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HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL / Supplied
A new baby chimpanzee has been born at the Hamilton Zoo to mother Sanda. This means that the zoo now has seven chimpanzees.
A new baby chimpanzee has arrived at Hamilton Zoo, but visitors will have to wait a little longer to see the newcomer.
Mama Sanda gave birth overnight, shortly after the apes moved into a new enclosure, a Friday statement from the zoo said.
“Yesterday we were so over the moon with how wonderfully well the chimps reacted to their new space and today we are celebrating a birth,” said zoo director Dr. Baird Fleming.
“It is a very positive sign.”
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The birth brings the number of chimpanzees at the Hamilton Zoo to seven.
But don’t rush to find out the latest addition.
“It takes time for the troop to unite in their new environment and it is crucial that the other chimpanzees also identify and connect with the baby,” Fleming said. “Animal welfare is always at the forefront of everything we do.”
Christel Yardley / Stuff
Chiku from the Hamilton Zoo has become a big sister, and the rest of the troop have been taking care of her while Mama Sanda is busy.
Visitors have not been able to see the chimpanzees since February, while their outdoor enclosure was improved.
The zoo will announce when the chimpanzee enclosure paths and viewing areas will reopen to the public.
Meanwhile, the chimps are teaming up to keep the newcomer’s older sister entertained.
“Chiku is very curious and has been hanging around mom from time to time to get her attention, but big sister it’s giving him room for nursing, “said curator of exotics Catherine Nichols.
“Grandma Lucy has been watching Chiku and Aunt Sally, Uncle Lucifer and Dad Luka have been amazing, playing with her and paying a lot of extra attention to her.
Chimpanzees are included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.
