AMONG THE BABOONS A hundred years ago, there were probably more
baboons in Africa than people. Now, humans far outnumber them,
and relations between the two are hostile at best. In Kenya,
baboons are classified as vermin. And yet, baboons are highly
intelligent creatures, remarkably similar to people. They live
in close-knit societies, relying on each other through devoted
friendships and strong family ties. On the rocky plains of
central Kenya, anthropologist Dr. Shirley Strum has spent most
of the last 20 years studying the olive baboon. Her work has
brought her right to the heart of the conflict between baboons
and humans.