Good News Friday: Baboons, Babies, and a North Carolina Teen’s Art Could Make Google’s Home Page

The NC Zoo has opened a new $5.2 million habitat for their hamadryas baboons. (Shutterstock)

By Leah Sherrell

May 26, 2023

The North Carolina Zoo shows off a habitat meant to mimic baboons’ natural habitat. Plus: A NC teen’s prize-winning doodle could make Google’s homepage.

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly good news roundup. Here’s what you have to perk up about today!

The Baboons are Back!

This week the North Carolina Zoo welcomed the public to the newly renovated baboon habitat! 

The NC Zoo is home to one of the largest bands of baboons in the country, tying with the San Diego Zoo at 22 baboons. The $5.2 million renovation mimics the hamadryas baboons’ natural habitat with lots of space and climbing areas. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsmPPIsKGyJ/

Super Mom + Super Grad

In just 24 hours, Abby Bailiff, gave birth to her first child and walked across the graduation stage for the UNC Greensboro School of Nursing. 

On May 3rd around 3 p.m. her son Bodie made his way into the world, and at 3 p.m. the next day she received her doctorate!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsmV-9GOOiO/

Lottery Love 

New Bern resident, Souleymane Sana, won $100,000 after buying a lottery ticket. 

He runs a non-profit organization called Kono Gnaga that supports schools in his home country, Mali, and bought the ticket hoping to donate some more. With the $100,000, he’s continuing to rehabilitate classrooms and provide dance classes. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmzzsijPvds/

Doodle for Google

Thirteen-year-old Gaille Saelim is representing North Carolina in Google’s annual “Doodle for Google” competition. 

This year’s prompt was “draw what you’re grateful for” and Saelim reflected on all of nature’s colors she would see on her family walks during the pandemic. Out of tens of thousands of submissions, her artwork was chosen (by online voters) to show off. 

This year the winner will have their artwork featured on Google’s homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship, and their school will get a $50,000 technology grant. 

Author

  • Leah Sherrell

    Leah Sherrell is a multimedia reporter for Cardinal & Pine. A graduate of UNC-Wilmington, she's a resident of Kernersville with a background in video production and communication. Leah uses many forms of media to explore the multifaceted lifestyles and cultures present in North Carolina.

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