Mandrill Monkey Business!

Mandrills are one of the most colorful mammals living in the rain forests near equatorial Africa. Their red & blue faces, & colorful rumps, can't be mistaken. These shy primates are considered the largest of all monkeys, weighing between 25-60 lbs., & standing at 22-32 inches tall.They have a lifespan of 20 years in the wild  & up to 40 yrs. in captivity.

This is a face that Ewe could become very envious of!

Can Ewe tell that I'm not very "Happy" with Ewe?

Adult male Mandrills display the most brilliant colors of blues, reds, golds, & lavenders, both on their faces & on their furs. The brighter the male's colors, the more attractive they are to the females, which are characteristically one-half the size of males.
They live in groups known as "troops", consisting of up to 20 Mandrills. A dominant alpha male leads the troop, which also hosts a dozen females & all their young. At times, they will join with other "troops", forming a larger group of up to 200, when food is available. 



Being an alpha male is a great deal of pressure!

Being part of a "troop" offers real protection in the forest!

Mandrills are omnivorous & are primarily terrestrial monkeys, foraging mostly on the ground for their food. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, roots, amphibians, insects, reptiles, & small animals. Their long arms help them to move well on the ground & also assist them in locating "sleeping quarters" in the trees at night. Mandrills have been equipped with cheeks that have large pouches, enabling them to store a "carry-out" meal for late night munchies. Mandrills also eat a variety of veggies, melons, raisins, popcorn, & peanuts while in captivity. 

Ewe would be wise to stay away while I'm eating!

This is "un-be-LEAF-able"! Delicious!

I'm omnivorous, which means, "I can eat it all!"

Mandrills communicate like most monkeys, through vocalizations,  body language, scent markings, & the friendly flashing of their canine teeth, which is similar to grinning within the "troop". Their canines are over 2 inches long, & they will use them in defense of the "troop".  Females give birth to one infant weighing 1-2 lbs. at birth, which clings to the mother's belly. As the infant grows heavier, it will eventually ride its mother's back. (Happy Mother's Day.) Females give birth approximately once every 18 months.

I don't look like much now, but just wait!

I'm not fooling around! Ewe are not welcome here!

I need my Mommy! I'll be more colorful later in life!

Sheep are not as colorful in the face as Mandrills, yet they have the distinction of having a variety of breeds that are rather unique.
They also have a Shepherd to personally watch out for their basic needs.

Racka Sheep have a unique "twist" to their breed!

Celebrate Ewer uniqueness today, knowing that the Good Shepherd has made Ewe a "One-of-a-Kind Design"!

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully & wonderfully made; "Ps.139:13,14a