Walia Ibex in Alliance With Baboons
In Walia Ibex in Alliance With Baboons, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how the grassy plains of Ethiopia’s highlands can be a dangerous environment for grazers. Luckily, the ibex have allied themselves with gelada baboons as a form of defense. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the presence of the geladas impact the ibex?
A: The ibex let their guard down to feed, knowing that the geladas are on the lookout for danger.
Q: How do the geladas behave once danger is spotted?
A: They all stop what they’re doing and face the threat; they shriek; they move quickly to the cliffs for safety.
Q: Why do you think the geladas share their grazing grounds with the ibex?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may mention that the ibex cause them no harm, they cannot scare off the ibex, or they get some benefit from the ibex.
More Like This

In Gelada Baboons at Work and Play, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights a group of 800 cliff-dwelling monkeys in Ethiopia. Their busy day includes grooming, eating, and playing on sheer cliff faces. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.

In Gelada Baboons at Work and Play, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights a group of 800 cliff-dwelling monkeys in Ethiopia. Their busy day includes grooming, eating, and playing on sheer cliff faces. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.