A troop of baboons chilling together.
Image: Adam King/ Unsplash
In a heartwarming and whimsical display of nature's antics, a troop of baboons turned a Cape Town backyard into an unexpected party zone, captivating viewers across social media with their playful antics.
A delightful video shared on TikTok by resident Ciara Barry (@ciarabarry10) reveals three cheeky baboons enjoying the summer heat by diving and backflipping into her backyard pool.
The amusing sight was highlighted by Barry, who described the scene as “the calm before the storm."
While the trio were having the time of their lives in the pool, Barry reported that a total of 18 baboons were roaming around her home.
Four of them were particularly rowdy, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the afternoon. “When they come to visit, we stay indoors and lock all the doors and windows until the baboon monitors arrive to escort them away,” Barry explained, underscoring the importance of safety in these unexpected encounters.
This playful intrusion sparked a wave of laughter among social media users, with comments reflecting the light-hearted nature of the situation.
User @braveliam24 quipped: “Back flipping into your pool is disrespectful 😂😂😂.”
Meanwhile, @joash.12 humorously lamented: “I never knew my family went for a pool party without me 💀,” and user @dillon.armstrong6 expressed a sense of camaraderie, stating, “Love this for them! 😂 cause we are all going through the most in SA😭😭.”
One user even empathised with the baboons' plight, saying, “It’s so hot in CPT, I get them.”
Renowned for its stunning landscapes and proximity to wildlife, the Mother City is no stranger to baboon presence.
While many of the local baboon troops maintain a healthy distance from humans, those found in high-traffic tourist areas, such as Cape Point, are known to exhibit aggressive behaviour, especially when fed by humans.
The City of Cape Town has implemented several measures to manage human-baboon interactions, prioritising conservation while ensuring community safety.
"The City consults with locally and internationally recognised experts in baboon behaviour and conservation. Our decisions are based on the latest research," a spokesperson for the city commented.
The city's Baboon Management Programme aims to protect residents from wildlife conflicts while preserving the habitats and lives of these iconic creatures.