Pellet gun kills pregnant baboon from Slangkop troop – City appeals for information

The x-ray shared by CoCT shows the air rifle pellet lodged near the skull of the foetus

The City of Cape Town has appealed to members of the public for information following the illegal shooting of a pregnant female baboon from the Slangkop troop.

According to Coastal Management Manager Gregg Oelofse, the incident came to light on the morning of Saturday, 18 July, when a resident contacted the Baboon Hotline to report an injured baboon that had moved through her property, leaving a significant blood trail. Rangers responded immediately and the collared female was quickly located in the Imhoff’s Gift/Heron Park area.

The baboon was assessed by a wildlife veterinarian before being transported to the SPCA for emergency treatment. X-rays revealed that an air-rifle pellet had entered her body and lodged close to the skull of her foetus. An ultrasound later showed the foetus had a weak heartbeat, while blood tests confirmed the female was suffering from anaemia caused by blood loss.

Decision to euthanise

"Despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, it was deemed that there was no reasonable prospect of the baboon's recovery," Oelofse said. "Given the extent of the baboon's suffering, the wildlife veterinarian and SPCA veterinarian jointly made the difficult decision to humanely euthanise her and her unborn foetus."

A post-mortem examination found the pellet had caused trauma to the uterus. Veterinarians discovered a second pellet embedded in the baboon's lung.

Oelofse described the incident as "the preventable and unnecessary loss of two lives" and said the deliberate shooting of a baboon is "a serious offence" under several pieces of legislation. He added that such actions "are cruel, can cause prolonged suffering, undermine ongoing conservation and wildlife management efforts, and cannot be tolerated".

Investigators have used time-stamped GPS collar data to narrow the area where the shooting is believed to have occurred, but the City says further information is needed to identify those responsible.

Bev Stevens, member of Sunnydale Ratepayers Association and baboon advocate, said: “I am horrified about the shooting of this female baboon... Baboon-proof fencing has been budgeted for 2026/27 for Capri, De Oude Weg and Heron Park, [but] until this fencing is installed, the troop is so vulnerable – especially crossing Kommetjie Road and being in Heron Park. 

“I do not support the demands to move this troop into the sanctuary. I was lucky enough to have had her with the troop foraging on my back fence a few weeks ago. I was able to watch her for about 30 minutes and was relieved to see that the collar she had on did not appear to be bothering her at all. Sadly that was the last time I saw her.”

How to share information

Residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard shots, or have any information that could assist the investigation are encouraged to come forward. 

Information can be provided (anonymously if needed) to:

• Gregg Oelofse at 083 940 8143 or Gregg.Oelofse@capetown.gov.za

• Baboon Hotline on 071 588 6540 or hello@baboons.org.za