In a dramatic but heartwarming twist to a story that had Cape Town residents glued to their phones, the baboon that had been spotted darting through suburban neighborhoods has finally been captured — and safely returned to nature.

An Unexpected Visitor Causes a Stir in Cape Town

For a few tense days, locals in Claremont, Rondebosch, and Wynberg had an unusual visitor roaming through their backyards — a young male chacma baboon.

Sightings of the primate climbing fences, exploring gardens, and even slipping in and out of traps were shared widely on social media, sparking concern and curiosity.

But while the footage made for entertaining clips online, the SPCA was hard at work behind the scenes, teaming up with the Cape Baboon Partnership and a wildlife vet to safely locate and capture the animal.

Tracking, Darting, and a Return to the Wild

According to a Facebook update shared by the SPCA on Saturday, the team returned to the area early in the morning where the baboon had last been seen bedding down.

Thanks to coordinated efforts, they successfully darted him, completed a full health check, and began his journey back to a safe, natural environment.

They shared, “This outcome gives him the best chance to continue his natural dispersal without facing the many dangers posed by urban environments.”

Why Urban Areas Are Dangerous for Baboons

Although seeing a baboon up close in the suburbs might feel like a rare treat, wildlife experts warn it’s incredibly risky for the animals.

From speeding cars and electric fences to startled dogs and people, the threats are endless.

“Baboons do not belong in residential areas,” the SPCA emphasized.

“While sightings may seem exciting, these moments are stressful and dangerous for wildlife.”

Community Praised for Support and Patience

The SPCA also took a moment to thank everyone who helped during the tracking operation, from the organized response team to concerned residents.

They reminded the public that chacma baboons are legally protected under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1974 — meaning it’s against the law to harm or harass them.

If you see a wild animal in trouble, the SPCA urges you to call them at (021) 700 4158/9.

The Baboon That Couldn’t Be Caught — At First

In a video submitted to The South African, the elusive baboon can be seen climbing down from a terrace and into someone’s garden.

At one point, it even seemed like a trap had worked — only for the baboon to pull off a daring escape once again.

These clips highlight not just the animal’s agility, but also the difficulty and care involved in trying to rescue it without causing harm.

A Baboon Crossing Guard Wins the Internet

In lighter related news, a heartwarming video from earlier this year resurfaced, showing a patrol officer gently helping two baboons cross a busy street in Simon’s Town.

Shared on Instagram by @thecaperobyn, the video earned laughs and praise, with one caption joking, “If you listen very carefully, you can hear Charles Darwin laughing.”

It’s a rare example of peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife in a region where such encounters can often turn sour.

Meet the Chacma Baboon — Cape Town’s Unexpected Neighbor

The chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is a species native to Southern Africa and is a familiar figure in the Cape Peninsula.

As urban expansion pushes further into the animals’ territory, these intelligent primates increasingly venture into neighborhoods in search of food.

From gardens to garbage bins, they’re highly adaptable — but that also puts them at risk, especially when interactions with humans don’t go well.