Visitors are encouraged to say goodbye to Quasi, Djibouti, Mahali and Tomkay before the four go off habitat on Tuesday 10 November ahead of a welfare-led move.
Adelaide Zoo is preparing to farewell four Hamadryas Baboons, with Quasi, Djibouti, Mahali and Tomkay set to leave the zoo together as part of a decision focused on their long-term welfare and social needs.
The move will allow the four to remain together while providing the opportunity to become part of a larger, more socially complex group.
Hamadryas Baboons are a highly social species that naturally live in complex, multi-level groups. Across the region, population management is increasingly focused on fewer zoos caring for larger groups, giving the animals more opportunities to form and maintain the broad range of social relationships typical of the species.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said keeping the four baboons together was central to the decision.
“Hamadryas Baboons have an incredibly complex social system, and those relationships are a vital part of their wellbeing,” Dr Ainsley said.
“The move means Quasi, Djibouti, Mahali and Tomkay can stay together, while having the opportunity to develop additional social relationships as part of a larger group.
This follows separate transfers for Adelaide Zoo Hamadryas Baboons Jabari and Lily, who relocated to Melbourne Zoo following recommendations through the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia Species Management Program.
Dr Ainsley said decisions about animal movements were made in consultation with zoos across the region and considered the needs of individual animals and wider populations.
“Zoos work together to consider factors including genetics, breeding, group structure, suitable habitats and the long-term welfare of each animal,” Dr Ainsley said.
“For Quasi, Djibouti, Mahali and Tomkay, a key priority is keeping them together and giving them the opportunity for a richer social environment in the future.
“It is always difficult to farewell animals that visitors, members, volunteers and staff have known for many years, but animal welfare has to come first.”
The four baboons are scheduled to come off habitat on Tuesday 10 November as preparations for their move get underway. Monday 9 November will be the final opportunity for visitors to see them on habitat.
“We know many people have a strong connection with these baboons, so we wanted to give them the opportunity to come in and say goodbye before they leave,” Dr Ainsley said.
No decision has been announced regarding the future use of the Hamadryas Baboon habitat at Adelaide Zoo.
