Watch This Alpha Baboon Risk His Own Life for a Sweet Taste of Honeycomb

In this video, our animal protagonists fight to stay alive after a massive blaze in an unrecognizable and hostile landscape took their home. Bakari is the alpha baboon of this troop as they venture to look for food. It’s urgent that these animals find a new place to call home.

BBC brings us unbelievable footage of the baboons traversing the wilderness. At one point, they come across a beehive. Bakari has a hunkering for honey and doesn’t let the hundreds of stinging bees stop him from getting a taste. 

Without hesitation, the alpha animal grabs the honeycomb and runs off. The juicy, sweet bites come in between bee stings. Bakari continues to take a bite, run away from the bees, and stop again. Clearly, nothing is coming between this baboon and his honey! 

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How Do Baboons Acquire Food? 

Every type of baboon has its own unique location and diet, weighing between 31 and 88 pounds. Baboons are natural omnivores and will consume practically anything they can. They are primates that can eat both plants and meat. 

Baboons, also referred to as “opportunistic feeders,” graze throughout the day, consuming everything they come find. These animals forage rather than engage in predator-like hunts, primarily in search of food sources. 

Baboons are known to consume plants, roots, tubers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Despite being omnivores, they primarily obtain their nourishment from these kinds of plant sources. Termite nests have occasionally been disturbed by baboons poking them with sticks in situations that have been observed. 

The primate is going to devour the termites once they have been made visible. Baboons have additionally been observed using rocks as a tool for scavenging. They are aware of the dangers of scorpion stings and will avoid them if possible. 

What Is the Role of the Alpha Baboon in a Baboon Troop?

When a baboon’s troop can defeat the alliance of the baboon in charge, that baboon is considered to be the alpha. However, once an alpha baboon establishes dominance, he starts controlling the troop’s access to food and breeding prospects. 

He never shares anything but with his allies. He grooms his troop mates less than he grooms himself. Baboon females have their own hierarchy of authority. In order to benefit her own child, an alpha female will steal food from other female troop members. 

But since she is skilled at obtaining food and ensuring that the group stays together while foraging, female baboons frequently follow her. A baboon should make a prudent choice for its alpha. 

In the state of nature, trusting a leader who cannot locate food or fend off lions has severe repercussions. Baboons, however, have adequate demands for their leaders. They don’t anticipate the alpha relieving them of the daily burden of taking care of their own needs.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © vivatchai/Shutterstock.com