Shakma is played by the baboon, Typhoon (handled by Gerry Therrien). Typhoon also played the baboons in The Fly (1986) and Duncan Jax's baboon in Order of the Black Eagle. Order of the Black Eagle is also featured on Order of the Black Eagle, Wired to Kill, and Raiders of Atlantis (2016).
There were no female baboons on the set. Typhoon had an Alpha and a Beta trainer. The beta trainer was on the opposite side of the door whispering Typhoon's name which angered him.