The Fascinating Tail of Baboon Butts

Before billboards, branding, and billion-dollar ad campaigns, nature was already turning heads. And sometimes, all it took was a really red butt.Before billboards, branding, and billion–dollar ad campaigns, nature was already turning heads. And sometimes, all it took was a really red butt.

Meet one of nature’s most eye-catching advertising assets…Meet one of nature’s most eye–catching advertising assets...

For female baboons, a bright, swollen backside is more than a fashion statement. It’s a biological signal associated with reproductive readiness.For female baboons, a bright, swollen backside is more than a fashion statement. It’s a biological signal associated with reproductive readiness.

No words. No slogan. Just a whole lot of cheek.No words. No slogan. Just a whole lot of cheek.

And the message gets noticed. Male baboons pay attention to these colorful cues, proving that standing out can be a pretty effective way to get someone’s attention.And the message gets noticed. Male baboons pay attention to these colorful cues, proving that standing out can be a pretty effective way to get someone’s attention.

Millions of years of evolution. Zero marketing meetings.Millions of years of evolution. Zero marketing meetings.

So what have we learned?So what have we learned?

1. Those that are not afraid to flaunt their assets tend to bare the most fruit.1. Those that are not afraid to flaunt their assets tend to bare the most fruit.

2. Standing out is half the battle. Having something worth showing is the other half.2. Standing out is half the battle. Having something worth showing is the other half.

3. Nature doesn’t need an advertising agency. But it sure knows how to make an impression.3. Nature doesn’t need an advertising agency. But it sure knows how to make an impression.