Question 1

Do baboons adopt orphaned juveniles?

Claire · Accepted Answer

Yes, baboons adopt infants and juveniles, particularly if they are too young to independently care for themselves. Adoptive mothers provide food, grooming, and protection to the orphaned infant, and the troop generally supports this behavior, as it helps maintain social cohesion. However, the success of adoption can vary, depending on the individual circumstances and the resources available within the troop.

An adoption was observed in Rooiels in February 2018, when a mother and her 4 month infant were attacked by 2 dogs. Sadly, the mother had to be euthanised. Her infant was adopted by another female who had an infant of the same age. She carried and nursed him alongside her biological son. Despite this, the adopted infant’s health declined over 4 months, and one day he could not be found and was presumed dead¹.

1 Adapted from an article by Dr Joselyn Mormile in the 2018 Breeze magazine.

Question 2

Do baboons adopt orphaned juveniles?

Claire · Accepted Answer

Yes, baboons adopt infants and juveniles, particularly if they are too young to independently care for themselves. Adoptive mothers provide food, grooming, and protection to the orphaned infant, and the troop generally supports this behavior, as it helps maintain social cohesion. However, the success of adoption can vary, depending on the individual circumstances and the resources available within the troop.

An adoption was observed in Rooiels in February 2018, when a mother and her 4 month infant were attacked by 2 dogs. Sadly, the mother had to be euthanised. Her infant was adopted by another female who had an infant of the same age. She carried and nursed him alongside her biological son. Despite this, the adopted infant’s health declined over 4 months, and one day he could not be found and was presumed dead¹.