For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

JACKSONVILLE ZOO DEBUTS INFANT MANDRILL

March 7, 2007 – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is officially debuting its new baby mandrill, named Mandisa (a South African name that means “sweet”), born January 12, 2007.  The baby’s mother, Deanna, is the fourth most genetically-valuable female mandrill in the country, which makes this a very significant birth. Mandrills are on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ endangered species list and are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan program.  

This is Deanna’s first newborn, and because of her inexperience as a mother, the baby had to be bottle-fed by staff initially.  Deanna’s mothering-skills have since improved, mother and baby have bonded and are doing well.

“We are thrilled to have this new addition to our primates’ exhibit,” said Delfi Messinger, director of animal programs at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “Mandisa is an example of how our Zoo is contributing to the continued population growth of endangered animals in captivity.”

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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