A mandrill was born at the Fort Worth Zoo earlier this month, the second this year, which marks a “conservation success” after the zoo went nearly three decades without a mandrill birth.
The male monkey, Jasper, was born Sept. 13 to second-time parents — mother, Scarlett, and father, J.J. — the zoo announced Monday. He weighed about two pounds at birth, which is roughly the size of a pineapple.
Jasper was named after the red gemstone, a nod to his mom Scarlett and older sister Ruby. The “J” represents his father.
Scarlett and Jasper built a strong bond while the troop gave them space to do so. Now, the new family of four is spending all their time together in the habitat while Jasper holds tight to Scarlett, according to the news release.
Mandrill babies tend to nurse for six to 12 months and will remain close to their mother’s side even after weaning, though Jasper has already begun showing signs of independence.
Ruby, born in January, has stepped into her new role, exploring the habitat on her own but calling out regularly with Scarlett. She also exhibits protective displays, the zoo said, standing over her baby brother.
Prior to Jasper and Ruby, there have only been two mandrill births in the zoo’s history: a female in 1992 and a male in 1995.
The mandrill is listed as vulnerable, according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature. The animal is found in just a few countries in West-Central Africa and the populations continue to decline due to habitat destruction and illegal, unregulated hunting, according to the release.
“Jasper’s birth contributes to a diverse, genetically healthy population of mandrills among U.S. zoos and ensures their survival for future generations,” the release said.
Zoo visitors can find Jasper and his troopmates in the World of Primates exhibit.
