Africa's outsiders

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Summary

Following several African animals with genetic traits that give them unusual appearances, this program examines how social "outsiders" cope with survival, feeding, and social interaction. An olive ...

Following several African animals with genetic traits that give them unusual appearances, this program examines how social "outsiders" cope with survival, feeding, and social interaction. An olive baboon (Papio anubis), born white instead of the typical black, attracts attention from members of its own troop and from predators. Because its mother is high-ranking, this juvenile baboon is accepted by its troop despite its atypical appearance. However, its white fur makes it more visible to predators, and could affect its ability to attract a mate later in life. Unfortunately, the baboon dies while still young, and its mother is shown grieving. Even after death, the white baboon attracts attention from curious troop members. Other unusual animals shown include a yellow crocodile, who has trouble sneaking up on prey, a white lion, whose fur does not seem to hinder his ability to attract a mate, and a pink hippopotamus, whose lack of melanin makes her low-ranking and susceptible to the hot African sun.

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