Meet the Baboon
The Baboon is one of the world’s largest and most powerful monkeys, recognized for its dog-like snout, sharp canine teeth, and thick fur. Native to Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, baboons are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments, from savannas to forests. Males stand out with their distinctive mane, or ruff, which adds to their imposing appearance. These intelligent primates live in complex social groups called troops, where they communicate through a mix of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language. While they primarily eat fruits, seeds, and insects, baboons are opportunistic feeders, sometimes hunting small animals. With their keen problem-solving skills and strong bonds within their groups, baboons display some of the most intricate social behaviors in the animal kingdom. Despite their sometimes fierce reputation, they play a crucial role in their ecosystems and continue to fascinate researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Park Location: Animal Walkabout
About the Baboon
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Height | 2.3 ft |
| Weight | 44 – 82 lbs |
| Diet | These monkeys are omnivorous and will eat just about anything edible. Grass makes up a large part of their diet, along with berries, seeds, pods, blossoms, leaves, roots, bark, and sap from a variety of plants. They also eat insects and small quantities of meat, such as fish, shellfish, hares, birds, vervet monkeys, and small antelopes. |
| Gestation Period | 182 Days |
| Life Span | 35 – 45 Years |
| Threats | Habitat loss due to overgrazing, agricultural expansion, irrigation projects, and overall human settlement growth is a threat to this species. |
