Category: Omnivore

Location: Safari Drive

About Baboons

There are 5 species of baboon. They’re the largest monkeys and live in complex social groups made up of resident females with several adult male baboons, adolescents and babies forming the rest of the troop. 

Whilst a baboon’s troop hierarchy can be complex it is also very captivating! Males are dominant yet their status is constantly fought for, with rankings shifting all the time. The dominant male is constantly challenged and it’s important that they stay on top in order to keep the troop together.  On the other hand, a female status is passed down to them by their mother, with higher-ranking females being able to lead more successful families.

 Much like our human families, baboon troops mirror familiar experiences—they have families, inherit power, fight for status, provide comfort, teach one another, and engage in occasional squabbles. Making them overall fascinating and highly social creatures.

All Baboon species are classed as ‘Least Concern’. However, with human settlements moving into their habitats, this number is likely to drop as they are often seen as being a bit of a nuisance. In the wild, they live to around 30 years old. Their main predators in the wild include lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and Nile crocodiles.

Our Baboons roam around the monkey jungle which is open to cars as part of our Safari Drive so you can experience them up close! If you’re worried about your car, you can use the car friendly viewing route or take the Baboon Bus. This takes you around the whole of the Safari Drive, including the monkey jungle.

 

 

Name: Baboon

Location: Africa and Arabia

Population: Unknown

Status: Least Concern

Threats: Humans viewing them as pests, agricultural expansion, habitat loss

Fun facts about Baboons

You can spot these monkeys straight away by their distinctive pink bottom. But did you know that a female Baboon’s bottom swells when she is ready to mate? Prepare for your visit or expand your knowledge with these fun facts:

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    They eat both plants and animals and are classed as omnivores

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    They are terrestrial so spend most of their time on the ground but can also climb trees to take shelter or pick fruits

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    The males have the same size canine teeth as female lions

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    They have a gestation period of 6 months and have just one baby

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Baboon facts - Your questions answered!

They are classed as ‘Old World’ monkeys, originating from Africa, and are the largest monkeys. There are five Baboon species which include the guinea baboon, olive, yellow, hamadryas  and chacma Baboons. They are easily recognisable by their distinctive face and hairless bottom!

As opportunistic eaters, Baboons often take what they can get. They are fond of crops, which doesn’t go down too well with farmers, as well as fruits, grasses, seeds, birds, rodents and small mammals.

A group of Baboons is called a ‘troop’. These can be smaller groups, with just a few dozen members, or a single troop can have over 100 members.

Yes. It is important that your windows are closed, doors are locked and you do not get out of your car or attempt to feed them on our Safari Drive. If they feel threatened or come close to humans with food, some species can become aggressive. They are well known for their mischievous nature and can be unpredictable.

In the wild, they live in semi-arid habitats but the exact location depends on their species. Some live in savannahs, others live in tropical forests and the Hamadryas Baboon lives up in the hills near the Red Sea.

The fully grown adults can weigh over 40kg  and they spend much of their time on the ground feeding or climbing trees when resting or avoiding danger. They’re incredibly strong and the males have the same size teeth as a lioness.

Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they sleep in high trees, up cliffs or on rocks. This is so they can stay constantly on guard if a predator attacks.

Because they spend so much time on the ground, they sit down a lot. That’s why Baboon bums have evolved to have no fur or nerve endings which provide a large comfy seat!

Where to see the Baboons at Knowsley Safari

You can see the Baboons at zone 7 of our Safari Drive in the Baboon Jungle. If you don’t have a car or are worried about damage, you can climb aboard the Baboon Bus or take the car-friendly route.

No need to worry about risking your car!

The Baboons are great fun to watch on your way around the safari. However, these mischievous little creatures have been known to cause car damage while getting up to no good.

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the fun! Just take the car-friendly route which avoids the jungle, or book a seat on the Baboon Bus so you can sit back and enjoy the fun while your car stays safe in the car park. 

Baboon Bus

If you don’t have a car or you don’t want to miss out on the fun of the Jungle, take a ride on the Baboon Bus. Leave your car behind and experience the whole safari drive, including the lion and Baboon enclosures. Make sure to book in advance at weekends and during the holidays to secure your seat on our jungle adventure.

Learn more about the Baboon Bus

Car-Friendly Route

Just like our lion enclosure, you can avoid the jungle on the Safari Drive by taking the car-friendly route. Although this is a highlight for many of our guests, we understand that you may want to avoid it if you are worried about car damage or are a little apprehensive. As you approach the jungle, choose the car-friendly route and enjoy these mischievous monkeys from behind the safety of the barrier.

Tips for Entering the Baboon Jungle

Whatever you do, DON’T open your windows or doors and DON’T feed the animals - you’re just asking for trouble. These are just a few of our tips so take a look below and follow the rules.

 

1. DO NOT feed the animals. 

We have a strict NO FEEDING policy across the park for your safety and the safety of the animals. If you are found feeding the animals, you will be asked to leave.

This is especially important with Baboons as food can make them aggressive. So, it’s important to keep all food hidden in your vehicle. If they can see it, they will try and get to it and are more likely to damage your car, so save the snacks for later.

2. Drive carefully.

Don’t exceed 15mph, stay slow and try to keep moving at all times. This is the maximum speed for the entire park and if you drive slowly, you will see more. 

The monkeys are everywhere in the jungle so pay close attention at all times. You should also stay in a free moving lane and try not to stop because this gives them time to settle in front of your car, making it harder to get moving again.

Want to spend more time with the Baboons? Drive through the jungle as many times as you like. It’s much better than getting stuck in the same spot with a pile of monkeys on your car.

3.Keep windows and doors locked.

It might sound obvious but it’s really important. Some of our Baboons weigh up to 40kg, so even the slightest gap in the window can weaken it and you don’t want to battle with a Baboon.

4.Remove external accessories from your car.

Tape, stickers, string, ropes - get rid before entering the safari. Our cheeky monkeys love a challenge and if you’ve got something that can be picked, pulled or taken from the outside of your car, they will have a good go. Not only does it litter the park, but it can be dangerous to the Baboons. If you have a pickup truck, you should also make sure you don’t have anything stored in the back of the vehicle, as it will not be allowed on safari.

5.Read our Terms & Conditions before the Safari Drive.

Stay safe and keep our animals safe by familiarising yourself with our Terms & Conditions before entering the Safari Drive.

You can read our full Ts&Cs here.

 

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