As baby animals grow, it is normal for them to want to explore and play. However, for this young baboon, Mom refuses to let him out of her sight.
Tamsyn Slabbert sent this amusing yet interesting footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it on the H4-1 road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie Rest Camps, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Just a mom and her baby
As Tamsyn’s video begins, we see a common Kruger sighting. A mother baboon and her toddler are making their way through the bush.
As they progress, we note that the youngster is staying close to his mother. In a dangerous environment, this is a good thing.
While Mom forages, Junior looks keen to explore his surroundings, but something seems to be holding him back. In fact, even when it becomes obvious that he is trying to get away, he remains at a constant distance from his protective mother.
Held by the tail
Eventually, we get a clear view that reveals what is going on. The mother is holding her offspring’s tail, preventing him from getting away from her.
Even when he attempts to climb a fallen tree, she holds on tight, limiting his ability to play freely.
As we watch the youngster’s repeated efforts to get free, it’s hard not to feel sorry for it. However, it’s safe to assume she has her reasons for doing so.
Likely explanation
While the behaviour may seem unusual, as is often the case, the simplest explanation is often correct. In all likelihood, the mother baboon is disciplining her child.
Baboons live in highly structured troops with a distinct hierarchy. Anyone who steps out of line is likely to get a severe reprimand from a more senior troop member. Infanticide is also common in Chacma baboons.
It’s not hard to imagine the infant had been misbehaving earlier, causing Mom to take action. By keeping him close, she not only keeps him from annoying others but also reinforces her dominance.
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Alternative theory
Alternatively, she may be being extra protective after a dangerous encounter. Baboons are highly intelligent creatures after all, and definitely share close bonds, especially between females and their offspring.
Accordingly, it is not inconceivable that she is conscious of threats and doing what she must to keep her curious infant safe. This seems particularly applicable as the pair crosses the road.
As they do, a car approaches at high speed. By keeping her toddler close, she ensures that he doesn’t panic or get run over.
Thankfully, the vehicle stops in time, and they make it safely to the other side of the road.
As long as it takes
It is difficult to say how long the mother will continue restraining the infant. According to Tamsyn, she passed the same troop after a three-hour interval, and the mother was still holding onto her youngster’s tail.
Throughout the footage, she alternates hands as she continues feeding. Clearly, she is determined to follow through with her disciplinary action.
Ideally, she wants her baby to stay close of its own accord. Until then, she seems content to carry on her day without indulging the youngster.
It could be a long day for both of them!