injuries. The wounds and injuries are mostly inflicted by residents who do not want the baboons on their properties and surrounding area.
Jenni Trethowan, founding member of the nonprofit Baboon Matters, emphasised that shooting baboons was illegal and could result in a hefty fine.
The Animal Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 outlaws any activity deemed animal cruelty. This includes the unnecessary shooting or harming of baboons. Infractions can result in a fine of up to R40,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.
“Oftentimes, [shooters are] local residents who become intolerant and frustrated by baboons being in the area,” said Trethowan. “There’s a very outdated idea that if you hurt animals, if you teach them a lesson, then they learn to stay away, and that just doesn’t have any relevance. It’s not useful [and] it doesn’t work.”
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