A video that emerged over the weekend has left Capetonians in stitches – a baboon settled down and enjoyed a wonderful Italian spread at a local restaurant. Locals have for a long time been fascinated by these primates who are known for having a taste for destruction, but are also comical in how human their behaviours are.
While many laughed at the video of the baboon enjoying some pasta, that very same baboon could have been shot then and there.
Earlier this year, the Baboon Matters Trust created a video series to educate locals to help them better understand baboons, as they often pass through Cape Town’s more mountainous neighbourhoods.
“Education is a core focus of Baboon Matters. We believe that changing perceptions and the way we manage human activity in baboon-affected areas are the only ways to ensure a sustainable future for South Africa’s baboon population and to create a society that values our wild neighbours and their rightful place in our natural heritage,” the organisation said to GoodThingsGuy.
“This is the first in our series of short, fun educationals that will help you to know your baboon neighbours a bit better. If you understand baboons more, we hope you will be able to prepare and implement measures to reduce conflicts and make sure baboons don’t get easy food rewards from human areas.”
Picture: Baboon Matters