Analysis and highlights of the comments provided through the survey
There were almost 100 pages of comments collected through the Baboon Rooiels survey. This compilation of comments are not meant to be representative (i.e. they do not necessarily represent the majority of views) but rather present some examples and give suggestions on how to move forward for an harmonious co-existence model. Please note that the ideas here are those coming from the comments made by respondents to the survey.

The comments highlight the following points:
  • Rooiels and its unique nature - Confirmation that most, if not all, community members knew about baboons and decided to come to Rooiels for its unique nature and conservancy as part of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve biosphere.
“I would not have invested in Rooiels if the baboons were not roaming freely”
“The fact that Rooiels is located in the Kogelberg Biosphere that we could escape the overdeveloped city life. The ability to live in nature and a conservancy with the necessary amenities and within reach of the services the city offers. Rooiels is unique in the sense that it is isolated, still protected against the effects of urbanisation, with limited possibility for commercial development. Very few people in the world get an opportunity to live in such a relatively undisturbed environment.”
  • Embracing co-existence and keeping the baboon wild - A large proportion of answers acknowledged the critical role that baboons play in the ecosystem and biosphere. They largely showed support co-existence between baboons and humans and understand the need for “keeping the baboons wild and not feeding them”. Yet terms such as “co-existence”, “wild”, “mutual respect” are not seen in the same way by all.
 
  • How should humans behave with baboons to keep them wild? Main differences are about the behavior that humans should have when meeting baboons in Rooiels. Responses vary from chasing/hurrying them away from individuals’ properties; watching them from a distance without any interactions; to getting close to them/walk with them/ talk to them. A number of responses highlighted the need to avoid “humanizing” baboons so as to keep their fear of humans. Such respondents indicated their belief that baboons’ behavior has changed over time as they got more contacts with human beings, lost their fear and alpha male becoming more bully and aggressive. Other respondents, including community members who have been in Rooiels for a long time did not see any change in Baboons’ behavior.
 
  • Fearing baboons – The fear of baboons sometimes came from specific incidents or from intimidation, and the perception that baboons can/could be dangerous. Several comments reflected the misunderstanding of baboon behavior when they show their teeth. Some people associated this behavior with aggression and others noted that the baboon "smile" can appear aggressive but it is usually submissive behaviour.
 
  • Learning about baboons – A number of respondents indicated that their behavior towards baboons changed positively once they got to know more about baboons and had protected their house effectively. See suggestions below.  
“Initially was a bit freaked out and we considered electric fencing but then over time realized we just need to wise up and embrace them which we have. They are not dangerous...have gardened with whole troop present. Just not great if or when they get in!”
“My attitude has changed as a result of interference by residents in humanizing the baboons, which has resulted in a change in the attitude of the baboons towards humans”
“Once we baboon-proofed our house we were able to relax and enjoy the visits from the baboons.“
  • Protecting houses and managing food and waste – Many incidents were reported about raiding houses for food and getting to the waste bins. Most raids were due to human mistake (e.g. house not baboon proof, leaving door opens). Getting visitors, renters and contractors to follow some good practices to keep baboon outside seems an issue.
 
  • Incidents around the shop - There was no report of physical injury. Beyond raids of houses, reported incidents were mostly related to food (accessing food or looking for food). Most incidents involved people leaving the shop carrying food (sometimes in an obvious way e.g children eating ice creams) or when unpacking cars.
 
  • Incidents on properties – Many individuals reported that baboons come to their properties to forage and relax.  In few instances, children, older people or women were on their way limiting access to the house and were scared or pushed away by baboons. These were mostly experienced by children, older people and women, who may be more vulnerable. However, examples highlighted cases of children being very scared and other children being very happy to see baboons in Rooiels. Some reported that baboons have been recently more aggressive when coming to the property and are therefore now becoming scared.
“The baboon behaviour has changed and become more aggressive. This is concerning and we feel that it is not the baboons fault but the fact that the human rubbish is too readily available and that there is too much personal interaction with them. They need to remain wild.”

Suggestions from the Survey Comments on how to enhance Rooiels unique co-existence model:
  • Areas of action
    • Compile and provide additional information (see suggestions below)
    • Review communications strategy and means (see suggestions below)
    • Review waste management in Rooiels
    • Address issues around the shops and restaurants
    • Address way people drive on R44
 
  • More information on:
    • Facts and general information, not only on Rooiels troops but also interaction between the troops, food sources etc)
    • Impact of feeding baboons
    • Clear guidelines on how to behave with baboons (bird seeds and sugar water on property, walking with food, human interaction, etc) / best practice / rules
    • Guide on what and “where to buy…” baboon proofing and waste systems
    • Effective waste management and rethinking our waste management 
    • Effectiveness of some possible measures (eg electric fencing)
    • Sharing experience and lessons learnt
 
  • Communication means and approaches
    • Dissemination of information
      • Regular updates (REC/RERA comprehensive messaging, Village  WhatsApp group, specific group of individuals interested in baboons matters, Instagram (e.g. from Baboon’s perspective), Facebook, emails (for those without WhatsApp)
      • Awareness campaigns
      • More prominent boards and signs at the entrance to Rooiels, perhaps at the Slipway and also on R44 where feeding of baboons occur (cars stopping, TV crew)
      • Laminated or framed posters to place on walls in the public places and in rented houses
      • Additional flyers including at the shop and restaurants
      • Short videos to inform guests and visitors
      • Early warning and monitoring systems to show where the baboons are real time
    • Engaging in discussions
      • Reactivate a learning space (“eco-centre” at the shop, where residents, bikers, hikers, cyclists and visitors can go to /access ; “Nature Visitors’ Center”)
      • reinstate baboon day flag at the shop
      • Post contact details of volunteers to be contacted to know more
      • Actively engage with un-informed people
      • Proactively engage with business owners and homeowners renting out property to make use of volunteer services to inform their guests. 
      • Online discussions
      • Continue lectures/talks at The Botanical Garden
 “The rules around baboons are contradictory. Rule 1: Don't feed baboons Rule 2:  should you have food in your hand and baboon approach, give your food to them. ..”
“A plastic-covered information sheet about living with baboons was given to all visible Rooielsers by the Baboon Action Group about 2000.   I display it prominently in my kitchen, where any visitors or short-term tenants will see it”