Welcome to Namibia
July 8, 2013New water points for Etosha
July 9, 2013Three and half months old, Koos the orphaned infant baboon has found a new, secure home at the Naankuse Foundation on the outskirts of Windhoek.
Koos is one of the lucky ones. Rescued when he was a newborn (it is not known what happened to his mother), he was taken in by a family and then passed on to two more families before he finally found sanctuary at the wildlife centre at Naankuse. It didn’t take long for the last owners to realise that Koos was not just a pet, but that he needed constant care and attention to secure his wellbeing.
According to Gemma Marshall of the Naankuse Foundation, people often think they have the capacity to care for young baboons, but in fact, such a young infant needs specialist care 24/7.
One of the initial challenges faced by his new caretakers at the foundation, was the fact that Koos was not used to other baboons, as his main contact thus far had been primarily with humans. But, after a while, Koos adapted to his new family of baboons already residing at the foundation. “Now he has integrated into the young baby troop very well”, Marshall said.
Koos. Photo ©Jack Somerville
Naankuse foundation is one of Namibia’s most renowned wildlife rehabilitation centres, and is home to a number of baboons receiving the care and attention they need. Currently there are 4 infant baboons, 7 baby baboons, 11 junior and 18 adult baboons living out a fruitful life at Naankuse.
Hard work is required to take care of the young baboons. “Baby baboons need constant care. At such a young age they would still be with their mothers, so our volunteers and staff take on that role. The baboons have several bottles made of replacement milk and cereal powerder a day and as they get bigger we start to wean them onto solid foods,” Marshall explained.
Staff and volunteers make sure that the baboons get lots of time to interact and play and a close eye is kept on their health.
For Koos, life has taken a turn for the best, and here at Travel News Namibia, we wish him a happy and content life.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Even if you can’t take on the role of a surrogate mother, you can sponsor Koos and his fellow baboons by sponsoring them. Naankuse has to provide 24/7 care, including food and veterinary needs, and your sponsorship can make a huge different. Contact Naankuse at donations@naankuse.com. For more information visit their website.
