My Summer
DECEMBER 2020
03
NOTICE TO HOLIDAYMAKERS: THINK BABOONS
T
he Overstrand is world-famous for its rolling mountains and abutting coastline, all perfectly packaged in a beautiful burst of fynbos known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. Whether you are a guest or a full-time resident, these natural surroundings come with blessings and responsibility.
collection. No refuse bags may be left on pavements overnight.
Never (ever, ever) feed baboons. They do not need your food We are privileged to share our space with the hundreds of species of fynbos and wildlife, including dassies (Rock Hyrax), Southern Right whales, bird species galore and of course, the Chacma baboons. Baboons are intelligent and extremely resourceful and have unfortunately learnt that human food is delicious and easy to find.
In addition, the Municipality requests residents and visitors to make other arrangements regarding garbage disposal on Sundays if so required. It is suggested that an arrangement be made with your neighbours or other permanent residents to make the bins and bags available on the scheduled days for removal.
Living in the Kogelberg Biosphere and along the Klein River mountain range requires residents to be aware of the wildlife that share our space and to adapt our lifestyles accordingly where we can. The only way humans and baboons can harmoniously share a living space is if we adapt our behaviour Dealing responsibly with waste is one of the simple ways we can contribute to the health and well-being of our wildlife and our own families.
Please remember to not place excess rubbish bags next to the municipal bins. Any excessive refuse must be taken to the transfer stations.
If you are letting your property over weekends and the holiday season, please be sure to bring all arrangements regarding the treatment of household waste to your tenants’ attention. For the safety of our waste collection staff, residents are kindly requested to (as far as practically possible) package or wrap any glass items to be disposed of before placing them in the waste bin or black bag. Wherever possible glass items should rather be recycled or disposed of at the public dropoffs and transfer stations.
Baboon-proofing and waste management If black bags are left outside and it is not the day for the municipality to pick them up, baboons, birds, dogs and cats rip open rubbish bags and litter is strewn around. This litter can be blown into the sea where it has negative impacts on marine life.
Be a part of the solution Remember, it is illegal to feed baboons and you can receive a fine if you give them access to food; even if it is food you do not want anymore. Always keep your food hidden away and out of sight – remember that baboons are clever and inquisitive, so please store your food properly.
Ensure that collectables are on the sidewalk by no later than 07:00 on the morning of
All households in baboon problem areas must have an animal-proof bin for domestic
Intimate Celebrations, at Bona Dea, a venue for all occasions Our exquisite Venue is the ultimate setting for any occasion. Our Intimate Celebration Packages are for smaller guest lists, ranging from a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 60 people, ideal for intimate weddings, christenings, or special birthdays Bona Dea offers two Packages for Weekdays (Tuesday – Thursday) or Weekends. With our competitive pricing and tailored approach to event coordination we ensure planning your event is a breeze. Our professional events team would be delighted to receive you at the Estate for a cappuccino and a consultation. Contact us today to find out more. Offer is valid until 31 August 2021. +27 (0)28 050 0370 www.bonadea.co.za H E M E L- E N - A A R D E V A L L E Y HERMANUS
gm@bonadea.co.za WESTERN CAPE
waste. Baboon-resistant 240-litre Wheelie bins with locks can be purchased at the municipal offices and will be delivered to your home. Alternatively, bins can be bought at any hardware store and baboon proof locks can be fitted, at an additional charge, on your existing bin. Baboon Hotline The dedicated BABOON HOTLINE NUMBER for reporting baboons in Hermanus and Pringle Bay is 072 028 0008. Residents within these areas are encouraged to phone the hotline number to report any baboon sightings and request assistance from Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS), the service provider for the Overstrand Municipality’s Baboon Management Programme. At this stage reaction and assistance from HWS is not possible in areas other than Hermanus and Pringle Bay. However, if residents from other areas would like to report baboon sightings, it will assist the municipality to capture information on the movement patterns of the troops so that a better understanding can be gained of their activities in the areas. Enjoy peace of mind: Pro-active measures and responses to possible baboon encounters • Join your neighbourhood WhatsApp group for Baboon Alerts. • If renting your house, advise tenants how to manage the situation, particularly if they have children or pets. • Know your refuse day and take responsibility for securing your bin. • Always set your house alarm as you leave. Close all windows. • Young baboons can access a gap of
5cm or larger; burglar bars with a narrow gap are effective. • Baboons can open sliding doors and pull down door handles. They do not know how to turn round doorknobs. • Appoint a close neighbour or friend in town to be key holder. • If baboons enter your house, make way so they exit unhindered. • Always treat baboons with caution; do not corner them as they may become aggressive when they feel threatened. • If baboons do gain access to your house, keep pets away until all baboons have left. • Never threaten baboons or take food items from them. • Teach children to drop food items and move away, if approached by a baboon. • Avoid leaving domestic pets outside for extended periods when you are out. • Security beams in the garden provide early warnings. • Keep fruit bowls and food items out of sight, away from windows. • Pick ripe fruit from fruiting trees daily. • Vegetable gardens, bird feeders, dog food bowls and uncovered compost heaps attract baboons. • Do not put bird seed, fruit or nectar feeders out in your garden. This is one of the biggest attractions for the baboons. • Let the baboons know that you do not want them in your home, shout at them, act confidently and always ensure the baboon has a clear escape route. • Baboons will keep returning if they find rewards. Encourage everyone in your community to use the correct bins. Your continued co-operation is needed to minimise the baboon problem.
