Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Center for Wildlife has addressed a widely circulated video showing baboons in parts of Riyadh, confirming that the issue is being actively monitored and managed.

In a statement, the center said the majority of the problem has already been addressed, and efforts are ongoing to complete the remaining measures.

It clarified that the baboons observed are not within their natural habitat range and attributed their presence to individuals who had kept the animals as pets and later released them.

The center emphasized the dangers of owning wild animals and urged the public to report similar cases through its dedicated hotline.

The video, which sparked public concern, showed several baboons roaming one of the valleys in the Riyadh region.