Question 1

What is life like for an infant baboon?

Accepted Answer

Typically a female will give birth to only one infant, although cases of twins have been recorded. A newborn baboon has black fur and a pink face, and is the object of much interest, care and attention from the whole troop. Other females will often pay a toll to the mother (in the form of a grooming session) in order to get close to an infant.

A newborn weighs about 1 kilogram at birth. For the first few days, the mother will use her hand to support the newborn as it clings to her belly, until it develops enough strength to hold on for itself. This position provides protection for the infant, and easy access to milk.

Infant baboons develop quite slowly. The newborn drinks only their mother’s milk until they are about 3-4 months old. At this age, they will be able to ride on their mother’s back, and will sample their first solid foods like grass and flowers. By the time an infant baboon is one year old, it will be fully weaned.

Infants stay close to their mothers, but also start exploring the immediate environment, trying out their climbing skills and playing with other young baboons. Their mothers are highly protective, and will hold, shield or flee with their infant in the face of danger. Or if forced to, they will fiercely defend them against a threat. Males form bonds with specific infants, whose mothers they have mated or formed a platonic friendship with. They will allow the infants to clamber over them, protect them from threats and sometimes groom them.

Question 2

What is life like for an infant baboon?

Accepted Answer

Typically a female will give birth to only one infant, although cases of twins have been recorded. A newborn baboon has black fur and a pink face, and is the object of much interest, care and attention from the whole troop. Other females will often pay a toll to the mother (in the form of a grooming session) in order to get close to an infant.

A newborn weighs about 1 kilogram at birth. For the first few days, the mother will use her hand to support the newborn as it clings to her belly, until it develops enough strength to hold on for itself. This position provides protection for the infant, and easy access to milk.

Infant baboons develop quite slowly. The newborn drinks only their mother’s milk until they are about 3-4 months old. At this age, they will be able to ride on their mother’s back, and will sample their first solid foods like grass and flowers. By the time an infant baboon is one year old, it will be fully weaned.

Infants stay close to their mothers, but also start exploring the immediate environment, trying out their climbing skills and playing with other young baboons. Their mothers are highly protective, and will hold, shield or flee with their infant in the face of danger. Or if forced to, they will fiercely defend them against a threat. Males form bonds with specific infants, whose mothers they have mated or formed a platonic friendship with. They will allow the infants to clamber over them, protect them from threats and sometimes groom them.