KENYA: Baboons, A Family Affair

Baboons provide an endless source of entertainment and intrigue, no matter how often we observe them. The local troop of about 60 individuals is no exception. We find them in their usual spot, along the narrow ford across the dry river bed not far from the Samburu Serena lodge, relaxing and grooming each other before heading off to forage.

The interaction of Olive Baboons reveals a complex and fascinating social structure among these clever primates. Troops include several dominant males and numerous females, along with their offspring of many ages. Females remain constant, whereas males leave to establish their own troop, take over other troops, or be replaced by younger, stronger males.

Multiple family units exist within the troop, with several generations living all together. There is a definite hierarchy amongst the baboons, which becomes clearer after much patient observation. The animals spend a lot of time grooming each other, an activity that strengthens relationships between individuals, reinforces family cohesion and affirms hierarchal positions. It also has the obvious benefit of removing potentially harmful ticks and parasites from the animals. Lower rank individuals groom higher ranking ones; females groom infants and other females; and dominant males tend to be on the receiving end of grooming.

We observed a variety of different grooming behaviors. One groomer was intently and meticulously searching the fur of another seemingly unconcerned individual. Another lay on its back in extreme relaxation, arms and legs spread wide, while being attended. Others were huddled together as a small family unit that included a tiny, hairless baby. Most of this group focused their efforts on the mature female. The baby was not involved in the grooming, but each time it tried to wander away, one of the baboons would reach out a long arm and pull it back to the others.

Young baboons abound with energy, keeping themselves – and us – highly entertained with their inquisitive antics. They dart up tree trunks, roll off of limbs, poke at their friends, jump on adults, inspect invisible bugs and constantly race around.

Squabbles and skirmishes occur frequently among baboons. The scene before us was interrupted by ear-splitting shrieks as two baboons chased each other at top speed. This could be male baboons competing aggressively for females, or the dominant male doling out discipline to an unruly troop member.

During all this activity, a mature male was posted to serve as lookout and guardian from predators or other males who may want to take-over the troop.