After escaping its mother, a baby baboon did the rounds among its troop. His adventure taught him that there is no place like being in Mom’s care.
Francis Kijazi submitted this adorable footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Olive baboons grooming
As we join Francis’ sighting, we see a group of olive baboons (Papio anubis) huddled on a branch. This species frequents grass- and woodland habitats across equatorial Africa.
Like all baboons, they are highly social, living in tight-knit hierarchical groups led by a dominant male.
Time for an adventure
Subsequently, as we watch, an infant baboon escapes from its mother while being groomed. Unconcerned, she lets him wander off on an adventure.
Despite the dangerous environment in which they live, the mother is confident that the troop will look out for her youngster. Baboon troops deploy a multi-layered sentry network, constantly on the lookout for threats.
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No one to play with
However, having fled from the adoring attention of his mother, the young baboon seems at a loss as to what to do with his newfound freedom. There are no similarly aged baboons with whom it can play.
Nevertheless, like most adventurous toddlers, he is not about to let this setback ruin his adventure. If fun won’t come to him, he’ll go and look for it.
Subsequently, the big-eared baby surveys the troop, looking for a likely playmate. In the complex hierarchies of baboon troops, members must carefully make such decisions.
I’m busy…
When he spots a familiar face walking by, the little one descends from his branch and tries to greet the passerby.
However, the older animal responds with indifference. Apparently, this adult has more important things to do than entertain someone else’s infant.
Brave baby
Undeterred, the plucky young baboon climbs back to his vantage point, hoping for better luck next time.
In no time, he spots the next candidate. Except this one comes with some risk attached.
Firstly, he must perform a daring stunt by hanging upside down to reach the ground. Encouraged by his own bravery, he then confidently approaches the troop’s dominant male.
Showing neither fear nor respect, he then pulls at the big male’s whiskers. This might be a terrible mistake!
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Not busy, just not interested
However, showing the confidence and restraint that comes with true leadership, the male simply turns away.
As he does so, he closes his eyes, signalling he, too, is not interested in playing. Although frustrated, the youngster knows better than to try his luck with this guy.
A sure bet
Having had his advances twice rebuffed, the little monkey realises he may have been looking for attention in all the wrong places.
With that, he skips up the tree..
And back into the loving arms of his Mom and an aunt. Sometimes, you’ve got to leave what you know to realise what you’ve got.
