What animal has a small body with large ears, big round eyes and a long fluffy tale?

It is the cutest living thing in the African bush, the Lesser Bushbaby (South African Galago). The name bushbaby comes from the bushy environment they tend to live in and the “baby” part comes from the Thick-tailed Bushbaby (Thick Tailed Galago) that sounds like a crying baby when uttering its call.

Even though they seem cute, cuddly, and only weigh about 150 grams, they are very agile and can jump a distance of up to 5 meters and it is believed that they are very strong swimmers, but this has not been proven yet. Their fluffy tail allows them to balance themselves when jumping from tree to tree; their large ears enable them to pick up on any sound made by a potential prey; and their big round eyes enables them to have exceptional night vision. Their eyes are so big that they can’t move in their sockets and that is why you will see them moving their heads up and down, side to side, or backwards and forwards so they can gauge distance when jumping and also pick up on any potential prey in the area. Their head can also turn 180 degrees, giving them an even greater view of what is going on around them!

One thing that might not be so cute about the Lesser Bushbaby is the way in which they mark their territory. They will urinate on their hands and rub it on their feet leaving a scent trail wherever they go. Maybe they don’t sound as cute anymore... but they are still my favourite primate in the bush.

Come and join us at Sabi Sabi and you stand a chance to experience the cuteness of the Lesser Bushbaby for yourself...