Cape Town’s Famous Baboon Kataza May Be Relocated to Limpopo

The City of Cape Town says that the male chacma baboon, known locally as ‘Kataza’ (or SK11 by the authorities), will need to be relocated to Limpopo if he has not integrated with the Tokai baboon community by Monday, 11 January 2021.

Kataza (which means ‘troublesome’ in isiXhosa) has sadly not integrated with his natal Slangkop troop, or any other troop, in the Kommetjie area, from which he had been controversially removed in August by the City. Instead he has been seen in several suburbs, even as far as Noordhoek, according to CapeTalk.

Kataza had been returned to his troop on 12 November after the City was taken to court by concerned citizen Ryno Engelbrecht.

The City said in a statement that since Kataza has not re-integrated, it met with Cape of Good Hope SPCA on Tuesday (5 Jan) to discuss Kataza’s raiding behaviour and alternative solutions.

“SK11 is being monitored,” said the City of Cape Town. “During the past two days he has moved from Capri to Da Gama, and has on occasion tried to cross Ou Kaapse Weg in the direction of Tokai. Should he reach Tokai on his own accord by Monday, 11 January 2021, SK11 will be afforded the opportunity to integrate and his raiding behaviour will be monitored.” (According to locals speaking to CapeTalk, they have not seen Kataza attempting to cross Ou Kaapse Weg.)

The City said that if Kataza does not reach Tokai by Monday, then an application to CapeNature will be initiated by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, for a permit to have SK11 translocated to a rehabilitation centre – Bob Venter’s Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre – in the Limpopo Province.

Residents are encouraged to please phone the Baboon Hotline number 071588 6540 for assistance.