Monkeying around! Gelada baboon relaxes in the nature of … Bristol

They may be more at home in the Ethiopian wilderness, but this gelada seemed quite happy lounging at his home near Bristol yesterday.

The magnificent beast, technically a monkey though often called a baboon, was photographed frolicking on its terrace at the Wild Place Project, a conservation park in south Gloucestershire.

The family park has six men, ranging in age from Kito, 10, to Hobbit, 18. Geladas are also known as ‘bleeding heart monkeys’ because of the red patch on their breasts.

Their thick coats protect them from extreme temperatures in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, but are also useful if the Avon River is a bit windy.

And judging by the yawn he let out, they keep you at the perfect temperature for an afternoon nap.

Monkeying around: The gelada lets out a huge yawn as he relaxes in his enclosure at the Wild Place Project

Strenuous work: he turns around contemplating life in the family’s conservation park on the outskirts of Bristol.

Happy Days – Typically found in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, this male is one of six in the Gloucestershire Wildlife Park.

Content: He’s all smiles as he lets the world roll him upside down, showing the flash of red on his chest that gives the breed the nickname ‘bleeding heart monkeys’.