Audubon Zoo Welcomes A Colorful

Baby Mandrill

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 20, 2020 9:33 pm

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo has a colorful new addition with a baby mandrill born on Wednesday June 3rd 2020.

At present keepers have not determined the gender of the infant and as such it is yet to be named. Once it is, it will be announced on the zoo’s social media.

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

This infant is the second for mother, Jinx and father, Mapema. They welcomed their first offspring, Kofola in July 2018 and she still lives as part of the family at the zoo. She will remain with mum while she raises the new infant which will provide valuable skills for when she has her own child.

Jinx has proven a great mother as Curator of Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle Liz Wilson said, “Jinx is taking great care of the infant, nursing it and making sure it’s holding on securely as she moves around.”

“Mapema is being an awesome dad, sticking close to Jinx and the infant as well as spending time with Kofola,” she continued.

Photo Credit: Audubon Zoo

The family is on exhibit now and guests may be able to see them with Audubon Zoo now welcoming back visitors.

This infant has been born as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for mandrills. The program aims to create a genetically diverse population of this species which the International Union for the Conservation of Nature list as vulnerable. If the population of mandrills in the wild does continue to decline then this population provides a back-up to ensure their safety.

Video Credit: Audubon Zoo

Found in Western Africa, mandrills are threatened by deforestation and hunting.

They are the largest of the old world monkey’s and are recognizable due to their colourful appearance which is used to find one another in the dense forests they inhabit.

You can learn more about mandrills here – Mandrill | The Animal Facts

You can learn more about Audubon zoo on their website – Audubon Zoo