The White Baboon of Tuli
25/04/2008 10:09:13
April 2008. Snowball, who, as far as we can tell, is probably the first leucistic Chacma Baboon recorded. Originally spotted by a group travelling with African Conservation Experience (ACE) in May 2007, the young baboon has settled in well with the rest of his baboon troop and is treated like any other.
Baboon Study Project
He is now continually monitored and is growing up into a big strong specimen. His body has remained totally white with dark extremities. Snowball’s unmistakable appearance aids the project’s ongoing baboon study in observing the growth rates of baboons in the area. He was an estimated three months old when first sighted and since then, because of his unique appearance, it has been possible to compare his size at various intervals to others in his troop and outside of it, so that the age of other young males can be estimated to a much greater degree of accuracy.
Snowball is certainly a delight to watch on every sighting, and that he continues to add another dimension to the ongoing research undergone by the students on the Tuli Conservation Project.
If you want to help celebrate Snowball’s birthday, join African Conservation Experience at the Tuli Conservation Project in Botswana. Two weeks starts at £2,050 including flights, accommodation, transfers and all meals. Call African Conservation Experience on 0870 241 5816 (www.conservationafrica.net.)
