The Strange Reason Why Baboons Kidnap Lion Cubs

There are some strange behaviors in the wild that make you question how much you truly know about animals. One of these involves baboons and their unusual behavior of kidnapping lion cubs. Although exceedingly rare, there have been a few documented cases of baboons kidnapping the babies of other predators, such as lion cubs. This YouTube Short by @naturelenses shows a lion cub being taken by a baboon. Read here to learn more about this strange behavior and why baboons are stealing lion cubs.

Why Do Baboons Kidnap Cubs?

Baboons are extremely intelligent creatures with strong social bonds within their troops. While they are intelligent, they are not exactly the strongest. Baboons have multiple predators in the savannas they inhabit, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. So while they might not be able to fight back against their intimidating predators, they use their intelligence and curiosity to their advantage. Part of their curiosity is directed toward the cubs of these dangerous species. In rare cases, baboons may take and groom the cubs of their predators if the cubs are left alone, for a few different reasons. There have been rare observations of male baboons attacking lion cubs. This is not considered a common or well-documented behavior. While gruesome, this method helps the baboon troop continue to prosper, showing the lengths to which baboons are willing to go to survive.

There are a few other reasons that baboons kidnap cubs that are less related to defense and survival. One of these is maternal or paternal instinct. Whether the baboon has lost its own child or simply does not have one yet, the vulnerability of the cubs can invoke parental instincts in the baboons. While this may seem like a cute and kind behavior, it is actually dangerous for the lion cubs. Given the difference in species, the baboon will most likely abandon the cub, leaving it to fend for itself. In some rare cases, a baboon kidnapping a lion cub may result in harm or death to the cub, but more often, the cub is groomed or abandoned rather than intentionally killed.

How Common Is Baboon Lion Cub Kidnapping?

While there are documented cases of baboons kidnapping lion cubs, and other species as well, this behavior is rare and not an everyday occurrence. It is uncommon for lion cubs to be left unattended long enough for a baboon to take them. This means that baboons will only commit this behavior when the chance presents itself. While it is rare for baboons to kidnap the young of other species, kidnapping infants within their own troops is more common. They do this as a means of asserting social dominance and power. This often comes at the expense of the infant’s health. Therefore, although rare, baboons kidnap lion cubs due to a combination of aggression toward their predators and instinctive responses to infants.