Zoo Baby At Last Gets A Name! One Of San Diego Zoo's Newest Arrivals

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Zoo has named its first baby hamadryas baboon born since 2019.

The baby, born on April 3, received his name this week, according to a zoo spokesperson. He will be known as Defari (deh-far-ee), which means “strong” in Amharic, Ethiopia's official language, his name, selected by the zoo's wildlife specialists.

Defari was born to first-time mother Lisa Marie and father Zito as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Hamadryas Baboon Species Survival Plan, according to a zoo news release.

Incidentally, Lisa Marie was the last Hamadryas Baboon born at the San Diego Zoo in 2019.

"Baby baboons cling to their mama's hair for their first three weeks of life until they grow strong enough to explore on their own, but will remain close to her side for several months so they can nurse and stay safe from potential predators," they said. "They have pink skin and black hair until they are one year old, at which point their hair turns brown and resembles that of the adults."

Hamadryas baboons are active during the day, often waking around sunrise.

You can find Lisa Marie and Defari are in Africa Rocks at the San Diego Zoo, or watch them online. When you go, you'll likely see them surrounded by doting females, including Lisa Marie's mother, Daphne, who is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hold the infant.

Zito is curious and protective of his offspring and diligently maintains watch close by. Be sure to look for them on the San Diego Zoo’s Baboon Cam.

Related:

Oh, Baby! Take A Peek At San Diego Zoo's Newest Arrivals

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