I am aware that many people of Africa hate baboons and consider them a nuisance, if not an outright pest. Baboons have an energy level is off the charts — especially in adolescence — and their heightened intelligence combined with such nimble little fingers means they can often be very, very, mischievous!

I, however, did not grow up with baboons nor do I have regular access to them in Texas, so I find them an absolute delight to watch and a joy to photograph.

I know a lot of the locals roll their eyes at me— being so charmed by something they consider so mundane— but I like to think it’s less like if someone from another country wanted to film the clumsy, brutish armadillos that do nothing but tear up my garden, and more like if they wanted to film the adorable raccoons that occasionally get into my trash and spread it all over my driveway.

I might not like the aftermath or having to clean it all up, but I can at least recognize that while the raccoons are spreading my garbage all around my driveway they are doing it in an extremely adorable way! lol

And I have to believe that’s the same love/hate relationship most Africans have with these adorable baboons.

I mean c’mon. Look at the photos above and put on some Sara McLachlan and tell me you didn’t find yourself getting out your wallet…!

You don’t even know what you’re about to give money to, lol… Are they even endangered? Who knows. Who cares! Just yes, please! More adorably sweet and precious baboons! 😂😍

(And don’t worry about trying to give any money to their cause — the baboons have likely already gotten into your wallet and taken it. 😝)