Gelada at Herberstein Wildlife Park

Life in the High Mountains

The gelada is classified as a member of the baboon family, but differs from true baboons in its social behavior and dietary habits.

These rare primates live exclusively in the Ethiopian highlands above the tree line (above 1,500 m above sea level) and have therefore adapted to a diet of grasses. They skillfully use their fingers to pluck various grasses and herbs, gather seeds, or dig up roots and tubers.

Since this diet provides very little energy, they must spend between 40 and 70 percent of their day foraging for food, depending on the seasonal availability of food. At the zoo, naturally designed enclosures with lush meadows therefore provide ideal conditions.

A Multifaceted Group Life

The social life of geladas takes place on several levels. The closest social unit is what is known as a “one-male group.” This consists of one adult male, an average of six females, and their shared offspring. The females form the social core and remain in their natal group even after reaching sexual maturity.

It is also the females who have the final say. The females choose their male leader not only based on physically attractive traits, such as a beautiful mane and a bright red chest, but also based on social qualities.

Several small groups meet regularly during feeding times and form the next level, known as a “bande.” While the males make sure their females don’t get too close to other groups, the young are allowed to play with one another and begin forming bonds for the future.

The males, who must leave their family groups once they reach sexual maturity, form bachelor groups and also join these herds. From time to time, several herds come together to form large herds of several hundred animals.

Did you know?

Geladas communicate more than any other monkeys through a wide variety of vocalizations, some of which are strikingly similar to sounds produced by humans. These vocalizations are so diverse that people actually refer to them as a language of their own!