Cape Town - Officials on Friday announced that Fred the baboon was euthanized. Fred had become one of the most famous baboons along the scenic Cape point Route and was often to be found in the Smitswinkel Bay area.

Fred had gained notoriety as a gang leader of the local troop and had developed the knack of opening car doors while lesser baboons tried to find more manual means of entering.

Officials said that Fred's behavior had become increasingly more aggressive in recent times and he had been responsible for the injuries to at least three people in 2010

There are more than 300 baboons roaming around the Cape Peninsula, most to be found in the Southern part and within the Table Mountain National Park.

On most days visitors are likely to see family groups along the roadside on the popular scenic route to the Cape of Good Hope.

Baboons are a protected species under South African law. Their aggressive pursuits of food increases as they are exposed to human food.

Cape Town's baboon management group said he was euthanized Friday because he was becoming increasingly aggressive.

"Unfortunately, this baboon's demise can be contributed mainly to the continuous misguided efforts by humans to befriend and feed baboons," the group's statement said. "Because people want to love, laugh at and be entertained by baboons, they start a cycle of events that can lead to tragedy, as in the case of this baboon."

People caught feeding baboons are liable for a fine of 1500 rand

Fred R.I.P