Fort Worth Zoo Welcomes First Male Mandrill in 30 Years

The Fort Worth Zoo is celebrating the birth of Jasper, the first male mandrill born at the zoo in nearly 30 years. Jasper, born on September 13 to parents Scarlett and J.J., weighed about two pounds at birth. He was named after the red gemstone, following a family tradition linked to his mother, Scarlett, and his sister, Ruby. Jasper's birth is significant for the zoo and global conservation efforts, as mandrills are listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting. The zoo, part of a nationwide initiative, aims to create a genetically diverse and healthy mandrill population in captivity. Visitors can see Jasper and his family in the zoo's World of Primates habitat, where he is bonding closely with Scarlett and being protected by Ruby.