San Diego Zoo welcomes baby baboon Makeda to African Rocks
The female hamadryas baboon was born June 25 to parents Anakin and Lex, the San Diego Zoo said.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
A tiny new face has joined the troop at the San Diego Zoo: Makeda, a female hamadryas baboon born June 25.
The zoo announced the birth in a news release, saying the infant is the offspring of mother Anakin and father Lex. Zoo officials said Makeda is doing well and is being cared for closely by both parents.
Her name comes with royal flair. According to the zoo, Makeda shares her name with the Queen of Sheba.
Visitors do not have to wait for a distant debut. The zoo said Makeda can now be seen by the public at its African Rocks exhibit, where she has begun exploring and playing on her own.
A baby with a grip
The zoo said hamadryas baboon infants spend their earliest days clinging to their mothers as the adults move around. For about the first three weeks, a newborn grips its mother’s hair to stay close.
Makeda is already past that first stage, and the zoo said she has started showing more independence in the exhibit. The update described her as active enough to explore and play while still under parental watch.
The zoo also described the young baboon’s early look. Hamadryas baboon infants are born with pink skin and black hair, according to the zoo. That appearance changes by the time they reach about one year old, when their hair turns brown and looks more like the adults’ coats.
On view in San Diego
The San Diego Zoo said Makeda is now part of the scene at African Rocks, an exhibit area where guests can see her with her family. The zoo did not announce any special viewing schedule in its update.
UPI reported the announcement Tuesday, citing the San Diego Zoo’s release on the birth.
For now, the headline at the exhibit is a newborn with a big name, black baby fur and just enough confidence to start testing the world beyond mom.
This story draws on original reporting from UPI.