Baby Hamadryas Baboon Named Defari

The San Diego Zoo has welcomed a baby hamadryas baboon—the first born at the Zoo since 2019. The young male is named Defari (deh-far-ee) which means “strong” in Amharic, an official language of Ethiopia. Defari was born to first-time mother Lisa Marie and father Zito as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Hamadryas Baboon Species Survival Plan. 

For the first three weeks of its life, a hamadryas baboon infant will hold onto its mother by gripping her hair as she moves around. They have pink skin and black hair until they are one year old, at which point their hair turns brown and resembles that of the adults. 

Hamadryas baboons are active during the day, often waking around sunrise. Lisa Marie and Defari can usually be found in Africa Rocks at the San Diego Zoo surrounded by doting females—including Lisa Marie’s mom Daphne—who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hold the infant. Zito is curious and protective of his offspring and diligently maintains watch close by.

Category: Other