PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- There will be a new furry face at the Peoria Zoo as they announce the birth of a baby mandrill.

A new mandrill was born on July 30 to mother Kofola and father Linus, said assistant zoo director Dawn Petefish.

Petefish said this marks the second baby for the parents, 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!”

Petefish said this new arrival is an important addition to the mandrill population and was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

Kofola arrived at the Peoria Zoo on July 2, 2022, and Linus joined her on Febru

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