The science behind a mandrill’s vibrant colors reveal that they are not just for impressing photographers. These colors evolved to help them stand out in the surrounding foliage. Bright reds, only displayed in males, are used to project dominance and attract members of the opposite sex. A female’s pink hues become brighter when they are in heat. The beautiful mandrill here had just given birth four months prior, so she displayed more muted colors, yet her face in the sun was still like a dream.