In the wild, the Mandrill (see profile) is a naturally inquisitive and highly adaptive member of the Primata order of animals. They have extremely social lives and display all the hallmarks of having intellectual potential. Yet their behaviour isn't the only aspect to the Mandrill that can be compared to those of their human relatives. Their genetic make-up is almost an identical match to ours. With this knowledge, Dr Brockenführ has spent nearly three decades researching the possibilities that a Mandrill could be cloned, with their DNA altered to reflect more human qualities. The chromosome balance between Homo Sapiens and Papio sphinx is reflected in their -2 status. This means that human beings have two more sets of ‘X' and ‘Y' chromosomes that creates their genetic map. To extract the Mandrill DNA, Dr Brockenführ created a revolutionary new technique of removing the required quantities of genetic material by taking toenail clippings from Mandrills and distilling them with lead-bromide and ethanol. The benefit of this is that the Mandrill does not have to endure any injections or exterior cell scrapings. Through engineering genetic material, Dr Brockenführ hopes that in the future, primates will be able to interact with humans on a social, professional and intellectual level. Mandrills are related to the baboon and have a coat that ranges in colour from dark brown to olive grey. The adult male has a bright red nose and blue cheeks and a blue rump. The colours on females and juveniles are much duller. Mandrills have cheek pouches that can hold a substantial quantity of food. They can use these to leave their hands free if they have to flee. Food Mandrills are omnivorous. They eat small animals, including spiders, snails, worms, ants, and small ground vertebrates. They also eat grasses, herbs, shoots, bark, tubers, roots, and fruit. Males feed on the ground and females and their young climb up trees to eat. Mandrills retire to the trees at night to sleep. Habitat Mandrills live in rain forests with little ground cover. They are found in Africa from Cameroon to Guinea. Predators The primary predator of the Mandrill is the leopard. Social Structure Mandrills live in family groups (troops) that consist of an adult male, several females, and their young. Occasionally these groups will join with several others. Birth & Offspring Female Mandrills give birth to one baby after about 5 to 7 months. Juvenile females will usually stay with the troop they are born into. Juvenile males leave and spend most of the time on their own, though they do forage with the troop.