Baboon
CHRISSY, affectionately known as “Boonie” to her human family, arrived at Animal Tracks in January 2011 when she was four years old. She came from a local animal facility where she was part of a trio of baboons but, as the odd one out, was often picked on by the others. Here, she found her true home and has since become the undisputed Queen of Animal Tracks!
A stunning hamadryas/olive baboon hybrid, Chrissy loves going for walks and visiting the play yard, where she swings on swings and bounces on the trampoline. She has always had a strong maternal instinct, and three years ago, her dream of becoming a mother came true when she adopted Bindi, a baby long-tailed macaque surrendered to us after being kept illegally as a pet. Chrissy took to motherhood quickly—though she needed a few months of parenting lessons—and is now a loving (and sometimes strict) mom to her rambunctious little one!
ORDER: PRIMATES
FAMILY: CERCOPITHECIDAE
GENUS: PAPIO
SPECIES: ANUBIS
Most active during daylight hours, (diurnal), they eat plant matter and protein, (omnivores), they have the superpower of being seed spreaders. They help grow the native species in their biomes. They are both ground dwelling, (terrestrial) and tree climbers (arboreal). They are polygamists (more than 1 mate) in a patriarchal (male dominated) society. They are very social and live in dominance hierarchies which can be quite brutal at times. They reproduce year-round, are pregnant 180 days, normally producing 1 baby at a time. They sexually mature between 7 and 10 yrs. of age. Males often help raise the babies.
Threats
Big cats, wild dogs, hyenas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, man and the destruction of their homes by agriculture.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern