Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Sunday News Reporter
BABOONS have essentially transformed Gwanda Provincial Hospital into a chaotic scene as they are wreaking havoc by smashing windows, leaving water taps running and scattering trash everywhere.
They are also damaging rooftops and destroying the hospital’s gardens.
Baboons are now boldly entering hospital wards, causing disruptions, frightening patients and even stealing their food, complicating the healthcare environment.
Dr Mthandazo Mabanga the medical superintendent of Gwanda Provincial Hospital expressed concern over the situation saying baboons are a problem to the whole of Gwanda.
“Baboons are damaging hospital infrastructure, they are damaging the roof, gutters and electrical wires as they enjoy climbing,” he said.
Dr Mabanga said they have reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority but are yet to see action taken on the baboons.
Collenbawn Cleveland Block Farm manager Ms Nothando Ncube, emphasised the potential risks associated with animal behaviour and the dangers that humans may face.
“Monkeys and baboons often enter hospitals because they are attracted to food waste or leftovers, so they can easily get in through open windows, doors and vents. These animals are curious and like exploring new places, which leads them to the hospital and sometimes, their natural habitats overlap with human settlements,” she said.
Ms Ncube said monkeys and baboons pose several risks, they can carry diseases like rabbies, herpes and tuberculosis, which can be transmitted to humans and can sometimes become aggressive to people.
They can also damage hospital property and disrupt patient care.
Residents living near the area are forced to keep their homes locked due to mischievous monkeys that rummage through trash cans, scatter litter everywhere and raid kitchens in search of food.
Gwanda resident Mr Akim Mpofu revealed that the community is fully aware of the issue and has alerted ZimParks to take necessary action.
“The monkeys are a stress, they disturb progress at the hospital and at first we thought they were coming to scavenge for food because of the drought but it’s not, they are playful and have gotten used to the hospital environs,” said Mr Mpofu.
He stated that the last time the authorities contacted ZimParks to get rid of the monkeys the organisation said they were still gathering resources.
“I think perhaps we should also come up with plans to relocate these monkeys without harming them.”
