Getting to Know Ethiopia’s Gelada Baboons

A virtual visit to the highlands of Ethiopia is more fun that a barrel full of monkeys in that you will meet one of the world’s most fascinating primates — the Gelada baboons. See link below.

The baboons have a dynamic and complex social structure, second only to man’s, making them a fascinating animal to watch. And these days – with most of us self-isolating and working from home – taking a break to enjoy a slice of nature provides the perfect antidote to long days in the house.

To that end, Great BIG Nature’s latest video — featuring the gelada baboons — doesn’t disappoint. Shot in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia 3,000 metres above sea level, we meet a group of baboons carrying on and cavorting.

These baboons are easily identifiable by a patch of bare skin on their chests, which glows red when ready to mate and has given rise to a nickname — bleeding heart monkeys.

The baboons are also unique in that they are the only surviving species of grazing monkey. They spend up to 60% of their day feeding – more than any other primate. As night descends, the baboons descend the cliffs at the edge of their grazing areas to sleep on tiny rock ledges until the sun rises, and grazing begins once again.

Visit the Simien Mountains virtually to whet your appetite to visit once Tourism resumes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saK06Wd6lOA&feature=youtube

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