Location:

Africa Trail next to Hamadrayas Baboon

**Sadly, we lost Nikki in April 2025. She was in the Guiness Book of World Records for the oldest living Mandrill in captivity.

Nikki (F) 1/13/1987 originally came from the Portland Zoo. Passed away April 2025 at the record breaking age of 38!
Jax came to Phoenix from Dallas Zoo; born at Lowry Park Zoo
Kesi arrived in Jan, 2023 from the San Diego Zoo. She may breed with Jax, based on recommendation from SSP. Kesi also has a left hand injury she recieved at her last zoo, you may notice it when she walks/ holds her hand up.

Mandrills are found primarily in rainforests, also forested savannah, and montane and thick secondary forests up to 6,571 ft. (2,000 meters). They inhabit west central Africa, inhabiting Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Congo, with the largest population in Gabon.
They are old world monkeys
They are adapted to live on the ground, but will seek shelter in trees during the night.
Dominant male is most colorful; if his status fades, so does his color
Color thought to help others follow the dominate male in the woods.
Largest, most colorful monkey (55 lbs)
Scent glands on chest used for communication
Can store food in cheek pouches to eat later
Sometimes referred to as "cheek pouch monkeys"
Teeth are all about show
IUCN: Vulnerable

Some Mandril talking points:

Rafiki from the Lion King
Largest monkey
Not a baboon - (were classified in the late 80's as baboons in the past, but have been reclassified, now called drill monkeys)
Largest canine teeth of any living primate, with males featuring razor-sharp upper canines up to 2.5 inches
White behind the ears - helps them keep track of each other as they move through thick forests