Facilities serving baboons well
Tue, 29 March 2011
Six months later: Rehabilitation and Release of a Troop of Chacma Baboons
CROW is an animal rehabilitation centre in KwaZulu Natal. Their work includes rehabilitating baboons back into their natural habitat. Between April 2009 and March 2010, CROW set out to release 26 baboons into the wild and to upgrade its rehabilitation facilities. This report revisits the project six months later to understand what impact it had.
Releasing baboons
Of the 26 baboons originally set to be released, 17 were released. Unfortunately, after their release, the baboons went back to raiding new homes. Ultimately the reserve owners felt that they had no choice but to cull most of them. CROW believes that a small number of the released baboons (between 4 and 6) survived and went on to successfully integrate with a wild troop.
The other nine baboons from the original group are still at CROW. The organisation experienced some difficulties releasing the remaining baboons. This was because the owner of the reserve erected a guest house in the middle of the animal’s watering area. The baboons will continue to be housed at CROW until a suitable release site has been identified
Eight new baby baboons have been admitted to CROW. The organization hopes to release the new baboons together with the nine sub-adult baboons already on site.
Upgraded facilities
Project funds went towards improving infrastructure at CROW. This included new kennels, water troughs and security gates.
- The joining of two blocks at the CROW facility has created more space for the baboons to move around, and they now have access to a hill where they can exercise and be mentally stimulated
- CROW has reported that there has been a decreased in the spreading of disease since the facility was upgraded
- Water troughs have provided baboons with cooling relief from the heat, the animals are enjoying swimming in them
- The upgraded facility will continue to positively impact the quality of rehabilitation for future baboons and contribute to their successful releases
Looking toward future releases
CROW has taken measures to prevent situations that would lead to released animals being culled in the future. The organization now insists on a written contract with the release site. The reserve must contact CROW should any issues arise regarding the animals. CROW is also working closely with the wildlife authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, to ensure that there is communication between persons issuing release and destructive permits. CROW has identified three potential release sites but a final decision is still to be taken as to where the remaining baboons will be released.
Although not all the baboons were successfully released, the improved CROW facilities have ensured that those who remain are mentally stimulated, healthy and exercise regularly. CROW wants to ensure that in future, released baboons are taken into reserves that see the animals well being as important and has put measures in place to ensure this. CROW will continue to use its upgraded facilities to house baboons and rehabilitate them into their natural habitat.
