At first, she was fragile and fearful. Dehydrated, underweight, and emotionally traumatized, Nala needed round-the-clock care. Volunteers fed her with warm milk, carried her wrapped in blankets, and gave her the warmth and touch that baby baboons crave for survival. It was clear she missed her mother, often crying softly when left alone, reaching for something — or someone — to hold.
But at CARE, healing begins not just with medicine, but with love.
Over the weeks, Nala’s condition steadily improved. She began to eat small fruits, cling to her caregivers with growing strength, and most importantly, learn how to play again. Baboon play is more than just fun — it’s how they learn to socialize, build confidence, and express emotion. Every jump, tumble, and squeal was a step forward in her emotional recovery.
The CARE team had one goal in mind: to prepare Nala for life among her own kind.
Introducing a baby baboon to a troop is a delicate process. It requires timing, observation, and the right match. Fortunately, CARE has an experienced foster mother baboon named Kora — a patient, nurturing female who has adopted several orphaned babies in the past. After weeks of gradual introductions, Nala and Kora finally met face to face.
What happened next brought tears to the eyes of the entire team.
Without hesitation, Kora gently scooped Nala into her arms. Nala, recognizing the comfort of a mother’s embrace, clung tightly to her chest. From that moment on, they were inseparable — eating together, sleeping side by side, and grooming one another. It was the beginning of a new chapter in Nala’s life.
Today, Nala is part of a small, growing troop of young baboons who live in a protected enclosure inside the forest. They swing through trees, dig through dirt, and chase one another just like wild baboons should. And while she still occasionally seeks out her human caregivers for a familiar face, she’s learning how to live without needing them — a beautiful sign of success.
The CARE Sanctuary continues to monitor her progress and provide the support she needs to grow. One day, if all goes well, Nala and her troop may be part of a carefully planned release into the wild — returning where they truly belong.
Nala’s journey reminds us of the delicate connection between humans and wildlife, and the immense impact of compassion. From a tiny, trembling orphan to a bright-eyed, bouncing baboon, her transformation is a symbol of hope — not just for her species, but for anyone who believes in second chances.
