FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Zoo has welcomed Jasper, the zoo's newest baby mandrill. Jasper is the second mandrill to be born at Fort Worth Zoo this year.
Mandrills are Old World monkeys and the largest of all monkeys, according to the National Geographic. Known for their colorful red and blue skin, mandrills are often mistaken for baboons.
🩵 Hi, baby Jasper! 🩵
— Fort Worth Zoo (@FortWorthZoo) September 30, 2024
Our newest baby boy mandrill was born Sept. 13, to second-time parents, mom, Scarlett, and dad, J.J.
Jasper was named after the red gemstone as a nod to mom, Scarlett, and older sister, Ruby, while carrying the “J” to represent his father, J.J. pic.twitter.com/PIfz14SwJy
Jasper, born on Sept. 13, is the first male mandrill to be born at the zoo in almost three decades. Keeping a family tradition, Jasper was named after the red gemstone as a nod to mom, Scarlett, and older sister, Ruby, according to an X post from the Fort Worth Zoo.
Mandrills are listed as vulnerable, and populations continue to decline. Ruby and Jasper’s births contribute to the population of mandrills among U.S. zoos and ensures their survival for future generations, according to a news release.
Visitors who want to get a closer look can see Jasper and his family in the zoo’s World of Primates habitat.