Redcliff resident takes on ZimParks in defence of marauding baboons

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has denied shooting marauding baboons and monkeys in Redcliff, claims which had sparked mixed reactions among residents.

Redcliff has been facing a growing problem with baboons and monkeys invading the town, entering homes and leaving a trail of destruction as they search for food.

The animals, previously co-existing peacefully with humans in the mountainous town, have become more aggressive due to starvation caused by the ongoing El-Niño-induced drought.

“So daring are the animals that they enter people’s homes, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to fill up their bellies. The situation had become life-threatening, so we reported the matter to ZimParks,” said Redcliff mayor, Councillor Vincent Masiiwa.

One vocal resident, Mr Obert Chinhamo, threatened legal action against both the Redcliff Municipality and ZimParks.

“The deliberate extermination of baboons via poisoning or shooting is an egregious act of violence that defies both logic and compassion. If this inhumane treatment persists, I will be forced to take legal action,” wrote Mr Chinhamo in a widely circulated letter.

Contacted for comment, ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, acknowledged the letter circulating on social media but insisted that their actions were lawful.

“Everything we are doing is within the confines of the law, which allows us to use various methods to deal with problem animals.

“The community may have heard warning shots meant to scare away the baboons and assumed we were shooting at them,” he said.

Mr Farawo explained that while the baboons posed a real threat to human life, ZimParks employs multiple strategies to manage the situation.

“In cases where animals become a threat, we shoot in the air to scare them or, where possible, capture and relocate them. However, capturing is expensive and only feasible for the younger ones,” he said.

Mr Farawo urged residents to stop feeding the animals, noting that this behaviour encourages them to return.

“The real issue is that people are feeding the baboons, which draws them back. Poor waste management by the council is also providing more food options for the animals,” he said.

ZimParks is also conducting awareness campaigns in Redcliff to educate residents on co-existing with wildlife, particularly in light of the El-Niño drought, which has exacerbated the food scarcity affecting both humans and wildlife.

The drought has led to a state of disaster being declared in many SADC countries, further straining wildlife populations in the region.—@magorongamk