Baboons
Male baboons are about two feet tall, with a silvery gray mane around their head, neck and shoulders. Females are olive or brownish and smaller than the males. Both have brightly colored, tough leathery pads that allow the baboons to sit and sleep upright comfortably. Grooming for baboons is of social importance, indicating friendliness and approachability.
Riverbanks Zoo has three new baboons from the NC Zoo: Makale, Adjoa and Imi. Makale is a male, and Adjoa and Imi are females. They are joining the two baboons the zoo already houses: Baines and Lou. However, because it takes a good time to bring the baboons all together, ZooView viewers will only see either the 3 new baboons or the 2 existing baboons on exhibit.
RANGE: Northeast Africa and Southern Arabia
HABITAT: Sub desert steppe, arid regions; prefer Acacia trees and shrubs
BEHAVIOR: May be found in large troops of 50-100. These large troops are broken down into smaller units of one dominant male, 4-6 females and their young offspring.
DIET IN THE WILD: Grasses, leaves, roots, insects and small mammals
DIET IN THE ZOO: Lettuce, spinach, fruits and veggies, canned primate diet