Gelada

Theropithecus gelada

Ladies’ choice

Gelada males surround themselves with a harem of six to ten females. But it is the females who do the choosing! And personality matters: a male who helps care for the little ones and gives good grooming has a clear advantage.

Charakteristics

  • Origin

    Africa: Ethiopian

  • Habitat

    Highlands (2,000 to 3,000 m a.s.l.)

  • Diet

    Grasses, leaves, roots, rhizomes, bark, seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers

  • Status

    least concern

  • Size

    Body length 50 to 74 cm

  • Weight

    12 to 30 kg

  • Gestation period

    179 days

  • Achievable age

    over 30 years

Threat Categories of IUCN

Two for one

The teats of female geladas are so close together that their babies can drink from both at the same time. Geladas are the only species with this trait.

 

Did you know that?

Because geladas eat mainly low-energy grasses and roots,
they spend two thirds of the day foraging for food.
The patch of skin on the female’s chest is a signal to potential
partners: The readier she is to mate, the brighter it glows !

Adopt an animal

Lend your support to the Tierpark’s modern, high-quality animal keeping and care by becoming an animal sponsor.

DONATE NOW

Opening hours

Today, 3. November
9:00 - 16:30
Last admission: 15:30
All opening hours

Feedings & Trainings

  • Polar bear talk 11:00
  • Giraffe-Talk 12:30
All feedings