Bengal Safari Park: Rare Mandrill Birth Boosts Conservation Efforts

MP, Siliguri, Jan 8, 2026: Bengal Safari Park has started the New Year on a positive note with a significant conservation milestone. After successfully breeding tigers, lions, and Himalayan black bears, the park has now achieved the breeding of a Mandrill, an animal listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

The birth, occurring last week, comes after a gap of two years, making it especially significant for park authorities. Bengal Safari Park is the only facility in North Bengal—and in the entire state—to house Mandrills. Officials confirmed that both the mother and the newborn are in good health.

“There are no Mandrills in any other zoo in the state, so we were particularly concerned about their well-being. The successful breeding has made us extremely happy. Both the mother and the baby are doing well, and all necessary care is being provided,” said E Vijay Kumar, director of Bengal Safari Park.

In December 2023, three Mandrills were brought to the park from the Tata Steel Jamshedpur Zoological Park under an animal exchange programme. A separate enclosure was constructed for them at a cost of Rs 23.54 lakh, and special arrangements were made to ensure their comfort during harsh winter conditions.

After two years of careful monitoring and nurturing, the Mandrill pair, named Vishnu and Niyati, successfully gave birth to a healthy infant. To protect the newborn from the cold, the park has provided jute sacks and straw, and is maintaining strict surveillance. Niyati’s diet has also been adjusted to help her maintain body warmth post-delivery.

The Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx), native to west-central Africa, is one of the most colourful mammals in the world, distinguished by its striking red and blue facial and posterior skin.