Boon is an 18-year-old male olive baboon who arrived at the Sanctuary in November 2003. Although once a much loved "pet," as is typical with the private "ownership" of wild animals his "owners" were no longer able to care for him. Housed in a dark, run-down garage extension, Boon lived a life of boredom and isolation. Lacking companionship and stimulation, he arrived in poor mental and physical condition, clutching a chewed-up child's plastic toy. Frightened and withdrawn, Boon was self-mutilating. The lower half of his body was weak from lack of exercise and arthritis.
Through a gradual period of rehabilitation, Boon has made considerable progress. He "learned" how to be a baboon. He became a very sociable individual and made many friends among the other baboons living at the Sanctuary. Boon was released into our large free-range baboon enclosure and is now living freely as part of a social group. He has settled in well and is thoroughly enjoying the space and freedom of his lush, new environment. What a transformation! Thanks to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, Boon is at last living the life of a baboon.
