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Baboons in Tokai


Andrew Buckley

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Yesterday riding up the main route to level 2 next to the downhill there was a large troop of baboons on the road.  I have never felt unsafe with baboons before, but on of the big males seemed very interested in me and trotted next to me for a while before losing interest.

 

Has anyone ever had a serious incident with baboons in Tokai?

 

Andrew

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In the old parking area, they would remove the straps from my bike rack, destroy wiper blades and even remove the rubber covering the gutter on the roof of cars.

 

I guess you were probably carrying a sandwich or fruit.

 

Other than that, I dont know of any incidents where the tokai troop have attacked anyone

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In the old parking area, they would remove the straps from my bike rack, destroy wiper blades and even remove the rubber covering the gutter on the roof of cars.

 

I guess you were probably carrying a sandwich or fruit.

 

Other than that, I dont know of any incidents where the tokai troop have attacked anyone

Does everyone now have to park at the braai area now? Haven't cycled there in ages but often run to the braai area with our dogs. 

 

Remember all the baboons on the cars. Was crazy. 

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I have never encountered an aggressive baboon in many years riding at Tokai. Yesterday they were all over the dh3 jumps when I rode down so had to detour around them. No problem. I dont expect them to move out of my way although they generally do if youre bearing down on them. The other day exiting Fairy, a medium adult ran ahead of me as I descended and kept looking over its shoulder at me. It was hilarious. Took him around 50 m plus before he veered into the bush.

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I ride there quite a bit on my own and have often come across large troops of baboons, they're seemingly not bothered by riders although I'm terrified of them  :eek:  

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Does everyone now have to park at the braai area now? Haven't cycled there in ages but often run to the braai area with our dogs. 

 

Remember all the baboons on the cars. Was crazy. 

Some people park at bootleggers but IMO that's a bit of a d!ck move ito those businesses and their clientele. 

 

@the OP. I've never heard of a serious incident involving the baboons up there. I have seen them steal the odd banana and pack and rifle through it but if you don't chase them they'll drop the pack.

 

When I lived in Glencairn the local troop did take out a few big dogs. Little dogs (which is what we had) obviously weren't seen as a threat coz they were left alone.

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If you are ever in trouble with baboons in the area, call the HWS baboon hotline

 

https://hwsolutions.co.za/baboon-management/

 

These baboons are mostly harmless as they are prevented the opportunity for much human interaction.

 

It is once people starts to feed these baboons that they become more comfortable around humans and will increase the likelihood of an attack if you are carrying food they can snatch of you.

 

Also, showing your teeth to them (even from smiling at them or just heavy breathing on your bike from a climb) is a sign of aggression and an adult male could take that as a challenge.

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I was there yesterday cycled past 2 large troops including some huge males.  They seemed pretty chilled to me.  Tokai troop are used to people so unless some idiot decides to start feeding them they should still relatively harmless.

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Some people park at bootleggers but IMO that's a bit of a d!ck move ito those businesses and their clientele. 

 

@the OP. I've never heard of a serious incident involving the baboons up there. I have seen them steal the odd banana and pack and rifle through it but if you don't chase them they'll drop the pack.

 

When I lived in Glencairn the local troop did take out a few big dogs. Little dogs (which is what we had) obviously weren't seen as a threat coz they were left alone.

Agree with you on parking at Bootleggers. Unfortunately we have to park outside the picnic area because it closes before the gate higher up does and in summer there lots of riding to be had. I have parked at the Bike Park before but I was out long before 7 and it does cost R10.00. 

 

I guess you could park where the dog walkers do near lower Tokai which is probably better than at Bootleggers. 

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