With the close encounter of the baboon kind currently unfolding in the Northcliff area of Johannesburg, Dirk Engelbrecht of Wild Serve has shed light on the natural behaviour of baboons, emphasising that their dispersal patterns have occurred for at least two million years.

According to the Northcliff Melville Times, these animals are endemic to specific areas, and their troops have historically existed in more rural regions.

He urged the community to be understanding and patient, stating: “It is not just a major sacrifice; it is a major compromise.” Engelbrecht, who has been working in this field for nearly 20 years, highlighted that these animals have a clear objective: To reach their destination. “They do not have any interest in anything else. They have no nefarious intent,” he explained. “The only opportunism they exhibit is when they encounter food.”

To minimise conflicts, Engelbrecht advises residents to avoid distracting the baboons by hiding food and emptying bird feeders. “They will find things to eat. They are still wild animals,” he noted.

He addressed common misconceptions about baboons, stating that they are not a threat. “People often give half the version, including professionals,” he said. Engelbrecht recommends that when baboons are in the area, residents should go inside, close their doors, and keep children and pets safely away.

Bhaai Cassim, the secretary for the Johannesburg Sub-District Community Police Board, stated that the baboon roaming in Northcliff was last sighted on Lily Avenue at 13:45 yesterday, sitting in a tree. Residents are reminded not to approach, feed, or antagonise the baboon in any way.

This follows a previous article by the newspaper in which Cassim reported that two gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the Northcliff Eco Ridge area, but the source of the shots could not be located. “The incident was reported to the South African Police Service, who responded to investigate but were unable to find the exact location of the shots.”

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