The Potter Park Zoo of Lansing, MI welcomed a new baby mandrill on November 18, 2010. The new male mandrill is part of the zoo’s Species Survival Plan, which aims to strengthen sustainable populations.
Mandrills are native to Western Africa. They are considered vulnerable by the IUCN Redlist.
Named Blanca, this 2-week-old baby mandrill was born at Rome’s Bioparco Zoo. When fully grown, she will weigh up to 30 lbs. Mandrills, a relative of the baboon, are the largest species of monkey. They are known for their colorful facial markings (especially the adult males). In the wild, mandrills inhabit rainforests in equatorial Africa.
For more information: LA Times