PEORIA (August 6, 2025) – Peoria Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a new mandrill infant, born on July 30, 2025, to mother Kofola and father Linus.

This marks the second baby for the pair—following the birth of their daughter, River, in August 2023.

“Kofola is doing a fantastic job and keeping the baby close,” said Max Lakes, Director of Peoria Zoo. “We are giving them plenty of space to bond and haven’t confirmed the baby’s gender just yet!”

This new arrival is an important addition to the mandrill population and was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative program that ensures healthy, genetically diverse animal populations in accredited zoos.

• Kofola arrived at Peoria Zoo on July 2, 2022, from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.
• Linus joined her on February 17, 2023, through a breeding recommendation from the AZA’s SSP.
• The couple welcomed their first offspring, River, on August 19, 2023—who is now officially a big sister!
• Another female Mandrill, "Aunt" Tara is part of the current horde at the Peoria Zoo

Mandrills are one of the most colorful and striking primates in the animal kingdom. Native to the rainforests of central West Africa, they are known for their vivid facial markings and strong social structures. Unfortunately, they are also classified as vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting, making births like this especially significant for conservation efforts.

“We’re so proud of the care our team has provided and the success of this growing mandrill horde,” said Lakes.

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ABOUT MANDRILLS

Mandrills have a gestation period of about 180 days. Mandrills are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In the wild, their biggest threats include hunting for meat and habitat destruction from agriculture, mining, road construction, and oil/gas drilling.

ABOUT PEORIA ZOO

Peoria Zoo’s mission is to create connections that inspire an appreciation for and encourage actions to conserve the natural world. Peoria Zoo, a Peoria Park District facility, is located in Glen Oak Park, a 40+ acre park located in the heart of the East Bluff in Peoria, IL. Peoria Zoo is over 14 acres in size and home to over 100 different species from around the world. To learn more, please visit www.peoriazoo.org.

ABOUT PEORIA PARK DISTRICT

Public stewards of nearly 9,000 acres of park and greenspace and another 185 buildings, the Park District’s mission is “We contribute to healthy and vibrant communities by responsibly using our resources to offer high quality parks, recreation, and education experiences to those who live, work, or play in our District.” To learn more, please visit www.peoriaparks.org.

More Resources:

View all our press releases and virtual press packets by visiting https://peoriaparks.org/news/

Media Contact:

Dawn Petefish

Assistant Zoo Director/Curator of Collections

(309) 681-3501

dpetefish@peoriaparks.org