Baby Baboon Joins Band at North Carolina Zoo

Guests at the North Carolina Zoo may have noticed a new addition to the Zoo's band (or group) of Hamadryas baboons. A young female ("Winnie"), delivered naturally on June 16, is one of more than a dozen animals born during the Zoo's 50th Anniversary year, including critically endangered red wolf pups, six Van der Decken's hornbill chicks, and a bongo.

"At just two months old, Winnie is already an important ambassador for her species, including her cousins in the wild," says Patricia Simmons, CEO and Director of the North Carolina Zoo. "Her birth and continued good health is a testament to the excellent care provided by our dedicated animal staff as well as the thriving environment we provide as the world's largest natural habitat zoo."

Winnie is the second daughter born to Babu, a distinguished male within the band, and Candy, a strong and determined female. Winnie can often be spotted clinging closely to her mother - a trend that will likely continue over several more months until Winnie begins exploring the habitat on her own.

Winnie was named in honor of her late paternal grandfather, Gondar "Winslow," who was widely beloved by Zoo team members and guests. Candy and Babu previously welcomed Winnie's sister, Addison, over two years ago. Addison, formerly the youngest member of the band, is adjusting well to her new role and showing curiosity and interest in her tiny sibling.

The North Carolina Zoo, recently named "Best Zoo" in America in a nationwide contest, is home to one of the largest bands of Hamadryas baboons in the United States with twenty baboons currently on habitat. Winnie's arrival provides an excellent opportunity for guests to learn about these primates' social dynamics and their counterparts in the wild.

Visit Winnie today in the North Carolina Zoo's Africa region or plan your next family-friendly adventure at www.nczoo.org.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.