Prospect Park Zoo Welcomes Two Newly Born Hamadryas Baboons

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Prospect Park Zoo welcomed the birth of two young hamadryas baboons that were born weeks apart.

The two male hamadryas baboons that are currently bonding well with their parents Bole, Kaika and Rebecca, at the exhibit, are the first baboons since 2010 and the second in nine years at the Prospect Zoo. The 21-year-old father Bole is the father of  both infants.  Rebecca (10-years) was the first to give birth on August 9 followed by Kaika (10-years) who gave birth on Sept. 26.

The elder male among the two unnamed baboons is seen exploring his surroundings already. The younger one is still nursing. The zoo authorities are hoping that the youngest baboon will also soon start moving about on his own.

The hamadryas baboon exhibit is placed in Prospect Parks Zoo's animal Lifestyle building. They are placed along with other species that include Pallas cats, piranhas and tamarind monkeys.

Native to northeastern Africa and Arabian Peninsula, the hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) are also referred as the sacred baboons as they were considered sacred in ancient Egypt. These ground dwelling primates breed aseasonally and are mainly found in rocky regions and cliffs. They are highly social animal and spend a great amount of time in grooming other members of clan. They maintain their social bonds within the troop with such activities. Locally these species are at a risk of habitat loss. In 2008 they were listed as 'least concerned' species by the IUCN.