Baboon Matters

KIRSTENBOSCH ARTS EXHIBITION

Baboon Matters would like to invite all artists
to submit their Baboon Art for an Exhibition
to be held at Kirstenbosch Gardens in the
Sanlam Hall from 24th August until 31st August.

Please contact us for further information.

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AN INVITATION TO READERS - BABOON STORIES

Have you ever had an encounter with baboons? Do you have a funny or interesting story to tell about these fascinating creatures which you’d like to share with us? Perhaps your encounter with baboons was not a pleasant one. Whatever your baboon experience, Baboon Matters, an organisation dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Southern Peninsula’s Chacma baboons, would like to hear from you. Your story should be no longer than 250 words and we would also welcome any photographs you may have relating to your story. Please e-mail your stories and photographs to us, or post them to Baboon Stories, P.O. Box 1225, Sun Valley, 7985 as early as you can for possible inclusion in a booklet we are planning to publish towards the end of the year.

Baboon Matters reserves the right to edit and/or publish any material you submit.

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ERIC'S GREAT TREK - AUTUMN 2007

Eric, the wise old baboon of the mountains, recently decided to do a tour of the Peninsula. He started from Kommetjie, his home for the past 18 years, where he lorded it over his family as the Alpha male of the Slangkop troop. The locals in the Kommetjie village all know Eric and despite his many raiding exploits, they respect and love this living legend. He is fondly called 'The Genius" by some and many can testify to his cunning and intelligence in avoiding trouble.
		Eric started his journey off in Kommetjie, taking his son Anele with him. They went to Da Gama Park, to visit George, the Alpha male of the Da Gama troop. After socializing with them for a few days, they headed for Fish Hoek, going via Glencairn Heights and Clovelly. Eric and Anele passed through Fish Hoek before moving off to Kalk Bay, where they stayed for a week.
Here they are enjoying an alfresco breakfast!
Eric is a real opportunist and took full advantage of the rich pickings to be had from dustbins that were not baboon-proofed.
They then took a long, lazy, leisurely stroll along Boyes Drive before heading off to see the sights of Muizenberg. They stayed here for close on a week, exploring their surroundings and resting up before the next leg of their journey. They also strolled calmly into the 711 on a couple of occasions, walking up the aisles, making their selection of fruit and bread. Staff members and customers alike were fascinated by their casual shopping sprees. These two intrepid travellers eventually hiked over the mountains into the Silvermine Nature Reserve, then entered the suburb of Sun Valley. They were spotted at a local primary school's cricket grounds and were followed by an enthusiastic group of children.
		As a result of one wrong turn, Eric and Anele foundthemselves in hectic 5 o'clock traffic on Ou Kaapseweg. Baboon Matters and the monitors were encouraged by the reaction of the motorists who don't normally see baboons being protected and shepherded in that area. Thanks to the efforts of the exhausted team, Eric and Anele found a safe koppie at Noordhoek's Crofter's Valley where they slept for the night.
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, Eric decided to take a long nap. After much deliberation, Eric decided to strike out on his own and he disappeared for a couple of days. He re-surfaced on the roof of a well-known local pub in Noordhoek and the following morning, Eric walked the entire length of Chapman's Peak Drive. He is currently in Hout Bay. The map shows the distance he has travelled.		Quite a feat for the old man of the mountains, don't you think?