"Meet Defari: The Newest Addition to the San Diego Zoo's Hamadryas Baboon Family"
Read "Meet Defari: The Newest Addition to the San Diego Zoo's Hamadryas Baboon Family" on WALY Radio
"Meet Defari: The Newest Addition to the San Diego Zoo's Hamadryas Baboon Family"
[!CDATA[A new baby hamadryas baboon has been welcomed at the San Diego Zoo, marking the first birth of its kind since 2019. The baby, named Defari, which means "strong" in Amharic, was introduced by the zoo in a recent news release. A video shared on Facebook showcases Defari with his mother, Lisa Marie, in their habitat, highlighting the close bond between the two. During the initial three weeks of its life, a baby hamadryas baboon clings to its mother by grasping her hair as she moves around, as explained by zoo officials. These infants are born with pink skin and black hair, which gradually transitions to brown hair resembling adult baboons by the age of one year. Father Zito is attentively watching over Lisa Marie and Defari in the Africa Rocks exhibit, where they are surrounded by caring female baboons, including Lisa Marie's mother, Daphne, eagerly waiting to interact with the newborn. Visitors can observe the baboon family through the Baboon Cam available at the zoo. Hamadryas baboons are commonly found in the wild in regions such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, where they live in large troops consisting of several hundred baboons. The San Diego Zoo, a renowned 100-acre wildlife park, houses a diverse collection of over 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 680 species and subspecies. In conclusion, the arrival of baby Defari has brought joy to the San Diego Zoo, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of hamadryas baboons and their intricate family dynamics. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is exemplified through its diverse animal population, providing a unique opportunity for guests to connect with wildlife and learn about the importance of protecting endangered species.]]