Bronx Zoo Mandrills & Primates: Viewing Guide

Primates communicate constantly—through posture, gaze, and proximity.

What to Watch

• Grooming chains and brief stares.
• Color accents in mandrills—status and signals.
• Juvenile play bursts.

Social Signals (Quick Table)

Tip: Keep voices low; you’ll see more.

Where to Stand

• Slight angles to glass to reduce reflections.
• Mid-height vantage for natural eye-lines.
• Avoid tight clusters; quiet edges yield better behavior.

Photo Tips

• Expose for faces; let shadows add depth.
• Use burst mode when juveniles initiate play.
• Brace elbows to stabilize in low light.

Bottom Line

Quiet observation turns primate viewing into real connection.