Denver Zoo has welcomed two adorable baby mandrills in recent years, Kesi and Zola, adding to the excitement and joy of the zoo’s primate family. These newborns have captured the hearts of visitors and animal enthusiasts alike.
Kesi: The Trailblazer
Birth Date: 2019
Parents: Kumani (mother) and Jelani (father)
Age: Around 5 years old as of 2024
Significance: Kesi is the first mandrill baby born at Denver Zoo since 2003, making their arrival a significant milestone for the zoo’s primate conservation efforts.
Kesi’s birth in 2019 was a joyous occasion for the Denver Zoo, as the last mandrill baby born at the facility was in 2003. As the offspring of Kumani and Jelani, Kesi has been an integral part of the zoo’s mandrill troop, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness the growth and development of this fascinating primate species.
Zola: The Newest Addition
Birth Date: 2023
Parents: Not specified
Age: Around 1 year old as of 2024
Significance: Zola is the latest addition to the mandrill troop at Denver Zoo, further enhancing the zoo’s primate collection and offering visitors a chance to observe the dynamics of a growing mandrill family.
The arrival of Zola in 2023 has added to the excitement surrounding the Denver Zoo’s mandrill population. As the newest member of the troop, Zola’s presence provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the early stages of a mandrill’s life and the interactions within the group.
Mandrill Facts
Classification
- Mammalia, Order: Primate, Family: Cercopithecidae, Genus: Mandrillus, Species: sphinx
Habitat
- Rainforests, forested savannah, and montane and thick secondary forests up to 6,571 ft. (2,000 meters)
Adaptations
- Semi-terrestrial, opposable thumbs and big toes, cheek pouches, and thick pads on the rump
Physical Description
- Sexually dimorphic, males are larger and more colorful than females, with bright facial and rump colors
Diet
- Omnivorous, including fruits, seeds, leaves, fungi, roots, tubers, insects, and small vertebrates in the wild; varied vegetables and primate biscuits at the zoo
Visiting the Denver Zoo
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone Number: 720-337-1400
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April 1 – September 30), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (October 1 – March 31)
Admission Rates: Vary by age and membership status; check the official website for details
The Denver Zoo is a popular destination for visitors interested in observing and learning about the diverse array of animal species, including the captivating mandrills. With the recent additions of Kesi and Zola, the zoo’s mandrill troop has become an even more compelling attraction for zoo enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned zoo-goer or a first-time visitor, the Denver Zoo offers a unique opportunity to witness the fascinating behaviors and characteristics of the mandrill species. From their vibrant colors and intricate social dynamics to their adaptations and conservation efforts, the Denver Zoo’s mandrill exhibit is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
So, plan your visit to the Denver Zoo today and be enchanted by the adorable Kesi and Zola, the zoo’s newest mandrill ambassadors.
References
Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Mandrill. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/animals/mandrill/
Denver Zoo. (2019, May 21). Denver Zoo Welcomes First Mandrill Baby Since 2003. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/zootales/denver-zoo-welcomes-first-mandrill-baby-since-2003/
Denver Zoo. (2019, July 9). Troop Dreams. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/zootales/troop-dreams/
Denver Zoo. (2022, February 7). Akili the Mandrill is Growing Up – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jplJAzwyURU
Denver Zoo. (2023, September 18). Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on … – X.com. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/DenverZoo/status/1703560550884454897?lang=en