Adelaide Zoo is celebrating the life of Tabah, a much-loved Mandrill who called the zoo home for more than 18 years, following the difficult decision to euthanise him this week due to age-related health issues.
Born at Melbourne Zoo in 2005, Tabah arrived at Adelaide Zoo in 2008 and quickly became a favourite among visitors and staff alike. Throughout his life, he played an important role in the regional breeding program, fathering three offspring and helping inspire countless people to connect with wildlife and conservation.
Over the past year, Adelaide Zoo’s dedicated keeping and veterinary teams closely monitored Tabah as he experienced increasing age-related challenges, including significant osteoarthritic degeneration that affected his mobility and overall quality of life.
James Bibby, Team Supervisor – Primates, said Tabah would be remembered for both his striking appearance and gentle nature.
“Tabah captivated all who saw him with his strong, powerful build and vibrant colouration, yet beneath that was a calm and gentle animal,” Mr Bibby said.
“In recent months, his condition had slowly worsened, and it became clear that the kindest option was to let him pass with dignity, surrounded by the keepers who cared for him right until the very end.
“He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Mandrills are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing ongoing threats in the wild including habitat loss and poaching. During his lifetime, Tabah served as an important ambassador for his species, helping visitors better understand the challenges facing wildlife and the role modern zoos play in conservation.
Zoos SA veterinarian Dr Jerome Kalvas said Tabah’s welfare remained the priority throughout his final months.
“Tabah experienced a marked deterioration in his health over the past year, particularly due to osteoarthritis and age-related decline,” Dr Kalvas said.
“Alongside these physical challenges, the changing social dynamics associated with his now mature son, Jumoke, were placing additional stress on him.
“With these factors combined the decision to euthanise was made in his best interests.”
Adelaide Zoo’s animal care teams are continuing to closely monitor Jumoke as he adjusts to the change.
As a mature male, Jumoke is entering a life stage that reflects natural Mandrill behaviour in the wild, where males often leave their family group before joining a breeding troop. Subject to final approvals, Jumoke is expected to transfer to another zoo later this year, providing him with the opportunity to live in a more appropriate social setting.
While Tabah’s passing marks the end of an era, his legacy will live on through his offspring, the visitors he inspired and the contribution he made to the conservation of his vulnerable species.
