COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in central Ohio has a new resident: a baby mandrill.
Officials announced Thursday the healthy 1.9-pound mandrill boy was born at the zoo early on Monday. It is the first mandrill born at the zoo.
The zoo in a statement said its animal care team had to step in and care for the mandrill after his mother stopped providing him with neonatal care.
The mandrill’s mother, Mandisa, initially showed maternal instincts, but she stopped after other members of the mandrill troop showed interest in the baby.
Zoo officials say they hope to reunite the baby with his mother in the near future.
Officials say it is unknown when visitors will be able to see the baby.
Mandrills are the largest of all monkeys and are one of seven species of baboons. They are native to the rain forests of equatorial Africa and are endangered due to loss of habitat and extensive hunting.