The Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is a mid-sized African primate. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2.
Description[]
The gelada is a terrestrial Old-World monkey closely related to baboons. It is the last surviving member of the genus Theropithecus (Beast-Ape), which were a group of monkeys that largely specialized in eating grass. Males are larger than females, weighing up to 18.5kg (41lbs) and reaching a body-length of 75cm (30in), and possess long manes of fur across their backs. The gelada's most distinctive feature is a large patch of hairless red skin on its chest, giving it the alternative name of Bleeding Heart Monkey. In females, this skin patch brightens when she is ready to mate.
Endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia, often at heights of over 4000m above sea level, the gelada feeds primarily on grass, using its short dexterous fingers to collect both blades and seeds. Geladas will scale cliffs to reach the richest grasslands or to take shelter whilst sleeping. Geladas live in large, complex groups with multiple social structures which typically include breeding groups led by a dominant male or all-male bachelor groups. Although numbers have declined, the gelada is not believed to be threatened.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The gelada is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and was added as part of the African Adventure expansion pack. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 3.5 stars.
Habitat[]
Geladas live in the alpine biome, and can tolerate the tundra and boreal forest biomes (as well as temperate forest, grassland, and wetlands to a lesser extent). It cannot swim or climb trees.
Diet[]
Geladas are primarily herbivores, and will feeds on fruits, grasses, and the occasional insect.
Enrichment[]
Geladas like toys such as the feeder ball and the rubber ball.
Shelter[]
Geladas will use all rock shelters, the kopjie, the shade structure, and the raised sleeping platform.
Behavior[]
Geladas are social animals the live in large family groups. Males will mate with more than one female. Females give birth to one baby at a time. They do not mind sharing their exhibit with other animals.
 zootycoon.com Description
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| The gelada is closely related to the baboon, but its nostrils are farther from the tip of its mouth. The male gelada has a very distinctive cape of hair that covers its head and hangs down its back. The gelada lives in the mountain grasslands primarily in Ethiopia. It eats a diet of grass, roots, bulbs, and occasional insects. Because of this restricted diet, it spends much of the day grazing. Geladas have a complex social structure and communicate with a multitude of sounds, tactile communication, and facial expressions. |
Zoopedia Information[]
- While the gelada family unit is male-cetric, it is not male-dominated. The females of the band are smaller than the males, but as a group, they are powerful, and they know it!
- When predators are nearby, the male gelada emits a two-phase bark that sounds like "wahoo!"
- Geladas have a complex social structure and need a lot of communication to maintain it. There are 27 different sounds in the gelada language, as well as tactile communication and numerous facial expressions.
- Gelada families often have younger males that linger near the harem and eventually leave with some younger females to start new families.
Gallery[]
