So here we have it – two more male baboons, Merlin and Force of the Smitswinkel troop are to be put down as they are deemed habitual raiders and have become aggressive.   Are you surprised?  I’m not.  It was inevitable, just as it was that Manuel the new incoming male became an accomplished raider within three weeks of arriving in the locale.   With attractants such as picnic areas, camping grounds, and an enticing restaurant where food is openly displayed and available, why wouldn’t the baboons become raiders? Top that off with people who illegally feed them, and residents with unsecured wastebins and the environment is rife with opportunity.  There is a fundamental flaw in the protection of the species when there’s a lack of management of the environment, which results in a perpetuated cycle of raiding and aggressive behaviour in the animals.  How sad it is that the baboons end up paying the price for peoples’ lack of accountability.