Jan 7, 2007

I'm Thinking Baboon

I need to hone my primatology. Especially when it comes to developing my baby-monkey-identifying abilities. Now, that is a marketable skill set.

I'm thinking this one is a baboon. Any takers?

A lot of you are going to be upset that I posted on a baby, because you think I am disparaging this little one for being ugly. Mind you, he is ugly, but I'm fully aware that his large eyes, big ears, and endearing countenance are going to evoke your care-giving and 'aww' reflexes. It worked on me, too.

I'm just giving this baby some web time here, becuase I don't think your average cute animal site will give it the time of day. It just isn't in the same category as fluffy bunnies and floppy-eared puppies.

UPDATE: A reader has identified this as a baby macaque. My guess wasn't far that off at least. Thanks for the help.

Photo courtesy: Steve Evans

11 comments:

Connie said...

Is it just me or does that monkey bear a striking resemblance to Ross Perot...? :)

Anonymous said...

Lol.. it's a cute baby! And I'm sure Cute Overload would post this pic as well. They've posted plenty of primate pics.

Anywho.. back to the baby! I just love the forehead wrinkles!

Anonymous said...

Either Ross Perot, or George W Bush. He's got the wrinkly forhead over a sloping brow. Pursed lips, and huge ears... a striking resemblance of the president!

Anonymous said...

After doing a highly scientific google image search, I do believe you are right about it being a baboon.

Will said...

His ears are almost as big as his head! And they look like they're about to fall off! Ears!

Angela said...

This is one of those times where the monkey falls into both cute and ugly categories. He's a wee cross-over.

Anonymous said...

This is the amazing and rare Texas Fratboy baboon, known as the Dubbya Bushithicus oblivious primatus. It's known by any who've had contact with it to be among the most ignorant of all primates, having difficulties in even the most basic of inter-species communications. Desipte the fact that it's drastically unpopular among other primates, it is often put in authority positions within the primate society for which it is completely incompetent. It also seems to make incomprehensible decisions for its community that are not only not based on fact, but hardly researched, and frankly harmful to the majority of the other primates whom it's taken an oath to protect and serve. Fortunately, this species often makes strong emotional ties to Orangutans, who, while not possessing a great deal more intelligence, at least know how to (usually) pull Dubbya's little furry butt out of the fire, despite being greatly disliked and distrusted themselves.

Anonymous said...

It's a macaque baby. :) I've seen hundreds and work with baby monkeys every day (long & short-tailed macaques, rhesus, and baboons). Baboons have longer faces. This little guy does have abnormally crazy hair and ears though!

Anonymous said...

i think this lil monkey is very cute, and its 'unfortunate' ears just make it even cuter

Miranda said...

Awwww, he's cute. And macaque/baboon ... not a whole heck of a lot of difference to the casual observer.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a cousin to George W. Bush....