[Columbia, SC] - Three new hamadryas baboons have joined the existing baboon troop at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The baboons were introduced to their new exhibit on July 17, and are busy exploring their new habitat located near the front of the Zoo.  “Riverbanks has been anticipating the arrival of these baboons for over a year,” said John Davis, curator of mammals. “We expect with the acquisition of the new baboons that the exhibit will become very active. Their youth makes them curious, and they have extensive social experience with other baboons.”
All three baboons came from the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. The two females are mother and daughter. Imi is nine years old and her daughter Adjoa is four years old. Makale, the male, is also four years old. They will join Riverbanks’ current male and female, Baines and Lou. Renovations were made to the existing baboon exhibit in preparation for their arrival. The design of the exhibit was based on a scene that Riverbanks’ Executive Director Satch Krantz observed while he traveled through the Samburu Park in Kenya—a collapsed bridge along a cliffside that had been taken over by a troop of baboons. Funds were raised at the 2005 Riverbanks ZOOfari benefit to complete this project. Krantz’s vision became a reality in April 2006 when the renovated exhibit was revealed to Baines, Lou and the public. The exhibit features a grassy savannah and a mock collapsed bridge that serves as both a climbing structure and a shaded area for the animals. Artificial rock or gunite remains in the exhibit from previous years to provide a rocky terrain. The new troop of baboons will share exhibit time with Baines and Lou until introductions between the two groups are complete. Guests can expect to see Makale, Adjoa and Imi on exhibit between 9am and 12pm throughout the next month. Hamadryas baboons are one of five species of baboons. They are native to northeast Africa and southern Arabia, and live in semi-desert areas, savannahs and rocky areas. Adult males are slightly larger than females. Males have a silvery, gray mane and females are olive or brownish. Both males and females have a pink or red hairless face and bottom. The hamadryas baboon species is listed as near threatened. For those individuals who are unable to make a trip to the Zoo, you can check out the new baboons on the SCE&G ZooView webcam beginning August 2. The baboons will be featured throughout the entire month of August.
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