Mandrills entered party mode to celebrate two birthdays and the Lunar New Year at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, footage released on Tuesday, February 17, shows.
This footage by the zoo shows the mandrill troop enjoying treats, opening up boxes wrapped in red and gold paper, and frolicking amid festive decorations in their habitat on Saturday, February 14.
The zoo said that the lucky numbers of the mandrill troop are 2, 5, 6, and 8.
“They received two ice treats in red and yellow to signify harmony. There are six mandrills, the 6 means that everything will go well,” said the zoo on X. “There were five chains, associated with harmony and the five elements, and there were eight boxed presents – 8 is the luckiest number, which means to get rich and prosper!”
The mandrills were also treated to lucky foods such as oranges, rice balls, leafy greens, and rice cakes.
The zoo also said that they celebrated birthdays for two members of the troop: a third birthday for Johari and a 34th birthday for Dora.
“Dora is now recognized as the oldest mandrill in an accredited zoo!” said the zoo.
The zoo is holding a Lunar New Year Celebration for visitors on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22. Credit: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens via Storyful