Photos by Ann Warner
These pictures were taken outside the complex of the Caribbea Bay Hotel, Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
Says Ann Warner:
“We were coming back to the hotel about 4.30pm in the afternoon, when I could not believe my eyes and asked my husband to stop the car.
Sitting on a rock was this very unusual baboon. I have to admit it gave us quite a fright and while I did manage to take these four shots, several more came out blurred due to my hands shaking. It seemed to be tagging along with a large troop of baboons that were passing through the hotel grounds and were feeding in the vegetation close by. All eventually moved off with our friend following.”
Dr Hamish Curry, a vet in Cape Town that has assisted with baboon issues on the Cape peninsula reacted to the pictures saying,
It’s not a pretty sight. I would need a history to get a proper diagnosis – but sarcoptic mange is a possibility. This is caused by an insect Sarcoptes scabei which is infectious to all mammals but generally will manifest in times of stress as in nutritional stress and others. Fungal infection is another. Hormonal imbalance is another (not itchy).
Any ideas why this baboon might have become hairless? Have you seen something similar before? Let us know in the comments section below.
