03/06/2026
Newborn Chacma baboons quickly become the centre of attention within the troop.
A female carrying a newborn often receives a temporary boost in social status, as other females — and even adult males — approach to admire, inspect, and gently interact with the infant.
During the first few weeks, the baby clings tightly to its mother’s belly. By around two months old, it begins riding on her back. Although young baboons are usually weaned at about six months, they remain highly dependent on their mothers for protection, social learning, and foraging skills for up to two years.