Mandrill: The Colorful King of the Jungle
The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is the largest monkey species in the world, instantly recognizable by its vibrant facial colors and striking blue and red hues on its muzzle. Native to the rainforests of Central Africa, mandrills are social animals that live in large troops, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
Zoos provide mandrills with enriched habitats that include climbing structures, foraging opportunities, and social interaction. Visitors are often drawn to their intelligence and unique appearance. Mandrills are crucial to forest ecosystems as seed dispersers, but habitat loss and hunting threaten their populations. Conservation efforts in zoos aim to ensure their survival while educating the public about their importance.