New baboon turning heads 

Melbourne Zoo has welcomed a new baboon to its 16-strong troop. Her name is Kasmut – Kas to her keepers – she is 11 years old, and she’s turning heads, not just of visitors but also of the young males in the troop. 

Introducing new animals is a careful process, with much planning to ensure they get along. Keepers often play matchmaker, hoping some animals will pair up. They thought Kas would be the perfect match for Melako, one of the younger males who needs females to join his group. 

Young male baboons form “harems” – their squad of females and future breeding partners. This behaviour is typical of Hamadryas baboons, a species native to the horn of Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. 

In the wild, harems are the building blocks of their highly structured society, which also includes larger social units called clans, bands, and troops. These complex social systems help baboons cooperate to find food, defend against predators, and navigate challenging environments. 

Keepers hoped Kas might be the founding member of Melako’s harem. However, during the slow introduction period, it became clear that Kas was not interested in her suggested beau. 

Enter Azizi. Despite having only half a tail, he turned Kas’s head. 

“It quickly became apparent that Azizi and Kas were going to pair up – they spent a lot of time hanging out together at the mesh and Perspex while she was in quarantine. As soon as they were introduced, she made it clear he was her choice,” primate keeper at Melbourne Zoo John Ciorciari explained. 

Kas showed her preference by sticking close to Azizi and showering him with attention, which for baboons means lots of intense mutual grooming. Grooming is a cornerstone of Hamadryas baboon social life, serving not only to bond but also to reduce stress and maintain hygiene. 

Hamadryas baboons are known for their striking appearance, with males sporting flowing silvery-white manes and females displaying vibrant, swollen red bottoms when in heat. These physical traits play a key role in attracting mates. 

“Females are looking for a big red bum. The bigger the bum, the better the male,” John said. 

Female baboons also use their behinds as a signal to potential partners, and males rely on their protective instincts and social skills to maintain their harems. 

Kas’s story provides a fascinating glimpse into the social lives of Hamadryas baboons and highlights the zoo’s dedication to creating environments where animals can form natural bonds. As Kas and Azizi’s relationship unfolds, it’s a reminder of the complexity and charm of these intelligent primates. 

Visitors and members can watch these antics playout by visiting Melbourne Zoo as well as enjoying water play, tigers, lions, gorillas, reptiles and birds – kids under 16 go free during Victorian school holidays and at weekends. •