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We are excited to learn that there is another new member joining the animal family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World is now welcoming a new mandrill to the family, born on August 8th. The baby was born to Scarlett (mom) and Winston (dad) at the park. These mandrills are visible to guests when they visit Kilimanjaro Safaris within the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We have a look at the new baby below:
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Mandrills are actually a vulnerable species that can be found in African rainforests. Sadly, their habitat is disappearing due to deforestation and poaching. The birth of the newest baby mandrill was part of the Species Survival Plans (SSPs) as part of the ongoing efforts with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This program to help ensure responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species in order to preserve the population.
Rebecca Phillips, Animal Operations manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also a Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator for mandrills with the AZA. In this role she works to support animal births like this at the park and also works with animal care teams at other zoos to help introduce mandrills at their respective zoos. “There are many reasons why I’m excited to be an SSP coordinator for mandrills. I love helping zoos, including our own, and I love the success stories. As a two-time mom and also a surrogate mother, Scarlett is an example of how we’re helping a vulnerable species thrive, and it’s thrilling to watch her family grow.”
We currently don’ have the gender or birth weight of the new baby mandrill. Right now the cast members are giving Scarlett and her new baby the time that they need in order to bond. Mom and baby are already visible on Kilimanjaro Safaris and hopefully we will have more of the specific details soon.
Let us know when you spot the new baby mandrill at the park!
Photo and Source Credit: Disney Parks Blog
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