After nearly 10 years of caring for mandrills, the Memphis Zoo welcomed its first baby mandrill on Aug. 16.
Millie, the zoo's latest addition, is the first mandrill ever born at the zoo. In a press release, the Memphis Zoo said her birth "is an exciting milestone for the zoo and an important addition to the species' population in human care."
Mandrills are part of the American Zoological Association's species survival plan, which works to continue a healthy and genetically-diverse population of various animal species within zoos.
"Millie's genetics are valuable to the population, and as a female, she has the potential to contribute to future generations," the zoo said in a press release.
for Memphis Zoo
Born to Kamani, a first-time mother, the Memphis Zoo's veterinary staff stepped in temporarily to raise Millie. According to the zoo, Kamani gave birth naturally, but was "initially unsure of what to do with her baby." Keepers cared for Millie around the clock for the first couple of weeks, bottle feeding her and ensuring she did not come into contact with illnesses.
"Because this was Memphis Zoo’s first experience hand rearing a mandrill, the team also leaned on the expertise of the greater zoological community," the zoo said. "The veterinary and primate teams consulted with other AZA-accredited zoos with experience caring for hand-reared mandrill infants. Disney and Columbus Zoo have been particularly valuable resources, sharing their experience and recommendations throughout the process. "
Over the last few days, the zoo said it was in the process of integrating Millie with her mother and troop, the name for a group of mandrills, and said the process is going smoothly.
Visitors can see Millie and the rest of the mandrills in their yard near the Zambezi River Hippo Camp.
Known for their colorful faces, mandrills are native to west-central Africa and are the species Rafiki, from The Lion King, was part of. They are omnivores and eat a variety of foods from "nuts and seeds to small animals, including duikers and tortoises," according to the Memphis Zoo.
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Zoo announces birth of first ever baby mandrill
