Darwin, the Friendly Guy

Sex: Male

Year Born: 1995

Year arrived at Sanctuary: 2001

Species: Olive baboon

Favorite thing: His best friend, Marlin, and his caregivers

Darwin was born in 1995 and spent his early years in a private home in New Mexico. He was surrendered by his owner in 2001. As he has aged, he has developed some health conditions including arthritis in his back and a skin condition, for which he receives daily medication to keep him comfortable. In 2022, he also had to have his left eye removed following an infection that was resistant to treatment. He healed beautifully from surgery, and we believe he looks even more handsome than he did before (if that were possible!). Despite his various ailments, Darwin's spirit remains positive and full of joy. He still acts like a young baboon. He is one of the friendliest monkeys at the sanctuary and will delightedly greet anyone who happens to visit him with excited grunts and lip-smacks.

Darwin's world grew bigger in June 2023, as we allowed him and his long-term enclosure mate, Kaleb, to join together with the family trio of Marlin, Violet, and Presley. Father, Marlin, and his two daughters arrived in 2020 and lived alongside Darwin and Kaleb, sharing an adjoining fence. While the initial relationship between the two groups was a little rocky (Darwin, literally, used to throw rocks at the fence line!), they gradually built up trust and would often be found grooming through the fence. In June of 2023, we finally felt confident that we could safely introduce them in the same space and the introduction went wonderfully. Darwin and Marlin have very quickly built a fast bond. Marlin will often be found grooming his bestie and will seek out Darwin at every opportunity. Darwin creating these healthy bonds with other monkeys is wonderful because as a former "pet," he was denied these vital social interactions in his younger years.

If you adopt Darwin, consider also adopting one of Darwin's new best friends – Marlin, Violet, or Presley!