North Carolina Zoo Welcomes Edgar, the Newest Member of Its Baboon Troop

Dec 21, 2024

by Scott Pelkey

ASHEBORO —The North Carolina Zoo is celebrating another adorable addition to its baboon troop with the birth of Edgar.
 

Hamadryas baboons have been at the North Carolina Zoo for over 40 years. After the renovation and reopening of the baboon habitat in 2023, the troop has quickly become a guest favorite again.

In August of this year, guests were treated to the arrival of Winnie, a two-month-old female born to Babu and Candy in June. Now, another baby has been born, bringing the baboon troop at the NC Zoo to 20—one of the largest troops in the United States, according to zoo officials.

Edgar was born overnight on October 27th to parents Zarah (mom) and Zanzibar (dad), both first-time parents and so far, he is doing well. “Edgar seems very playful and inquisitive,” said Sara Pack, Public Relations Officer for the Zoo. “His keepers say he is 'just perfect,' and guests appear equally smitten with him,” adding that he was fitting in well with the troop.

Edgar will be easy to spot for a while. At birth, baboons’ fur (also called pelage) is black. Around six months, it starts to turn olive-brown, resembling the older baboons. You may also spot him hanging on, under his mother, as she walks around.

 

The mother provides care for the first few months, while the baby is unable to walk or eat solid food. Offspring are typically weaned at about 239 days. Other members of the group often show interest in the young and may even groom them.

Hamadryas baboons are listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, a category for species that are abundant and widespread and not at risk of extinction.
 

The Zoo’s baboon habitat is located behind the gorilla exhibit, near Junction Plaza.