Paignton Zoo building new baboon home based on 30 years of research
Work on Paignton Zooâs brand new baboon exhibit has commenced: the zooâs biggest build project in 15 years.
The new exhibit will incorporate the findings of 30 years of behavioural research into Hamadryas baboons, which has been undertaken by the zooâs research and keeper teams over the past three decades. Each year, over 450 hours of observations are carried out on the zooâs troop of baboons, making them some of the most studied primates in Europe.
Dr Holly Farmer, Research Manager at Wild Planet Trust, said:
Our research has given us a detailed insight into how our troop of Hamadryas baboons spend their time and interact with each other meaning we can design a new home that really does meet all of their needs.”
Holly continued: âItâs really exciting that we can actually integrate our research findings into the new exhibit. Weâll continue to study the troop once theyâve moved across to find out how it impacts their behaviour and social dynamics and how they use the new enclosure.â
Baboon Rock is one of the oldest exhibits of Paignton Zoo, with its iconic âAfrican savannahâ design resonating with visitors throughout its 50-year history. However, half a century of wear and tear has taken its toll on the area, so the relocation will provide the baboons with an upgraded and purpose-built home that meets all of their needs.
The new baboon exhibit is being built in the old zebra paddock opposite the zooâs giraffes. This expansive hill-side space will provide them with a large outdoor area and a new indoor home. For the first time in 50 years, visitors will be able to see the troop of baboons inside as well as out. The area will also incorporate a browse plantation to provide food for the zooâs animals for years to come. The Baboon Rock site has been marked for future major redevelopment.
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