Baboons with a young one on their back, Tanzania by Dante van Rijn

A female baboon stands on a bare path, looking around warily, whilst her young clings tightly to her back. The little baboon has its tail held straight up and is clinging on with all four limbs, as if it realises it must sit still for a moment. In the background and foreground, more baboon bottoms are visible, as this animal is part of a larger troop moving along the path together.

It is an image that is both funny and touching. The mother is completely focused on her surroundings, her orange eyes sharp, whilst the young one pays no attention to anything and is simply hitching a lift. That contrast between the alert mother and the carefree young one makes this moment so humanly recognisable.

This image was taken along a forest path in Tanzania, where troops of baboons regularly cross the road. They stop for nothing and simply walk past and over vehicles as if you weren’t there. That proximity makes it possible to capture such intimate moments.

In an interior, this image suits people who love nature and humour. It is not a heavy or dramatic image, but rather light-hearted and warm. The green background and the warm sunlight make it colourful enough for a living room or children’s bedroom.