Buzz
Baboons often go unnoticed compared to their more charming relatives. This might be due to their intimidating teeth, aggressive tendencies, and their less-than-adorable appearance. Yet, that’s unfortunate because baboons are truly remarkable creatures—provided you maintain a safe distance. The history of baboons is filled with strange accounts of their untamed behavior.
10. Monkeys Speaking French
At the Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, England, the zookeepers encountered a bit of a dilemma. They had recently received 19 Guinea baboons from the Paris Zoo, but these particular primates appeared quite disoriented. Whenever the keepers called them for mealtime or attempted to issue commands, the baboons simply stared back in confusion.
That’s when the keepers realized the monkeys were from France. Any linguist—or even a child older than five—understands that French zookeepers are likely to speak French. Consequently, the baboons were accustomed to hearing commands with a more melodic sound. While they didn’t actually comprehend French, they had learned to associate certain sounds with specific outcomes. For instance, hearing dejeuner meant that food was on its way.
So, essentially, the zookeepers faced two options: teach the baboons English or brush up on their French. Since training the baboons to “understand” English could take months, the keepers opted for the latter. That’s why, if you ever visit the Port Lympne Reserve, you might overhear British zookeepers calling out bonjour to a group of baboons.
9. The Baboons Who Chose Harmony
Baboons are not exactly the most serene monkeys on Earth. With their fierce demeanor and menacing teeth, they rank among the most hostile animals you’ll ever encounter. As Robert Sapolsky explains, a baboon troop is “the quintessential example of a highly aggressive, male-dominated, hierarchical society,” where they are perpetually at odds with each other.
So, who exactly is Robert Sapolsky? He’s a neuroscientist from Stanford University with a wealth of knowledge about our furry, sharp-toothed companions. Sapolsky specializes in stress and spends much of his time studying baboons in the Serengeti. Thanks to their untamed behavior, baboon life is full of examples that reveal the impact of stress on society. After all, the males are constantly battling one another. However, several years ago, something happened to a specific baboon troop that altered Sapolsky's perception of these African creatures.
In the 1980s, Sapolsky was observing a particular troop when he made a groundbreaking discovery. The troop had stumbled upon a landfill behind a Kenyan tourist lodge, filled with all sorts of treats such as sandwiches, fries, and fruit. However, after a few months of unlimited food, the baboons contracted bovine tuberculosis. The disease ravaged the monkeys’ hands, forcing them to walk on their elbows, and before long, nearly all the males in Sapolsky’s troop were dead.
That’s when the neuroscientist observed some unusual behavior. With all the males gone, the females started acting differently. Whenever a new male would join the troop, the females would begin grooming him about six days after his arrival. Typically, when a new male appears, the females ignore him at first. Why? Because he’s at the bottom of the hierarchy. The males relentlessly beat him, and if any female is caught grooming the newcomer, the other males will turn on her.
Normally, it would take around three months before the females were allowed to groom a new male’s coat, but in Sapolsky’s troop, without the dominant alpha males around, the females didn’t fear retaliation and began grooming the new males much sooner. This new behavior had a surprising calming effect on new members. Essentially, when a new male arrived, he was groomed and immediately got along well with the other males.
Even more astonishing, all the males began grooming each other. According to Sapolsky, this is incredibly rare. Male baboons are typically too proud to remove fleas and ticks from another male’s coat, but in this troop, the males suddenly treated one another like friends.
What’s truly remarkable is that, after more than 20 years and the arrival of several new males, Sapolsky’s troop is still living harmoniously. They’ve essentially eliminated aggression from their society. This transformation has given Sapolsky a renewed sense of hope—not just for baboons, but for humanity as well. If these monkeys can overcome their innate violence, perhaps there’s hope for humans to do the same one day.
8. Robinson, the Stranded Baboon
His name is Robinson, and he’s one of the most sorrowful monkeys in all of Africa. Once, this chacma baboon was at the peak of his power. He was the leader of his troop, the ultimate primate, the one you didn’t challenge. As Jim Croce would say, all the ladies called him the “treetop lover,” and the men simply addressed him as “sir.”
Then, eight years ago, everything changed. It was just another day in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park when Robinson, while ruling over the other monkeys, found himself unexpectedly stranded. No one knows for sure what happened, but Robinson somehow ended up on a small island in the middle of the Zambezi River (hence his name). Perhaps he crossed during the dry season and became trapped, or maybe he swam across to escape a predator. Regardless of how it happened, he’s stuck, and he can’t return.
So why hasn’t anyone attempted a rescue mission? Well, Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has decided against stepping in to help Robinson, believing that humans should not interfere with the natural course of things. A few tourists have tried to come to his aid, but each attempt has ended in failure. One man even arrived with a boat full of bananas, hoping to entice Robinson aboard, but for some reason, the baboon showed no interest.
Sadly, Robinson’s time is running out. He will either run out of food—his diet consisting of grass, roots, and bird eggs—or he will be swept away in a catastrophic flood. Just upstream is the Kariba Dam, a human-made structure in serious danger of failing. Its foundation is crumbling, and sooner or later, it will collapse. When that happens, Robinson will have no choice but to swim for his life (and so will the million humans living nearby).
It’s hoped that the government will repair the dam before it’s too late, and perhaps Robinson will eventually gather the courage to navigate past the crocodiles and return to the shore. Until then, all he can do is watch across the river, seeing his troop gather near the water each evening, crying for their lost leader.
7. A Fabricated Photograph
Leopards and baboons are not friends. Leopards, one of the deadliest predators on Earth, delight in a fresh monkey snack. On the other hand, baboons are far from helpless prey that quiver in fear when a big cat appears. When enough agitated baboons gather in one spot, they can tear a leopard apart. In fact, there’s a story of an enraged troop attempting to drag a leopard out of its den. It’s safe to say they weren’t interested in playing a friendly game of tag.
Perhaps no one captured the fierce rivalry between felines and primates better than the late John Dominis. A photographer for LIFE magazine, Dominis took some truly remarkable photos. He photographed everything from Mickey Mantle throwing his helmet in frustration to Richard Nixon at a ping-pong match in China. His most famous image is the “Black Power Salute” from the 1968 Olympics.
But another one of his iconic photos is a striking image of a ravenous leopard attacking a hapless baboon. The leopard is charging through the desert, its back arched and head slightly pulled back like a snake preparing to strike. The baboon is terrified, mouth wide open, running backward, too frightened to take its eyes off the predator.
As you might expect, the leopard eventually killed the baboon. The “circle of life” can be brutal. But there’s something off about this image. This isn’t a photo of nature’s natural course. Instead, it’s a snapshot of what some people are willing to do for the perfect shot. The truth is, the picture was staged by John Dominis in 1965.
Believe it or not, it was once common for photographers to set up nature photos. In pursuit of the perfect shot, Dominis enlisted a hunter friend to transport a captured leopard in the back of a truck, and the two set off to find a baboon. During their journey, Dominis encountered several baboon troops, but each time he unleashed the leopard, the monkeys fled up into the trees—until he found one particularly foolish baboon that chose to stand its ground. That one poor baboon ended up in the leopard’s jaws, and Dominis ended up in LIFE.
So, does Dominis feel any remorse for his actions? Not really. As he explained, “I felt that my job was to get the pictures.” If that meant staging a shot, so be it. “Maybe my perspective would be different today,” he once told a LIFE reporter. “But it wasn’t back then, and I’m not sure what else to say. I had to do what I did.”
6. Unnatural Love
Since we’re discussing leopards going after baboons, let’s talk about Dereck and Beverly Joubert. For nearly four decades, this extraordinary couple has been working in South Africa and Botswana, producing more than 20 groundbreaking documentaries for National Geographic.
They’ve faced charges from elephants, attacks by lions, and even survived a few plane crashes. Despite the danger, they’ve captured breathtaking footage that inspired the creators of The Lion King and revolutionized how scientists understand African wildlife. What’s even more remarkable is that the Jouberts live in a tent in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Now that’s true dedication.
The Jouberts have filmed many wild moments (such as a pride of lions attacking an adult elephant), but perhaps the oddest scene they’ve ever recorded was when a leopard named Legadema went hunting for baboons. The big cat found a plump monkey, killed it, and was about to feast when something strange occurred. The leopard noticed a baby baboon clinging to its mother’s body. Surprised, the leopard abandoned the mother’s corpse, picked up the infant by its teeth, and carried it up a tree.
But Legadema wasn’t planning on eating the baby. Instead, it appeared to be protecting the young monkey, keeping it safe from the hyenas below. As the night passed, the leopard even seemed to be trying to warm the infant with its own body. Every time the baby tumbled from the tree, the leopard would jump down and rescue it. This continued for five hours, with the Jouberts watching the entire time, until the poor baboon finally died from the cold. While it was heartbreaking that the monkey didn’t survive, Dereck and Beverly captured a rare moment when maternal and predatory instincts collided, and the nurturing side of nature prevailed over its violent counterpart.
5. Corporal Jackie of the Third South African Infantry Regiment
People often say that dogs are man’s best friend. But if we had to pick a runner-up, primates might just take the second spot. When we think of friendly monkeys and approachable apes, we usually picture chimps, orangutans, or capuchins. It’s safe to say that baboons don’t typically come to mind as the primate equivalent of Old Yeller—at least not in the first half of the movie.
That is, unless you’ve met Jackie, the South African baboon. Jackie lived with a farmer named Albert Marr near Pretoria, South Africa. In 1915, Marr enlisted in the Third South African Infantry Regiment to join the effort in World War I, but he didn’t want to leave his beloved pet behind. So, he brought Jackie with him, and the monkey quickly became the regiment’s mascot. Jackie received his own uniform, rations, and even had his own pay book.
Jackie proved to be an ideal soldier. He was trained to salute superior officers and even mastered the stance of standing at ease. As a watch monkey, Jackie was exceptional, often assisting Albert with his sharp eyes and ears during patrols. Together, they experienced plenty of combat before the Treaty of Versailles was signed. In one instance during a campaign in northwestern Egypt, Marr was injured at the Battle of Agagia, and before medics could arrive, Jackie tried to help by licking Albert’s wound.
In April 1918, during another engagement, Marr was injured once more, but this time, Jackie was also wounded. Amidst a hail of bullets and exploding shells, Jackie attempted to build a stone wall for shelter. Tragically, shrapnel struck Jackie’s leg, and medics had to amputate it while he was unconscious. In recognition of his courage, Jackie was promoted to the rank of corporal and even received a medal for valor. Afterward, the pair helped entertain wounded soldiers with the Red Cross.
Despite their injuries, both Jackie and Albert survived World War I. They were discharged in 1919, but not before Jackie took part in a victory parade through the streets of London. The duo eventually returned to their farm in South Africa, where they both received military pensions. Jackie passed away in 1921, and Albert followed in 1973.
4. Fred and His Criminal Gang
Not all baboons are as congenial as Corporal Jackie. At the opposite end of the primate personality spectrum, there’s Fred. A chacma baboon by species, Fred might have had a humble name, but he was truly the Al Capone of the baboon world.
Fred and his crew made Cape Town, South Africa, their base of operations. With over 400 baboons in the city, Fred's carjacking skills were legendary. Whenever an unfortunate driver ventured onto Fred’s turf, the baboon would spring into action, channeling his inner Grand Theft Auto character. He was notorious for breaking into cars with passengers still inside, scaring them off, and helping himself to whatever valuables he found. Fred was such a skilled thief, he could hit four or five cars in just five minutes.
Fred wasn’t just a master thief; he also had a violent streak. Over the course of his reign, he attacked at least three unlucky tourists. Needless to say, Fred wasn’t a beloved figure in Cape Town. Like any seasoned criminal, he had his fair share of enemies, and despite being shot at more than 50 times, not a single bullet could bring him down.
But even the most relentless criminals must eventually face justice. Fred was finally captured, and the government had a tough decision to make. What should they do with him? Fred’s aggression and total lack of fear toward humans made releasing him into the wild impossible. With tourists feeding the baboons, Fred saw humans as easy targets. The authorities ultimately decided to euthanize him, and in 2011, the infamous outlaw met his end via lethal injection.
3. The Monkey Mutiny
Monkeys are renowned worldwide for their playful and sometimes troublesome nature, and baboons are no different. For instance, a baboon named Mickey made headlines by groping a Fox News reporter, and back in 2011, a baboon managed to escape from a New Jersey amusement park and elude capture for a remarkable three days.
However, if you're seeking an outlandish tale of mischievous monkey antics, look no further than 1908. That's when one particularly crafty baboon orchestrated the wildest mutiny ever. According to The Daily News, a Western Australian newspaper, a British steamer ship was en route from India to Philadelphia, carrying a cargo of 400 monkeys. While their exact species aren't mentioned, it's noted that one particular baboon was especially troublemaking.
This little rascal was the pet of a sailor, and apparently, he felt sympathy for the monkeys locked up below deck. Wanting to liberate his fellow primates, the baboon snuck into the cargo hold and unlatched the cages. With the doors now wide open, all 400 monkeys surged onto the deck and took control of the ship. Like any good mutineers, the monkeys knew they needed weapons, so they swiped the ship's belaying pins, scampered up the rigging, and tossed the pins at any sailor who dared to poke his head out of his cabin.
The monkeys held the ship for a full two days, leaping from mast to mast and tormenting the crew. But eventually, the captain devised a clever plan. He grabbed several pans, filled them with molasses, and spiked the syrup with alcohol. These pans were then placed on deck, and the monkeys, unable to resist the irresistible sweetness, couldn't stay away from the trap.
Several hours later, the deck was littered with 400 inebriated monkeys, stumbling around and napping off their binge. Eventually, the mischievous creatures were rounded up and placed back into their cages. Sadly, the article doesn't elaborate on the fate of the rebellious baboon. One can only hope that he wasn't punished by being hanged from the mast for his role in the mutiny.
2. Baboon Surgery
In 1975, in London, a 13-month-old boy named Scott Molloy faced a life-threatening situation. Unconscious on the operating table, he was undergoing surgery for a congenital heart defect when his kidneys suddenly failed. The surgeons rushed to place Scott on a heart-lung machine, but the device malfunctioned.
In a moment of desperation, the doctors devised an audacious plan. They made the decision to surgically connect Scott to the body of a five-year-old baboon. The idea was that the baboon would serve as a living life support system, keeping Scott's heart and kidneys functioning. While this may sound like something out of a science fiction story, the truth is that baboons' bodies can accept human blood, and their organs share significant similarities with our own.
After a grueling six-hour procedure, the doctors managed to connect the boy and the baboon, and surprisingly, the plan worked—for a brief time. The monkey managed to keep Scott alive for 16 hours, but eventually, it couldn’t cope with the toxins in Scott’s blood. The baboon passed away, and tragically, Scott passed soon after.
Though this tale has a tragic ending, it wasn’t the only instance where doctors attempted surgery with a baboon. In 1984, a newborn named Stephanie Fae Beauclair was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a fatal condition. As a temporary solution, doctors implanted the heart of a seven-month-old baboon. Sadly, baby Fae died two weeks later, most likely due to a blood type mismatch. Fortunately, her final weeks were peaceful, and she was able to live like a normal baby before her passing.
However, not all baboon-human surgeries ended in tragedy. In 1992, a man suffering from liver failure received a baboon liver as a life-saving measure. Remarkably, the transplant was successful, and the liver grew to a normal human size. Before the surgery, the man was in a coma, but after the procedure, he regained consciousness and even walked around the hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away 70 days later from an unrelated brain hemorrhage, but the baboon liver allowed him a few extra months with his loved ones.
1. A Mock Mummy And A Ghastly God
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California, houses one of the largest collections of mummies and Egyptian artifacts on the planet. However, not all the preserved bodies they exhibit are human. The museum also has a number of mummified animals in its collection. In 2002, they decided to X-ray the preserved remains of a baboon. But when they began the scan, something unusual became apparent—the skeleton that should have been visible was missing (as shown in the photo above).
Upon further investigation, the researchers discovered that the so-called baboon wasn’t a baboon at all. In reality, someone had wrapped a ceramic vase in bandages, attached fake limbs, and placed a monkey head on top. Naturally, the director wasn’t thrilled about spending funds on this fake artifact, but there wasn’t much they could do. After all, the hoax was thousands of years old.
As we’ve read before, baboons held great significance in ancient Egypt. During the Predynastic Period, Egyptians worshipped a fierce god named Babi. He was the ultimate alpha male, known for helping people with their romantic endeavors in the afterlife. His formidable virility was said to be the key that unlocked the door to heaven. Babi ruled over the darkness, and his favorite dish was a generous serving of human entrails. If you were trying to enter the afterlife, you definitely didn’t want to encounter him, as he had a nasty habit of devouring souls.
As time passed, baboons became associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom, science, writing, and measurement. This, however, didn’t bode well for the baboons. The Egyptians were very dedicated to mummifying animals, not just their beloved pets. From birds to bulls, various creatures were sacrificed and preserved in bandages, much like Boris Karloff. These animals served as offerings to the gods or were used to represent specific deities—such as the occasionally baboon-headed Thoth.
Baboons were so highly sought after for mummification that their numbers began to dwindle significantly. The situation became so dire that temples initiated breeding programs to ensure a continued supply of baboons for these rituals. Sadly, the Egyptian baboon population eventually became extinct due to this peculiar practice. This is where the story of the fake mummy begins. In an effort to appease Thoth, priests started creating artificial baboon mummies, which ultimately led to the creation of the ceramic vase that ended up in the Rosicrucian Museum thousands of years later.
