Photos: Fort Worth Zoo
Exciting News from the Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo, a beacon of wildlife conservation and family fun, recently heralded an adorable new addition to their family – a baby mandrill named Ruby. This momentous occasion marks the first mandrill birth at the zoo in an impressive span of nearly three decades, making Ruby a special celebration of life and conservation.
Born on January 11, 2024, Ruby is the offspring of Scarlett and J.J., the proud mandrill parents. The choice of her name, Ruby, is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Scarlett, symbolizing the preciousness of this new life. Observers note that Ruby and Scarlett have quickly established a strong, healthy bond. Ruby, ever so clingy to her mother, demonstrates the natural instincts and closeness shared between mother and offspring in the wild. Despite not being weighed or measured yet due to her constant close contact with Scarlett, zookeepers estimate Ruby’s weight to be around the delightful size of a pineapple, or roughly 2 pounds.
Ruby’s arrival is a significant event for the Fort Worth Zoo, marking only the third mandrill birth in its history, with the previous ones occurring in 1992 and 1995. Her birth is not just a cause for celebration but also a pivotal moment for conservation efforts. Mandrills are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing threats from habitat destruction and illegal hunting in their native West-Central Africa. Ruby represents a hopeful step towards ensuring a genetically diverse and healthy population of mandrills in U.S. zoos, contributing to the preservation of this magnificent species for generations to come.
Visitors to the zoo’s World of Primates habitat can now see Ruby, likely nestled in the comforting embrace of her mother, as they explore their surroundings. Her presence is a beautiful reminder of the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the joy that new life brings.
As a shining example of the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts, Ruby’s birth is a story that warms the heart. We invite you to witness this marvel and support the ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate our planet’s incredible biodiversity. For more information and to plan your visit to see Ruby and her zoo family, click here to connect with the Fort Worth Zoo. Let’s celebrate the wonders of wildlife together!
