Many of us aspire to live close to nature but as humans encroach into animals’ natural habitats, the risk of conflict becomes greater.  And Chacma baboons in the Western Cape are paying the price when nature bumps up against human settlement. 

This conflict has been brought into sharp focus this week as Jenni Trethowan of Baboon Matters is in hospital with suspected pesticide poisoning after trying to save the lives of three baboons who had dieldrin poisoning. They may have been poisoned deliberately.  Dr Gina du Plessis, a vet, says people’s violence towards the baboons is heartbreaking, “This is a problem that’s not going to go away unless we change our attitude to the animals that share our world”. 

But Nick Chevallier, who directs the film explains that we all have instinctive tendencies. He says, “We can learn more about ourselves as humans if we take time out with animals.”

This is exactly what Dale Fox learns in this film. Previously involved in medical research that used baboons and their organs, she has always felt very uncomfortable about her work. Now she takes herself to an animal sanctuary to bring herself face-to-face with living baboons and to confront her guilt.

Filmed in the Western Cape, this documentary explores humans’ relationship with the baboons, from aggressive clashes to spiritual communication. Love them or hate them, there is no doubt that baboons are not warm, fuzzy, cuddly creatures but wild animals.  And as Pete, who cares for injured baboons puts it, they are also “Quite incredible little people”.