Chimpanzee Birth/Update Births: The birth of Leakey’s female infant at Rockhampton last night brings the total number of Common chimpanzee born in the region during the last five years to 2.7.2 infants. 0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda 0.1 Cebele (14/11/2017) Samaki x Ceres 0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey 0.1 Hope (19/02/2019) Tsotsi x Hannah 0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Unknown x Shiba 0.1 Zola (08/09/2019) Unknown x Zombi 1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly 1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Unknown x Naomi 0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda 0.0.1 Unnamed (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally 0.0.1 Unnamed (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey Pregnancies: Next year we can look forward to the birth of Galatea’s infant and potentially some pregnancies at Taronga Zoo. Once the exhibit is reopened the plan is to take several of the females off contraception (Ceres, Kuma, Kamili).
The zoo haven't confirmed its sex and I didn't announce it was a female infant: "We are yet to determine the sex of the baby but be sure to watch this space for more announcements."
Don’t worry about Leakey’s social status. As the mother of two offspring (including a newborn) and the favourite female of the alpha male, she already enjoys a high standing. She’ll maintain this irregardless of the gender of this baby. Common chimpanzee have a female dispersal pattern where females leave their natal troop upon adolescence; whereas the males remain in their natal troop for life. However recent studies that suggest chimps have more of a fission-fusion society, where the females move between troops - sometimes returning to their natal troop (though for obvious reasons, this isn’t replicated in zoos). These days, zoos seem to be replicating the female dispersal pattern with the females at Taronga and Wellington retaining their adolescent sons and adolescents females from both zoos transferred to other zoos in the region. As seen in the above list, there’s a large cohort of female infants to shift around a decade from now, which will be an exciting time for the region!
That’s good news as it gives the option of Leakey’s two daughters being able to be transferred together when it comes to them emigrating to a new troop and providing support to each other (especially if no other female offspring are produced within the troop in the next few years). These females are high ranking genetically (and would ideally go to different zoos), though it’s worth noting that Leakey is young and has at least a decade of reproduction ahead of her, meaning she can potentially contribute multiple offspring to multiple zoos; combining with any female infants produced by Holly (and hopefully Samantha). As we’ve all seen at Taronga, having support (especially that of close family) during an introduction to a new community is invaluable and social needs have always been prioritised over genetic diversity. 0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey 1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly 0.1 Unnamed (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey Following the male retention/female dispersal pattern, we can expect to see Gandali remain in the Rockhampton troop.
Marty has sadly passed away at Wellington Zoo. The zoo are conducting a necropsy to determine the cause, as there was no obvious signs of trauma. Marty was born at Wellington Zoo in 1987 and sired at least two known offspring. His daughter, Keza, still lives in the troop and has a son of her own, Kitwe. Log into Facebook | Facebook
Some additional notes on Marty: Marty was the youngest of Bebe’s seven offspring. Bebe was born at Wellington Zoo in 1962 to Tom and Yoka and was one of the last to perform in the chimpanzee tea parties. Tom sired all of Bebe’s offspring and Marty’s brothers included Boyd (1978) and Snowy (1983-1999). Marty was five years old when Wellington Zoo imported three young females from Taronga Zoo. He sired a son to Sally in 1996 named Mahinga (who died in 2005) and a daughter to Samantha in 1998 named Keza. Marty was an ambitious male as an adolescent and in his prime, succeeded in displacing his older brother Boyd. His status as alpha assisted his niece, Jessie, in maintaining the position of alpha female as they were a great support to each other. Marty relinquished the alpha role to Alexis in recent years, but remained the second highest ranking member of the troop and a respected elder and peacemaker. I will greatly miss seeing him on my next visit.
2021 Summary Births: In April 2021, Rockhampton Zoo announced the delivery of a stillborn infant to Alon and Samantha. This was Samantha’s second offspring (both deceased). In November 2021, Wellington Zoo announced the birth of an infant to Alexis and Sally. This is Sally’s eighth offspring (two surviving). In December 2021, Rockhampton Zoo announced the birth a female infant to Alon and Leakey. This is Leakey’s second offspring (both surviving). Deaths: In April 2021, Sydney Zoo announced the death of 11 year old Moggli. He was founded dead in his exhibit after drowning in the exhibit moat. This is the third drowning of this species in an Australasian zoo - with chimpanzees (also young males) drowning at Taronga Zoo in 1996 and 1999. In July 2021, Hamilton Zoo announced the death of 50 year old Sally. The cause of death was an underlying heart condition. Sally was handraised and never bred, but was integrated into the mother raised troop she had lived in for all her adult life. In December 2021, Wellington Zoo announced the death of 34 year old Marty. Marty was the alpha male of Wellington’s troop from the mid 2000’s until 2017. He sired offspring in 1996 and 1998 and is survived at the zoo by his daughter and grandson, Keza and Kitwe. Other Developments: Taronga’s main chimpanzee exhibit has been closed since the escape of one of the males in January 2021. It will reopen in 2022 with three females taken off contraception when it does (Ceres, Kuma and Kamili). After almost two years without an alpha, 20 year old Samaki is now the alpha of Taronga’s community; supported by 13 year old Sule as his right hand man. Monarto Zoo announced the long awaited pregnancy of Galatea, who they have been trying to breed from for several years. Galatea is due March 2022. 2022 Population List: I will post an updated population list for this species tomorrow to reflect the events of 2021.
Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population (2022) New Zealand Hamilton Zoo: 1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy 1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy 0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Bobby x Lulu 0.1 Sanda (10/04/1985) Peter x Fimi 0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda 0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda Wellington Zoo: 1.0 Alexis (20/08/1998) Boyd x Cara 1.0 Bakari (11/06/2012) Sam x Sally 1.0 Kitwe (15/11/2014) Sam x Keza 0.1 Jessie (10/07/1978) Tom x Yoka 0.1 Cara (10/09/1981) Jojo x Chiki 0.1 Samantha (25/12/1983) Jojo x Sutu 0.1 Sally (13/01/1985) Jojo x Spitter 0.1 Keza (06/07/1998) Marty x Samantha 0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha 0.0.1 Unnamed (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally Australia Taronga Zoo: 1.0 Shabani (14/09/1994) Monte x Shiba 1.0 Samaki (27/11/2001) Lubutu x Shiba 1.0 Furahi (28/02/2003) Lubutu x Kuma 1.0 Shikamoo (25/07/2003) Lubutu x Sacha 1.0 Sule (04/04/2008) Lubutu x Sacha 1.0 Fumo (16/10/2013) Shikamoo x Kuma 1.0 Sudi (09/08/2014) Shikamoo x Kuma 1.0 Liwali (22/09/2014) Samaki x Lisa 1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Unknown x Naomi 0.1 Spitter (01/06/1960) Sailor x Biddy 0.1 Lisa (23/08/1979) Jojo x Lulu 0.1 Sacha (11/06/1980) Jojo x Spitter 0.1 Shiba (22/05/1981) Jojo x Susie 0.1 Shona (09/10/1987) Danny x Sutu 0.1 Ceres (19/09/1990) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015 0.1 Kuma (06/12/1991) Snowy x Ficha 0.1 Kamili (02/09/1995) Snowy x Koko 0.1 Naomi (25/01/2001) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015 0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba 0.1 Cebele (14/11/2017) Samaki x Ceres 0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Unknown x Shiba Sydney Zoo: 1.0 Fritz (26/03/1982) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019 1.0 Maike (18/05/1990) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019 1.0 Timmy (09/11/1991) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019 1.0 Charli (29/04/1994) Tommy x Cindy; Imported 2019 1.0 Jerry (04/12/1995) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019 1.0 Mani (04/06/2000) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019 0.1 Babsi (10/09/1984) Tommy x Chita; Imported 2019 0.1 Julchen (14/04/1985) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019 0.1 Mary (18/12/2002) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019 0.1 Sile (03/07/2006) Unknown x Julchen; Imported 2019 Monarto Safari Park: 1.0 Boyd (29/10/1978) Tom x Bebe 1.0 Tsotsi (25/06/1989) Peter x Fimi 1.0 Gombe (04/02/1993) Boyd x Jodie 1.0 Sandali (26/02/1996) Snowy x Sacha 1.0 Enzi (19/10/2015) Sandali x Zombi 0.1 Zombi (15/03/1993) Ayo x Zola; Imported 2010 0.1 Hannah (28/11/1993) Andy x Annie; Imported 2015 0.1 Galatea (24/02/1999) Fons x Gaby; Imported 2010 0.1 Lani (26/05/2002) Lubutu x Lisa 0.1 Zuri (21/08/2012) Sandali x Zombi 0.1 Hope (19/02/2019) Tsotsi x Hannah 0.1 Zola (08/09/2019) Unknown x Zombi Rockhampton Zoo: 1.0 Cassius (18/10/1971) Chiko x Mary 1.0 Alon (29/01/2008) Abshalom x Avigail; Imported 2015 1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly 0.1 Samantha (01/11/1983) Charlie x Coco 0.1 Holly (25/05/1988) Peter x Deanne 0.1 Leakey (30/12/1994) Chuck x Lilli; Imported 2015 0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey 0.1 Unnamed (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey Total regional population: 28.38.1 Note: Year of import is year imported into the region.
Historical Records For those interested in the history of chimpanzees in the region, I will be uploading complete historical records for the following zoos: Adelaide Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Auckland Zoo. This will be a relatively simple task given much of this is already on ZooChat and that all three zoos have long since phased out chimps, meaning my 2015 records comprehensively cover all events. After this, I will upload complete records for Wellington Zoo and Taronga Zoo, which have each had a few events since 2015 which will need to be added.
Adelaide Zoo - Complete History Adelaide Zoo’s first chimpanzee were imported in 1934: 1.0 Michael Born in the wild 01/01/1933 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 01/12/1934 Died at Adelaide Zoo 01/05/1938 0.1 Mary Born in the wild 01/01/1933 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 01/12/1934 Died at Adelaide Zoo 02/03/1936 After Mary’s death, 0.1 was sourced as a replacement: 0.1 Congo Born in the wild 01/01/1937 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 11/02/1938 Died at Adelaide Zoo 31/07/1938 After Michael and Congo’s deaths, 1.1 were imported in 1938: 1.0 Jacky Born in the wild 01/01/1935 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 20/11/1938 Died at Adelaide Zoo 29/10/1951 0.1 Jennifer Born in the wild 01/01/1935 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 20/11/1938 Died at Adelaide Zoo 03/03/1942 After Jacky’s and Jennifer’s deaths, 1.1 were imported in 1955: 1.0 Peter Born in the wild 01/01/1953 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 18/03/1955 Died at Adelaide Zoo 08/02/1994 0.1 Leonie Born in the wild 01/01/1953 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 18/03/1955 Died at Adelaide Zoo 30/08/1967 Leonie gave birth to 3.0.1 offspring at Adelaide Zoo: 0.0.1 Unnamed Born at Adelaide Zoo 16/06/1962 Died at Adelaide Zoo 16/06/1962 Sire: Peter 1.0 Unnamed Born at Adelaide Zoo 25/01/1964 Died at Adelaide Zoo 31/01/1964 Sire: Peter 1.0 Percy Born at Adelaide Zoo 22/08/1965 Died at Adelaide Zoo 08/07/1977 Sire: Peter 1.0 William Born at Adelaide Zoo 08/07/1967 Sent to Bullen’s Animal World 13/01/1973 Sire: Peter After Leonie’s death, 0.2 were imported in 1968: 0.1 Marlene Born in the wild 01/01/1958 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 26/02/1968 Died at Adelaide Zoo 04/07/1984 0.1 Stella Born at Wellington Zoo 02/10/1965 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 18/11/1968 Died at Adelaide Zoo 31/07/1975 Marlene gave birth to 0.3 offspring at Adelaide Zoo: 0.1 Lili Born at Adelaide Zoo 23/12/1969 Died at Adelaide Zoo 20/10/1975 Sire: Peter 0.1 Lisa Born at Adelaide Zoo 13/07/1978 Died at Adelaide Zoo 17/12/1983 Sire: Peter 0.1 Pangi Born at Adelaide Zoo 24/03/1983 Died at Adelaide Zoo 03/02/2002 Sire: Peter 0.1 was imported in 1976: 0.1 Senguli Born at in the wild 01/01/1953 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 13/04/1976 Died at Adelaide Zoo 09/05/1996 Senguli gave birth to 1.0 offspring at Adelaide Zoo: 1.0 Unnamed Born at Adelaide Zoo 09/02/1980 Died at Adelaide Zoo 10/02/1980 Sire: Peter 1.1 were imported in 1978: 0.1 Fimi Born at Munich Zoo 16/09/1965 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 31/07/1978 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 20/11/2008 1.0 Tony Born at Munich Zoo 05/08/1968 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 03/08/1978 Died at Adelaide Zoo 21/07/1982 Fimi gave birth to 1.2 offspring at Adelaide Zoo: 0.1 Jenny Born at Adelaide Zoo 16/11/1980 Died at Adelaide Zoo 10/10/1986 Sire: Peter 0.1 Sanda Born at Adelaide Zoo 10/04/1985 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 20/11/2008 Sire: Peter 1.0 Tsotsi Born at Adelaide Zoo 25/06/1989 Sent to Monarto Zoo 04/05/2009 Sire: Peter Sanda gave birth to 0.1 offspring at Adelaide Zoo: 0.1 Mosi Born at Adelaide Zoo 26/10/1993 Died at Adelaide Zoo 09/12/1993 Sire: Peter 1.0 was transferred from Taronga Zoo in 2008: 1.0 Sandali Born at Taronga Zoo 26/02/1996 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 27/12/2008 Sent to Monarto Zoo 04/05/2009 Tsosti and Sandali left for Monarto Zoo in 2009. 0.4 were quarantined at Adelaide Zoo in 2010: 0.1 Zombi Born at Arnhem Zoo 15/03/1993 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 02/10/2010 Sent to Monarto Zoo 09/11/2010 0.1 Soona Born at Arnhem Zoo 10/01/1996 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 02/10/2010 Sent to Monarto Zoo 09/11/2010 0.1 Galatea Born at Arnhem Zoo 24/02/1999 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 02/10/2010 Sent to Monarto Zoo 09/11/2010 0.1 Zwala Born at Arnhem Zoo 16/04/1999 Arrived at Adelaide Zoo 02/10/2010 Sent to Monarto Zoo 09/11/2010 No chimpanzees have been held at Adelaide Zoo since 2010.
Melbourne Zoo - Complete History Melbourne Zoo’s first chimpanzee were imported in 1932: 1.0 Jeffrey Born in the wild 01/01/1929 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 05/12/1932 Died at Melbourne Zoo 10/01/1936 0.1 Josephine Born in the wild 01/01/1929 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 05/12/1932 Died at Melbourne Zoo 00/00/1938 After Jeffrey and Josephine’s deaths, 1.1 were imported in 1938: 1.0 Henry Born in the wild 01/01/1935 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 07/11/1938 Died at Melbourne Zoo 01/01/1959 0.1 Josephine II Born in the wild 01/01/1935 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 07/11/1938 Died at Melbourne Zoo 01/08/1953 Josephine II gave birth to 2.1 offspring at Melbourne Zoo: 1.0 Jimpy Born at Melbourne Zoo 08/07/1946 Died at Melbourne Zoo 01/03/1954 Sire: Henry 0.1 Vipi Born at Melbourne Zoo 31/08/1948 Died at Melbourne Zoo 01/07/1963 Sire: Henry 1.0 Chico Born at Melbourne Zoo 01/10/1951 Died at Melbourne Zoo 29/12/1967 Sire: Henry 1.0 was imported in 1951: 1.0 Charlie Born in the wild 01/01/1951 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 01/11/1951 Died at Melbourne Zoo 01/12/1951 0.2 were imported in 1961: 0.1 Keefi Born at Taronga Zoo 04/05/1941 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/04/1961 Died at Melbourne Zoo 29/10/1966 0.1 Beautiful Born in the wild 01/01/1957 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 18/10/1961 Died at Melbourne Zoo 20/11/1988 1.0 was transferred from Taronga Zoo in 1964 1.0 Sailor Born in the wild 01/01/1936 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/01/1964 Died at Melbourne Zoo 26/10/1966 2.2 were imported from Wellington Zoo in 1966: 1.0 Teddy Born in the wild 01/01/1952 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/10/1966 Died at Melbourne Zoo 17/01/1992 0.1 Molly Born in the wild 01/06/1953 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/10/1966 Died at Melbourne Zoo 28/08/1981 1.0 Patrick Born at Wellington Zoo 17/03/1960 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/10/1966 Sent to Ragunan Zoo 08/10/1976 0.1 June Born at Wellington Zoo 15/09/1960 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 27/10/1966 Sent to Hyderabad Zoo 15/10/1992 Molly gave birth to 3.0.1 offspring at Melbourne Zoo: 1.0 Ernie Born at Melbourne Zoo 15/12/1969 Died at Melbourne Zoo 23/02/1993 Sire: Teddy 1.0 Unnamed Born at Melbourne Zoo 27/06/1972 Died at Melbourne Zoo 28/06/1972 Sire: Teddy 1.0 Annanie Born at Melbourne Zoo 09/04/1978 Died at Melbourne Zoo 20/04/1978 Sire: Teddy 0.0.1 Unnamed Born at Melbourne Zoo 27/04/1980 Died at Melbourne Zoo 27/04/1980 Sire: Teddy 0.1 was imported in 1968: 0.1 Bubsy Born in the wild 01/01/1966 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 07/10/1968 Died at Melbourne Zoo 10/07/1976 0.2 were imported from Rotterdam Zoo in 1976: 0.1 Sandra Born at Rotterdam Zoo 28/02/1971 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 16/10/1976 Sent to Taronga Zoo 23/02/1993 0.1 Koko Born in the wild 01/01/1972 Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 16/10/1976 Sent to Taronga Zoo 23/02/1993 No chimpanzees have been held at Melbourne Zoo since 1993.
Auckland Zoo - Complete History Auckland Zoo’s first chimpanzee was imported in 1925: 0.0.1 Unnamed Born in the wild < 1925 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 00/01/1925 Died at Auckland Zoo < 00/06/1925 It’s mate died in transit on the SS Tekoa. After it’s death, 1.1 were imported in 1926: 1.0 Unnamed Born in the wild < 1926 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 00/12/1926 Died at Auckland Zoo 00/12/1927 0.1 Unnamed Born in the wild < 1926 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 00/12/1926 Died at Auckland Zoo 00/12/1927 After their deaths, 0.0.1 was imported in 1938: 0.0.1 Unnamed Born in the wild < 1938 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 00/00/1938 Died at Auckland Zoo 00/10/1940 Auckland Zoo was without chimpanzees for 16 years between 1940-1956. 1.3 were imported in 1956: 0.1 Janie Born in the wild 01/01/1952 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1956 Died at Auckland Zoo 11/10/2013 0.1 Minnie Born in the wild 01/01/1953 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1956 Died at Auckland Zoo 13/08/1964 0.1 Josie Born in the wild 01/01/1954 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1956 Died at Auckland Zoo 29/02/2000 1.0 Bobbie Born in the wild 01/01/1955 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 14/10/1956 Died at Auckland Zoo 03/11/2004 A mystery infant (no parentage listed) was born in 1965. 2.2 were imported in 1959: 1.0 Nick Born in the wild 01/01/1957 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 17/11/1959 Died at Auckland Zoo 05/09/1961 1.0 Charlie Born in the wild 01/01/1957 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 17/11/1959 Died at Auckland Zoo 20/06/1971 0.1 Little Jane Born in the wild 01/01/1957 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 17/11/1959 Died at Auckland Zoo 03/05/1962 0.1 Siss Born in the wild 01/01/1957 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 17/11/1959 Died at Auckland Zoo 26/07/1971 Siss gave birth to 0.2 offspring at Auckland Zoo: 0.1 Suzie Born at Auckland Zoo 27/08/1964 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 Sire: Charlie 0.1 Sally Born at Auckland Zoo 19/10/1970 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 Sire: Charlie 1.0 was imported in 1982: 1.0 Mike Born at Taronga Zoo 10/10/1973 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 25/06/1982 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 0.2 were imported in 1985: 0.1 Lucy Born at Taronga Zoo 24/11/1975 Arrived at Auckland Zoo 23/10/1985 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 0.1 Loanda Born at Taronga Zoo 06/08/1985 Sent to Auckland Zoo 23/10/1985 Died at Auckland Zoo 25/11/1985 Lucy gave birth to 2.0 offspring at Auckland Zoo: 1.0 Lucifer Born at Auckland Zoo 16/06/1988 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 Sire: Mike 1.0 Luka Born at Auckland Zoo 28/02/1993 Sent to Hamilton Zoo 07/10/2004 Sire: Mike No chimpanzees have been held at Auckland Zoo since 2013.
Auckland Zoo’s Mystery Infant As detailed above, a mystery chimpanzee infant is listed on the records as being born in 1965. A Tiger by the Tail - A History of Auckland Zoo notes the following: In August 1964 one of the chimpanzees, Minnie, died of a coronary attack following a miscarriage. The following month a baby chimpanzee was abandoned by its mother, one of the four original performers brought from Britain. Although at first she had appeared fond of her offspring, she soon began dragging it around the floor of the cage. The baby chimpanzee was removed from the mother, but later died. Auckland Zoo have no record of an infant born September 1964; however if we assume ‘month’ is a typo for ‘year’ (there were numerous typos in this book), it matches the dates of the mystery infant I have on my records: 1.0 Unnamed Born at Auckland Zoo 24/11/1965 Died at Auckland Zoo 16/02/1966 Sire: Unknown; Dam: Unknown I believe the parents were Charlie and Josie based on the following: The mother was either Josie or Janie. Janie was the eldest of the troop and had assumed dominance by the time they’d arrived. Staff believed the natural hierarchy of the chimpanzees (males dominant to females) would assert itself as Bobbie matured, but this never happened. Janie never allowed Bobbie to mate with her; and likely never allowed Charlie, an even younger male (also noted to be a small male) to mate with her either. Bobby was a behavioural non breeder and never sired offspring with Janie and Josie despite years of being housed together. Charlie was a proven sire (siring offspring to Siss in 1964 and 1970). It’s therefore my belief he also sired the infant Minnie miscarried in 1964 and this mystery infant that was born in 1965.
Sally’s infant has been confirmed as a male: This will please the zoo, who were hoping for a male infant. Prior to Marty’s death, there had been conflict in the group between him and Alexis, due to them being the only two adult males. With two adolescent males coming through, the troop will soon have the minimum recommended number of adult males (three), with this infant ensuring further succession. With two sons now in the troop, Sally is well placed to remain in her role as alpha female. From the zoo’s social media: It’s a boy! After many weeks of patience, our Primate team have finally been able to get close enough to Sally and her baby to confirm its sex. We are pleased to announce that Sally gave birth to a happy, healthy male. Keepers are happy with the strong bond between mother and son, and visitors have enjoyed seeing the duo make the most of the Wellington summer. We are still working on a name for Sally’s baby but expect to make an announcement soon. Make sure to keep an eye on this page!"
A little addition to the Adelaide Zoo post; Rockhampton’s Leakey and Alon underwent a month of quarantine at Adelaide Zoo before flying on to Qld. They would be the last chimps to stay at Adelaide Zoo.
Visited yesterday and watched the chimps for a while. First things first, the main enclosure looked close of completion following the renovations. Should open within the next few months. Although most of the chimps were inside, there were a good amount out in the netted enclosure. Around seven or eight I counted. Naomi was out at the start with Niambi clutching to her chest, but they disappeared indoors soon after. One of the young males (I believe Sule?) started chasing one of the younger chimps around the enclosure quite aggressively right when I got there. The younger chimp was one of the 8 year olds (Fumo, Sudi or Liwali although I’m not sure which). This ended when Sule? gave up on the chase. After a few minutes Sule continued to pick on the younger male and at one point ran at him and banged on the window. This encouraged a reaction from Furahi I believe who then chased after Sule. And in support of Sule, Samaki came in and began attacking Furahi. The fighting lasted around ten minutes until the chimps were called in to get lunch. Shiba was also there, with Safiri who wouldn’t let go of her. And right before I left Lisa, I believe, came up and sat right in front of the glass to the excitement of the guests.
Thanks for the update @Jambo. Sule has recently enjoyed an increase in status within the community. Though lower ranking than Furahi and Shikamoo, he supported Samaki in taking the alpha role and therefore now assumes the role of beta within the community. Shikamoo has been particularly unsettled about his younger brother surpassing him in ranking. The three adolescent males will be running amok and finding their place in the hierarchy - antagonising anyone and everyone as they do it. Samaki and Sule will have their hands full trying to keep the peace a discipline them as and when they need it. It sounds like it was Fumo who provoked a reaction from Sule, as Furahi wouldn’t rush to support Sudi or Liwali like you described. Furahi and Fumo already have a strong alliance and will become a force to be reckoned with in a few years.
I agree. That seems like the most likely. Fumo was running around like a maniac and even at one point began antagonising Safiri who then ran back to Shiba. Safiri didn’t let go of Shiba after that. I hoped to see Kuma, but I assume she was indoors at the time. I also didn’t see Spitter who would’ve been a pleasure to see. Next year she will become one of Taronga’s oldest chimps!
Fumo has an obsession with infants. There’s a reoccurring theme of juvenile males at Taronga having a fascination for infants - Monte, Sule, Fumo etc. It appears to be common behaviour in juveniles who don’t have a younger sibling and receive little maternal attention - with these three males all fitting this criteria. Fumo has latched onto Shiba for a while due to his fascination with Safiri (he previously hounded Ceres and Cebele). Shiba is very patient with Fumo. When he throws tantrums and hits her, she simply attempts to restrain him versus Ceres who would hit him back - leading to Kuma to intervene. Spitter is not just Taronga’s oldest chimpanzee, but the eldest in the region. At 61.5 years of age, she’d rank highly on the world scale too.
