Bronx Zoo - Baboon Ridge

July 2008. Gelada baboons, nubian ibex and rock hyrax.

Wow, this exhibit is amazing!

When I was there last month there was a male and female nubian ibex, at least 5 rock hyrax (that all bunched together in a set of large rocks) and at least 6 gelada baboons all roaming around the multi-acre exhibit. It's one of the best enclosures at the Bronx Zoo, and probably the best habitat for baboons in North America.

The cool thing is that in the wild, all these animals live in the same habitat.

Another interesting thing is that the gelada baboons are in control, as both ibex were forced to move from a shady den area as soon as one of the male gelada baboons approached. The ibex appeared to be a little skittish around the big males, of which there were at least two.

I saw this in 03 and only viewed about half of it. When I went back this summer I saw the rest and realized just how enormous it was. It's one of the most impressive exhibits in terms of sheer size that I've ever seen.

There is a little outdoor eating area and food service facility directly next to the massive exhibit, and my wife and I ate lunch while watching the ibex, hyrax and baboons in their splendid habitat.

Initially there were two separate trrops of Geladas in the exhibit, occasionally displaying typical territoriality. Quite nice. Sounds like the collection has shrunk!

This nubian ibex/gelada baboon/rock hyrax exhibit is amazing, and so I was wondering if there is a larger and more impressive baboon habitat on the planet than this 5-acre beauty. Can anything top Baboon Reserve?

Yes, the Ethiopian Highlands...

Other than that, take a look at Zuerich Zoo latest exhibit; haven't seen it in person yet, but newer Swiss zoo exhibits tend to be at least OK.

Another interesting contender might be Rheine Zoo's exhibit-not that spectacular in appearance, but very successful in breeding geladas.