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Theropithecus gelada. Also bleeding heart baboon. Ethiopia. 1854.

This very rare primate arrived at the NHM in 1854 thanks to the efforts of naturalist Theodor von Heuglin. Unusually for the time, it was mounted in a realistic pose.


EXOTIC HIGHLAND ANIMAL
Geladas are true highland apes and the only primates living today that have adapted to a treeless habitat. Their natural habitat is found only in Ethiopia, where they live at altitudes of between 2,200 and 4,400 meters. They are the only species of ape to feed almost exclusively on grass and grass seeds; only in times of drought do they also eat roots and tubers. They sit for hours on the ground, plucking out single blades of grass with their thumb and index finger. They use strong molar teeth to thoroughly shred and masticate their food.
Geladas generally live in social groups with a single male and up to twelve females and their young, although they have occasionally been found in herds of up to 600 animals. The species’ most striking feature is the red, hairless area of skin on the chest, which earned them the nickname “bleeding heart baboon”. In the male, this is shaped like an hourglass; it turns bright red during the breeding season – as is the case with the mounted specimen here.
The impressive mane of the gelada male used to be a much sought-after hunting trophy worn as a headdress at traditional Ethiopian dances. Today, geladas are strictly protected in some areas of their natural habitat, for example in the Simien Mountains National Park. In addition, around 150 animals are being kept at zoological gardens as part of the European preservation breeding program.
Although the well-known naturalist Theodor von Heuglin undertook several expeditions to Africa between 1850 and 1864, where and how he obtained the gelada on display is not known.

Details

  • Title: Gelada
  • Rights: (c) NHM (Lois Lammerhuber)

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