Mandrills are highly social primates with complex dominance hierarchies whose welfare in captivity depends critically on appropriate group management and enrichment.
Mandrill welfare in zoos is primarily shaped by social group quality and foraging opportunity. These primates have highly developed social lives and suffer measurably in isolated or impoverished social settings. Large mixed-sex groups with appropriate age and sex ratios, complex ground and arboreal space, and daily enrichment programs that challenge their problem-solving abilities are requirements for good mandrill welfare. Their spectacular appearance makes them zoo favorites, but their welfare needs are complex and require specialized expertise.