Cape Town’s plan to remove two baboon troops from the city’s southern peninsula has intensified a long-running dispute over wildlife management, public safety and conservation. The city intends to capture the Waterfall and Seaforth troops, sterilize the animals, and move them to a newly built sanctuary. Supporters say the measures are needed after years of conflict in which baboons have damaged homes, entered vehicles, and raided food supplies. However, animal-rights activists and some scientists oppose removing the troops, arguing that fencing should be explored instead. According to these critics, removing the baboon troops could cause social disruption and result in adverse ecological effects. Meanwhile, some experts note that baboons already face threats, including poisoning, vehicle collisions, attacks by dogs, and shootings, and removing them to a sanctuary might be the best way to protect them.