Baboons are among the most versatile of primate, second only to humans in their ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Baboons are ecological detectives helping to predict the possible futures of other large African mammals.

The Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project, (UNBP – formerly the Gilgil Baboon Project) is located on the Eastern Laikipia Plateau between the Mukogodo Forest and Mt. Kenya. Its research focuses on the socio-ecology and cognition of wild baboons as they make the transition to the modern context of human dominated ecosystems. Dr. Shirley C. Strum (Professor of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego), the Director, began her baboon research in 1972.

UNBP has been involved in Community Based Conservation (CBC) for 28 years. It was the first primate research project to use local research assistants. Today, trained para-behaviorists and para-ecologists carry out the majority of the research. The project has hosted graduate students and interns from the United States, UK, Europe, and Kenya. View our community programs below.