It’s not unusual to see large groups of baboons in Tanzania’s parks, but seeing a white baboon is a rare treat! An albino baboon has been spotted in Arusha National Park in Tanzania. This ‘mythical’ creature has been seen drinking near the Momela Lakes and is delighting all the lucky visitors who glimpse him.
Albino baboons are not generally a common sight in the wild as they struggle to survive in an environment that favours blending in. Starkly contrasting the browns and greens of the bush, they are easily visible to roaming predators, making them an easy target.
When they are young, most parents will reject their albino babies, or the group may choose to exclude the unfamiliar members altogether. This leaves them fending for themselves and severely limits their chances of survival.
Luckily for safari-goers, this young white baboon has survived against the odds and appears to be thriving. Arusha National Park is much smaller than many other parks, making it the ideal place to spot rare creatures that would otherwise be very difficult to discover.
Read more about white and black animal morphs: The Black & White of African Wildlife Explained.
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