Baboon Management: A Case Study in the Complex Relationship Between Science, Social Media, Politics, and Power

A tender moment captured in Pringle Bay as a baboon family gathers close, with the infant nestled securely between the adults. (Photo credit: Brent Murphy https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XFSLtgxYz/))

On Tuesday, 29 October, at 18:30, Prof. Justin O’Riain will give a presentation at the Franschhoek Theatre.

The disputes over the management of Peninsula baboons are part of a broader global trend in addressing human-wildlife interactions in urbanized areas. These conflicts reveal significant differences in human values and beliefs, often intensified and polarized by social media. From JJ4, a bear in Italy, to Fred, a baboon in Cape Town, O’Riain will examine why managing wildlife in human-altered environments is both essential and controversial, and how science, social media, politics, and power play roles in this discussion.

Justin O’Riain serves as a Professor and the Director of the Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa at the University of Cape Town. His interdisciplinary research is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for the negative interactions between humans and wildlife within African communities. Throughout his career, he has studied various species, including naked mole-rats and white sharks, transitioning from pure science to applied science to address the challenges posed by a rapidly changing, human-dominated environment.

Tickets are priced at R250, which includes a glass of wine, snacks, and a Q&A session with the speaker. Booking is crucial due to limited seating. Reservations can be made through the Franschhoek Theatre website at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za. For any questions, email smalltalx.info@gmail.com.