Which Madagascar film introduces the character Mason, the chimpanzee?

Madagascar introduces Mason, the chimpanzee.

Mason appears in the original 2005 film at the Central Park Zoo alongside Phil. The two chimpanzees are supporting characters who interact with the main animals before and after the zoo escape. Mason is articulate and polite, while Phil is generally silent and communicates through sign language and gestures.

The pair also appear in later Madagascar productions, but their first appearance is in the original feature. Their presence helps establish the zoo community surrounding Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria before the plot moves to the island of Madagascar.

Mason is sometimes confused with Mort because both are small supporting animals associated with King Julien's wider group in later stories. They are different characters: Mason is a chimpanzee, while Mort is a mouse lemur. Mason also should not be confused with the penguin characters, who have their own military-style team.