Baboons in May

Nona - the Alpha female being groomed - looking like an actor from Planet of the Apes

At the end of April the baboons were seen on several days foraging along the rocks off Rocklands Road and they were around for early May.  But then they disappeared for over a week back into the hills.

Since their return there has been much dislocation and  trouble in the troop as we are in for a change of regime.  Cliff has held on much longer than expected as leader of the troop. Such a gentleman; he  kept them out of trouble until the older boys started roaming on their own. Unfortunately Cliff has been seen presenting (usually a sign of submission) to Benji but he is still with his kids and for now seems to be leading them.  However there is much jostling, some blood and loud fighting between Indwe and the smaller but more aggressive Benji.  So we will probably see a change in leadership soon.  Also in the photos below "Sebastian" is the latest addition.  He was seen in Rooiels with his mum Sage on 11th May.