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Baby gelada baboons come out to explore their surroundings for the first time at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Bekesbourne

By: Aidan Barlow

Published: 00:00, 06 April 2015

Updated: 14:25, 06 April 2015

There has been double trouble at Howletts Wild Animal Park after a pair of gelada baboon babies appeared in public for the first time.

The adorable duo called Akobo and Amba have been very close to their mothers for the last few months, but now with the arrival of the Easter break they have begun to explore their surroundings.

Akobo is a male who was born in October last year to mother Simira, while Amba the female was born in February this year to mother Asmara.

Baby gelada baboons have come out for Easter. Pic by Dave Rolfe

Head primate keeper at Howletts Matt Ford said: “The two youngsters are really finding their feet now.

“They’re always out and about exploring their new surroundings. Our visitors should easily be able to spot them during the Easter holidays.”

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Keepers have already noticed the curiosity of the latest additions to the baboon troupe. Akobo is apparently showing interest in grazing and solid food, despite his young age.

Double trouble. Akobo and Amba playing. Pic by Dave Rolfe

Deputy primate keeper Jo Marden added: “Akobo is really a confident little baboon and it’s fantastic that both youngsters are so close in age.

“They have each other to play and explore with and that’s very important for young baboons.

The baby gelada baboons are learning to interact. Pic by Dave Rolfe

“Even though Amba is only a few weeks old she’s already started to spend more time away from her mother and interact with Akobo.”

There is currently a range of free activities at Howletts running until Sunday, April 19. For more information visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts.

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