Wildlife management expert to present talk about baboons

Professor Justin O’Riain will present a talk on baboon management at the Franschhoek Theatre on Wednesday, October 29, at 6.30pm.

He is a director of the Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa at the University of Cape Town.

His interdisciplinary work focuses on finding sustainable solutions to negative interactions between people and wildlife in communities across the African continent.

He has studied species ranging from naked mole-rats to white sharks, with his career shifting from pure to applied science in response to the challenges of a rapidly changing, human-dominated world.

From a bear called JJ4 in Italy to a baboon named Fred in Cape Town, Professor O’Riain will explore why wildlife management in human-transformed environments is both necessary and contentious, and how science, social media, politics, and power intersect in this debate.

Tickets cost R250 and include a glass of wine, snacks, and a Q&A with the speaker.

Booking is essential, as seats are limited. Reservations can be made via the Franschhoek Theatre website. For more information, email smalltalx.info@gmail.com.