Abu Dhabi zoo gets a newborn mandril boy
abu dhabi — A baby mandril has been added to the mandril family at Emirates Park Zoo and Resort. Mandrills are the largest primitive species and ground-dwelling inhabitants who are classified as vulnerable to extinct in the wild due to hunting and deforestation.
Zoo resident mandrill Dora gave birth to a baby boy on February 3 making the furry monkey the newest member of the zoo’s primate family.
The baby mandrill can be spotted in the Primate Parade with parents Dora and Junio, who are both nurturing and protecting the infant with the dedicated staff and zoo officials during its first few weeks of life.
Dr Waleed Sha’aban, Emirates Park Zoo and Resorts manager, said: “Although Dora is very protective, we are delighted to witness the little one exploring on its own, carefully learning the ropes and navigating its home. We have skilful primate keepers who keep a close eye on the baby and its mother. This marks our continuous drive towards maintaining a healthy genetic population for the future generations of mandrills.”
Name the baby
As part of welcoming the infant into the family, the zoo is giving people the privilege of naming the baby mandrill through an exciting social media competition. Social media users can vote from names including Damocles, Dali, Dakarai or Dabi.