Found in the equatorial rain forest zone of west central Africa, the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat, a term commonly used to describe the meat of wild animals killed for food or commercial trade.  The Detroit Zoo is one of only five zoos in the United States that is home to the endangered species. 

“The arrival of the drills helps us emphasize to our visitors the importance of conservation efforts in Africa, and brings attention not only to drills but to other animals currently being decimated due to the bushmeat trade,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter. 

Distinguished by its brown fur, hairless black face and long muzzle, the male drill has a red chin and a pink, blue and mauve bottom.  Full-grown males weigh 80-110 pounds; more than double the size of females. 

Enwe and Aiku can be seen indoors at the Great Apes of Harambee, a four-acre habitat they share with 11 chimpanzees, three Western lowland gorillas, two mandrills and a Diana monkey. 

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 13 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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