Adelaide Zoo's two teenage baboons are coming to Auckland zoo next month, because their family is sick of their adolescent sex antics. It is hoped their monkey business will be better appreciated.
David McLeod of the Adelaide Zoo says the pair have become too much of a handful.
“Troublemakers, they're always involved in chasing each other, annoying the adults and running amok - always naughty,” he says.
The baboons have hit puberty and their growing interest in the opposite sex is a problem.
“They're starting to look to sow their wild oats and with the sisters and mothers, we'd rather that not happen,” Mr McLeod says.
The bothersome boys are relocating to Auckland zoo, where seven-year-olds Kito and Ayesha await. Joel Milicich of Auckland Zoo says they are confident ladies who will not be running scared.
“At the start there'll be a bit of conflict as individuals meet, but we're sure they'll get along just fine,” he says.
If romance does blossom it will be a boost for the Hamadryas Baboon, because the species is under threat in the wild.
Before they even get to come to New Zealand and meet our girls, the Aussies are getting a thorough medical.
From teeth to toe, it all looks good.
However, boys have still got some growing to do, they are not big enough yet impress the ladies.
“Really it is a matter for them to bulk up and become dominant to control the harem,” Mr Milicich says.
The new baboons arrive next month and will spend a month in quarantine, giving them some time to work on their moves.
3 News
source: newshub archive
