THE WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA MEETING WITH THE BABOON TECHNICAL TEAM AND THEIR ASSOCIATES
On Friday 13th November 2020 WAPFSA members Pete Oxford, Jenni Trenthowen Lorraine Hollway and Stefania Falcon attended a meeting organised by Dr Baard, of Cape Nature by the authority of Honourable Minister of Local Government Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Mr Anton Bredell.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Baard, members of the Baboon Technical Team and their associates which included the City of Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA were also in attendance as were representatives from the Overstrand Municipality and the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries.
This meeting was in response to a request by WAPFSA, who in an open letter to the Minister on the 25th of August 2020, called for a workshop to revise outdated, ineffective, unethical guidelines for the management of baboons in the Western Cape and to initiate discussions about alternatives to the current baboon management plan.
WAPFSA members used this preliminary meeting to demonstrate the need for open discussion and that through participative inclusion of baboon advocacy and action groups successful change can be negotiated and implemented.
"It is our contention that the focus of overall baboon management must move toward changing human behaviour in effective ways so that there is less criminalisation of baboons and more accountability in human occupied spaces."
In line with COVID_19 specified regulations, four members of WAPSFA attended this preliminary meeting where three members delivered their own presentations.
Lorraine Holloway – Baboons of the South
PRESENTATION: Changing human behaviour and moving baboon management to a state of open and transparent communication between all stakeholders.
INTRODUCTION: Baboon management should be an inclusive working enterprise between all stakeholders rather than an unwelcome burden managed solely by the Authorities. The main objectives of this discussion are to focus attention on the lack of openness and transparency around baboon management and to propose the formation of a TASK TEAM to deal proactively with the issues identified below. It may well require a review of the structure of the BTT, its role and membership. A question that also needs to be pursued is whether consideration should be given to the management of troops by location taking into consideration the challenges in each location
Jenni Trethowan – Baboon Matters
PRESENTATION: Baboon Management – a science based project.
How could a broader range of science reduce the conflict between humans and baboons, leading to a better management of the interface?
Using extracts from the following publications we can see that there is a need for better engagement of humans through more effective education, waste management and life style choices, how can this be achieved if the only science used to determine the success of the project is pure zoology?
Comments on Published papers: Management of Commensal Baboons in Saudi-Arabia. Sylvain Biquand, Ahmed Boug, Véronique Guyot-Biquand, Jean-Pierre Gautier / Advancing best practices for aversion conditioning (humane hazing) to mitigate human–coyote conflicts in urban areas. / Lesley Sampson Book: Rock, Water, Life – Prof L GreenDirect communication: Prof. S. Strum & Dr. J Goodall
Pete Oxford – Betty's Bay Baboon Action Group
Can contracts between municipalities and service providers operate within the CapeNature approved guidelines if there is a "one size fits all" approach to baboon management?
Each locality and baboon troop have specific criteria and culture; we need to show an open and adaptive approach to providing variation of management strategies for differing regions.
Stefania Falcon – The EMS Foundation
The EMS Foundation representative and the co-ordinator for Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa.
The EMS Foundation prepared a working document which was emailed to the members of WAPFSA and to the offices of Cape Nature, the organiser of this meeting , the offices of the Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde, Honourable Minister of Local Government Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Mr Anton Bredell will also receive a copy.
Baboon-Management-in-the-Western-Cape_WAPFSA-Preliminary-Document_12November-2020Download
It is important to make note the following important points in the light of transparency. The subject of capturing and release of the baboon known SK11/ Kataza was not allowed to be discussed. The City of Cape Town representatives were not allowed to comment at the meeting. The appointed baboon management service providers, Human Wildlife Services and NCC Environmental Services were not in attendance. It is also important to note that the representative from the University of Cape Town, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, was advised not to attend the meeting. The other member of the BTT, SanParks were not in attendance.
Image Credit: SK11 release on 12th November 2020 NCC Environmental Services
© 2020 WAPFSA. All rights reserved
WAPFSA CALLS FOR URGENT MORATORIUM TO REVISE GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BABOONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
WAPFSA CALLS FOR A MORATORIUM AND A WORKSHOP TO REVISE OUTDATED, INEFFECTIVE, UNETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BABOONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Mr Anton Bredell The Honourable Minister of Local Government Environment Affairs and Development Planning
Dr Baard Cape Nature
Liezl de Villiers Senior Environmental Management Section Overstrand Municipality
25th August 2020,
Honourable Minister Bredell,
The undersigned organizations are part of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA), an alliance of diverse South African NGOs that share certain values, knowledge and objectives and that collectively comprise a body of expertise from scientific, conservation, legal, welfare, rights, tourism, social justice and public advocacy sectors.
Continue reading "WAPFSA CALLS FOR URGENT MORATORIUM TO REVISE GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BABOONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE"
THE SUBMISSION BY THE EMS FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL LAW REFORM SOUTH AFRICA IN RESPECT OF THE DEFF HIGH LEVEL PANEL
SUBMITTED ON THE 15TH JUNE 2020
The submission relates to the Management, Breeding, Hunting, Trade, Handling and Related matters to the Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.
FINAL-SUBMISSION-TO-HLP-EMS-ALRSA_15062020-3Download
Please note that this Submission is non-exhaustive and does not represent all the responses to the issues and matters raised herein. We reserve the right to provide any further or additional information on aspects raised herein.
We are submitting so as to be able to record our initial high-level views and resources; however, our Submission is by no means a complete one in relation to the topics, objections or matters that may be raised.
We wish to note upfront that we believe there are various issues with the contents, processes, and related matters in respect of the Panel generally, as well as the Call for Submission. Consequently, our Submission does not constitute a waiver of any rights we may have, including but not limited to challenging the Department, the High-Level Panel/ Advisory Committee or otherwise, or take any other action we deem fit in respect thereof.
Specifically, we believe that insufficient time and notice has been provided for us to provide complete comments. The entire process on this Call for Submissions has been done during a declared National State of Disaster and lockdown of the country. During this time, particularly as NGOs, we have experienced major strain on our resources and capacity to deal with matters.
The views expressed herein are those of the two organisations and do not necessarily represent those of every individual director, member, employee, representative, volunteer, affiliate or others of either EMS and/or ALRSA.
We have attempted to be as comprehensive as possible, given the time, resources and other relevant factors and constraints, however we may not have responded or included each and every relevant consideration. Accordingly, it should be noted that different persons have provided input and we have tried within these constraints to collate this input as effectively, consistently, and practicably as possible.
We have further attempted to reference as footnotes or hyperlink the resources relied upon for this submission. Should you require any further information in respect of these or the Submission more generally, we are happy to provide these.
We reserve any and all rights, remedies and actions available to us.
©2020 Wildlife Animal Protection Forum. All rights reserved.
As Founding Members of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) we, the undersigned South African organisations, resolve to adopt this statement of purpose, objects, and operational principles.
The WAPFSA was initiated in 2017 as a collaborative network representing the interests of wild animals and as a vehicle to engage government on animal protection, ethical and compassionate conservation, welfare and biodiversity loss issues amongst others.
The WAPFSA provides a framework for cooperation and networking among non-governmental organisations in South Africa. Through such cooperation, animal protection, environmental, conservation, and other like-minded organisations can present, to the various government agencies and other relevant bodies, a strong, clear and informed common position.
Our collaboration involves, but is not limited to, the following main categories: advocacy, outreach, research, enforcement, investigation, monitoring, litigation and training.
WAPFSA-Founding-Document-with-EndorsementsDownload
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT TO READ THE ENTIRE FOUNDING STATEMENT
SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE – ZOOS REFLECT A DEEPLY COLONIAL VIEWPOINT
THE WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA ADDRESSES AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
The Presidency, Republic of South Africa, Tuynhuis, Private Bag X1000, Cape Town 8000
BY EMAIL: presidency@presidency.gov.za
Your Excellency President Ramaphosa,
SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE – ZOOS ARE PERPETUATING A DEEPLY COLONIAL POINT OF VIEW
On Heritage Day, 24th September 2020, President Ramaphosa said that:
"The naming and renaming of towns and cities forms part of building a united nation, as well as the erection of new statues and monuments. Monuments glorifying our divisive past should be repositioned and relocated. This has generated controversy, with some saying we are trying to erase our history. But we make no apologies for this. Any symbol, monument or activity that glorifies racism, that represents our 'ugly' past has no place in a democratic South Africa. The struggle against apartheid was first and foremost aimed at ensuring that all our people should reclaim their dignity, black and white. Restoring dignity is the preoccupation of this administration."
The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) is a Forum made up of individuals representing environmental, conservation and wildlife protection organisations, these include experts from the scientific, conservation, legal, welfare, animal rights, tourism, social justice and public advocacy sectors.
WAPFSA would like President Ramaphosa to also consider acknowledging the fact that the zoos in South Africa are lasting monuments to the colonialist ideology of capturing indigenous people, wild animals and plants and keeping them on display. Menageries of the 18th century brought indigenous people and "exotic" animals to Western society and zoos today are a constant painful reminder of this practise.
From the very beginning of South Africa's history, colonists exercised their control and authority. At first they controlled the Khoikhoi people and simultaneously crafted racist and sexists ideologies about the culture of all indigenous people they encountered as they moved north. Travelogues that circulated in Europe described Africa as being uncivilised. They enforced the belief that it was in Africa's best interest to be colonized by European settlers.
Human zoos, also known as ethnological expositions, were well documented 19th and 20th century exhibitions of humans. These displays emphasised the cultural difference between Europeans of Western civilization and non-Europeans who practised a lifestyle which was deemed more primitive.
One of the most well-known examples of ethnological expositions in our history is the one that took place in 1810, when Saartjie Baartman a Khoikhoi was taken to England. On the 10th January 1811 at the New Theatre in London a pantomime called "The Hottentot Venus" was featured at the end of the evenings entertainment. Saartjie Baartman was the so-called Hottentot who was displayed, people were allowed to touch her for a fee. In 1814 Saartjie Baartman was sold to an animal trainer and taken to Paris where she was exhibited as a "freak'. Even in death, she became the object of scientific and medical research. Her genitals, her brain and a death cast of her body were displayed until 1985. After five years of negotiation her remains were returned to South Africa on the 3rd May 2002.
In the 1870's exhibitions of exotic populations became popular in various countries. Human zoos could be found in Paris, Hamburg, Antwerp, Barcelona, London, Milan and New York City. Wild animal merchants in Europe exhibited Africans and wild animals. In 1925 a display at Belle Vue zoo in Manchester, in England was entitled "Cannibals" and featured black Africans depicted as savages. In 1958 a Congolese village was displayed at the Brussels World's Fair. The history of human zoos is long and very painful.
In 2020 South Africa still has colonial contructs―zoos―which reinforce notions of conquest, control and "Othering'. The purpose for these zoos, the practice of keeping wild nonhuman animals captive is a source of contention. Debates regarding individual animal rights and animal welfare is especially relevant now.
The government zoo in Bloemfontein had to be closed recently because the animals were left to themselves, animals died of starvation. There are still government zoos in Pretoria, Johannesburg and East London. The budget to run these facilities could be better spent on real education.
If we are going to consider ourselves to be post-colonial then we need to shed the colonial narrative and remove wild animals from cages. There is a renewed global focus on racism and the violent colonial history is being highlighted worldwide. South Africa should lead the way, we do not need colonial styled zoos in South Africa instead these facilities could become centres of virtual and immersive technologies, libraries and places of education and study.
It became apparent during the global COVID_19 pandemic that children and students needed places where they could access high-speed WIFI in order to continue their studies. Children and students need large areas of safe space to study. The zoos in South Africa could be turned into such facilities. The education of South Africans about our diverse environment and wildlife can continue with live-streamed safari experiences to audiences at these facilities. Lectures could be delivered. The positive educational possibilities are endless.
We eagerly await your positive response.
Megan Carr Rhinos in Africa
Note: This letter would not have been possible without the assistance of Chief Stephen Fritz, leader of the South Peninsula Khoi Council
Senior Chief Stephen Fritz South Peninsula Customary Khoisan Council
Supporting Members of WAPFSA:
Winter Worsthorne Founder Animal Talk Africa
Sai African Climate Alliance
Jennie Trethowan Founder Baboon Matters
Smaragda Louw Director Ban Animal Trading
Toni Brockhoven Chairperson Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa)
Peter Oxford Founder Betty's Bay Baboon Action Group
Samantha Dewhirst Director Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education
Michele Pickover Director EMS Foundation
Fiona Miles Director Four Paws (SA)
Anna Centura Co-Founder Future 4 Wildlife
Jabu Myeni Environmental Education, Gifted for Good
Linda Tucker CEO Founder Global White Lion Protection Trust
Les Mitchell Director Institute for Critical Animal Studies (Africa)
Steve Smit Co-Founder Monkey Helpline
Kim Da Ribeira Director OSCAP-Outraged SAfrican Citizens Against Poaching
Vivien Law Parliament for the People
Lex Abnett Director Southern African Fight for Rhinos
Dave Du Toit Founder Vervet Monkey Foundation
Sera Farista Youth Climate Group
Guy Jennings Director WildAid Southern Africa
Zoos-in-South-Africa-and-a-Deeply-Colonial-ViewpointDownload
Image Credit: Daily Mail United Kingdom with the following text: The horrifying industry was also active in Europe. An African girl is shown at the 1958 Expo in Brussels, Belgium that featured a "Congo Villiage" with visitors watching her from behind wooden fences
KATAZA, ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL
A LETTER WRITTEN TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY MAVERICK
Kataza, a southern chacma baboon was forcibly removed from the Slangkop troop, his family, in Kommetjie approximately two weeks ago. He was dropped off more than twenty kilometres away on the urban edge of Tokai, in the Western Cape of South Africa.
The baboon monitors who had worked closely with conservationists, were replaced in 2012 by Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS). Their methods of management have included removals and the use of pain-inducing paint ball guns as a deterrent. Dame Jane Goodall, a world renowned primatologist has been outspoken and critical of "unnecessarily hostile tactics"[1]. According to recent reports[2], HWS have now lost their annual fourteen million rand baboon management contract with the City of Cape Town.
During Kataza's absence from the Slangkop troop, the alpha male George has killed at least one of Kataza's offspring. According to Dr Andrew King, a professor at Swansea University in the United Kingdom, George "is adopting a clever evolutionary strategy, with no infants to care for, the infants' mother stops lactation and becomes ready to conceive"[3]. Kataza, as we know, did not leave the troop of his own accord, he was "dispersed of".
Kataza, in the meanwhile has been refused veterinary assessment from the wildlife division of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CGHSPCA) even though he is showing signs of exhaustion, distress and confusion as he tries in vain to return to his troop in Kommetjie.
The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) consists of conservation and wildlife protection organisations, these include experts from the scientific, conservation, legal, welfare, animal rights, tourism, social justice and public advocacy sectors. The members of WAPFSA would like to clarify that the enormous public concern about the pitiless, forced removal and relocation of Kataza, has become the tipping point for many conservationists and concerned citizens. Not only are they worried about the well-being of this individual baboon but he has become a symbol of all that is wrong with the callous style in which the baboons of the Western Cape are treated by the authorities.
The planet's wildlife is in a precipitous decline, Sir David Attenborough has stated this weekend that children born today will witness the sixth mass extinction[4]. Our extractive and unempathetic relationship with nature needs to be urgently readdressed. Baboons play a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom and many residents of the Western Cape feel fortunate to be able to enjoy having baboons as neighbours. The City of Cape Town though, and some residents, seem to have lost sight of the fact that many homes are in fact situated on the edges of nature reserves and the rights of baboons should therefore be protected. There is unanimous agreement on all sides of the debate, that irresponsible waste management, both household and municipal is one of the single biggest root causes of human/baboon conflict.
Shirley Strum, a primatologist has stated that "It is garbage and the humans' food in it, that attracts baboons and is the source of much conflict between people and the animals… it is important to find ways to convince people to dispose of their refuse properly and to use the baboon-proof bins correctly… It needs a serious PR campaign and then some enforcement and penalties to motivate people to act right… it would be a shame if they [baboons] died out because of bad human behaviour."
A recent paper in Science: "Engage with animal welfare in conservation[5]", argues that conservationists should be concerned not only about the persistence of animal species and populations but about the welfare of individual animals.
Professor David Bilchitz of the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional Public and Human Rights and International Law has also argued that, in order to save a species from extinction, we need an "integrative approach[6]", which recognises the intrinsic value and promotes the respect for the individual non-human animal.
Jenni Trethowan, the founder of Baboon Matters, has spent thirty years working with baboons and she has developed non-lethal management techniques with the guidance of primatologists Dave Gaynor and Ruth Kansky. It has been shown that using the intimate knowledge gained by studying the individual behaviours of the troop and traditional herding techniques will achieve the desired goal of a harmonious co-existence, when baboons encroach with humans.
WAPFSA has engaged with Minister Bredell and he has confirmed that the Ministry of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and Cape Nature will be organising a workshop to engage in discussions on scientific research and animal protection principles that will underpin the protocols for the treatment of baboons and their co-existence with their human counterparts going forward. WAPFSA believes that through collaboration, transparency, dialogue, best science and a more humane, ethical and respectful approach both humans and baboons will benefit.
The current unacceptable and disruptive treatment of Kataza demands immediate intervention. Lawyers acting for Baboon Matters have requested an emergency compassionate solution for Kataza in order to save his life.
Written by Stefania Falcon on behalf of WAPFSA
Continue reading "KATAZA, ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL"
MARINE OIL POLLUTION Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Draft Bill 2019
WAPFSA has expressed our concern about the seeming lack of infrastructure to prevent and manage emergencies and possible incidents at sea, as well as illegal activities and pollution.
We welcome the Draft Bill as a tool to better protect our biodiversity and environment for the sake of ecosystems and resources for our future generations.
WAPFSA-on-Draft-Oilspill-Bill-291119-Download
PLEASE READ THE FULL DOCUMENT
THE WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA RESPONDS TO MINISTER CREECY'S HIGH LEVEL ADVISORY PANEL APPOINTMENTS
WAPFSA-Response-to-PanelDownload
EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTER ADDRESSED TO:
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL MS NOSIPHO NGCABA AND MINISTER BARBARA CREECY
FROM: THE WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA
THE LETTER IS TITLED: ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW POLICIES, LEGISLATION AND PRACTICES ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT, BREEDING, HUNTING, TRADE AND HANDLING OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS AND RELATED MATTERS
"We are disappointed and deeply concerned with the selection of the Committee as well as the Department's lack of transparency and clarity in respect of the selection thereof.
The Committee is predominantly composed of persons directly involved in the use and exploitation of wildlife including hunting, breeding, testing, killing and otherwise. Such persons have deeply vested commercial/financial and other interests in the outcome of the Committee's deliberations. We are of the view that such persons cannot be considered to be independent of these interests and will thus attempt to influence the outcome in accordance with such."
THE FULL LETTER IS AVAILABLE ON THE LINK POSTED