Australian (and NZ) Great Ape News and Discussion

[Kifaru Bwana]

Galatea is Pan troglodytes verus, ascertained by genetic testing of her parents. All others are a case of guesswork unless the region decides to follow the European example of managing on a subspecies level. With all the recent imports (bar Galatea) being confirmed hybrids-- which is why they were surplus in Europe-- I can't see that happening.

I can't foresee chimpanzees being released into the wild from zoos. There are literally hundreds of pure subspecies individuals in range sanctuaries that would be released first if it were ever possible. The conservation value of chimpanzees in zoos, for the foreseeable, is as educational ambassadors. The EEP is breeding chimps of pure subspecies with potential reintroduction in mind, so you never know. I wouldn't hold my breath.

Exactly for the reasons that there are literally hundreds of chimpanzees of known origins languishing in sanctuaries is why zoos should step in and be the evidence-based solution for properly managing ex situ chimp populations to subspecies level.

The current policy in Australasia breeding from known hybrids is as far removed from that as possible, is in my view untenable and cannot be supported from a serious scientific perspective. Hence, it should not continue the way it does in light of all the evidence and for the good purposes of sound animal collection management and husbandry.

I also feel that the ex situ conservation breeding community should come together with the in situ science community. No point in bickering between zoo and wildlife biologists. The latter only fuels the antis and animal welfare zealots (who do not have any vision beyond individual chimps and seriously lack a wider perspective on ever decreasing wild populations and the questions at hand: how do we effectively conserve individual chimp populations in the wild, ensure the integrity of these and their genetics and assist in moving chimp management in situ and ex situ to an all global level.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne Zoo's Orangutans

In 1990, Melbourne Zoo bred the last hybrid orangutan in the region - a female named Gabby. Her sire was a purebred Sumatran male named Santan; her mother was a hybrid named Kiani, one half of Melbourne Zoo's famous orangutan twins (formerly named Bono and Suma). I'm guessing Kiani's fame was a contributing reason to why she was allowed to breed (once), before the region adopted a ban on the production of hybrid orangutans.

I was curious to see what other orangutans the zoo around the time Gabby was born and dug up some interesting finds:

Melbourne Zoo had a purebred Bornean female named Girlie. She was born in the wild in 1960; and lived at Melbourne Zoo from 1961 until her death in 1991. It's baffling why she was never sent to Auckland Zoo to breed with their Bornean colony (founded 1983-1984); or Singapore Zoo, as the Bornean female at Perth Zoo was. I note she never bred at Melbourne Zoo, so perhaps she was infertile and an export would have been pointless?

Maimunah, a purebred Sumatran female, arrived from Zurich Zoo as a six year old in 1992; and didn't breed for 11 years - eventually producing offspring in 2003 and 2010. The same year she arrived; Melbourne Zoo imported a 10 year old male Sumatran orangutan from Jersey Zoo and bizarrely, he returned after three months. He was a relative of Maimunah (maternal uncle); so perhaps he was imported, not knowing that. Either way, his full brother (Kluet), was later sent to Taronga Zoo in 2003.

With two aging hybrids; and a male Sumatran orangutan, it will be interesting to see what direction Melbourne Zoo head in over the next few decades

 

[Pertinax]

Melbourne Zoo's Orangutans

The same year she arrived; Melbourne Zoo imported a 10 year old male Sumatran orangutan from Jersey Zoo and bizarrely, he returned after three months. He was a relative of Maimunah (maternal uncle); so perhaps he was imported, not knowing that. Either way, his full brother (Kluet), was later sent to Taronga Zoo in 2003.

This was Mokko Mokko. He was found to have undeveloped/absent testicles I think- possibly the result of a pre-birth Xray- anyway that's the reason he was returned and Jersey then sent him to Monde Sauvage Park in Belgium where the SB lists him as still being alive. He didn't develop his secondary male characteristics like normal males.

I may have seen 'Girlie' on my first Melbourne visit. I certainly remember Santan, Maimunah and the young twins. At that time Santan had a very short bare coat from living in those concrete grottoes.

So the two hybrids still at Melbourne are the mother/daughter Kiani and Gabby?

 

[toothlessjaws]

With two aging hybrids; and a male Sumatran orangutan, it will be interesting to see what direction Melbourne Zoo head in over the next few decades

Yes I’m curious myself. Since the sumatran pair and infant left for Sydney, one of the exhibits has remained empty with only very minor works being made from what I can see (welding etc). The young male sumatran (who is starting to look mature) is actually living with the hybrid females and the siamangs have not moved back to this area as I suspected they might.

I think its entirely possible that some or all of Melbournes orangs are just on loan to Sydney. Or that some major shuffling is planned. I find it very unlikely recent movement at Melbourne suggests a loss of interest in breeding the apes, instead I think its more likely about making room for the next generation.

 

[Pertinax]

The young male sumatran (who is starting to look mature) is actually living with the hybrid females

I presume an unrelated Sumatran female will join him at some point.

 

[Zoofan15]

This was Mokko Mokko. He was found to have undeveloped/absent testicles I think- possibly the result of a pre-birth Xray- anyway that's the reason he was returned and Jersey then sent him to Monde Sauvage Park in Belgium where the SB lists him as still being alive. He didn't develop his secondary male characteristics like normal males.

So the two hybrids still at Melbourne are the mother/daughter Kiani and Gabby?

Thank you for that insight @Pertinax. I was concerned to read Indra (1980) at Auckland Zoo had undergone an X-ray while pregnant with her son, Isim, in 1994. Curiously, he and his mate at the Los Angeles Zoo have failed to produce any offspring in the three years the female has been off contraception; though since Isim developed the second sexual characteristics of a male orangutan, there’s no reason to suspect the same effects occurred. His mate had been on contraception for over a decade, so the delays likely lie with her.

I think its entirely possible that some or all of Melbournes orangs are just on loan to Sydney. Or that some major shuffling is planned. I find it very unlikely recent movement at Melbourne suggests a loss of interest in breeding the apes, instead I think its more likely about making room for the next generation.

I don’t believe the orangutans are on loan to Sydney Zoo as Zoos Victoria would have mentioned it as a loan. The female is 34 years old; hasn’t bred in a decade; and comes from a well represented line, so I’d be surprised if they bred her again. The daughter of the breeding pair would require the import/transfer of an unrelated male if she was to breed.

I agree Melbourne Zoo will continue to hold orangutans long term. They fit multiple criteria including being critically endangered, ambassadors for a conservation campaign (palm oil) and are engaging to visitors. I had wondered if they’d follow Auckland Zoo’s lead and switch to Borneans; but since Auckland already has 1.1 Borneans and Melbourne doesn’t - it makes more sense to stick with Sumatrans.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

The chimp baby boom continues for the region. Samantha the chimpanzee at Rockhampton Zoo is pregnant! Fingers crossed the baby (due April 2021) survives this time around.

Wonderful news: Samantha is expecting a baby! Samantha, one of our chimps, is expected to give birth in April 2021. This is great news for the growth and development of our chimp troop. Alon, the alpha male, is the father of the baby. He is father to both Capri (born in February 2018 to mother Leakey) and Gandali (born in February 2020 to mother Holly).

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[Zoofan15]

The chimp baby boom continues for the region. Samantha the chimpanzee at Rockhampton Zoo is pregnant! Fingers crossed the baby (due April 2021) survives this time around.

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Awesome news! Sanda's infant (at Hamilton Zoo) and this infant will hopefully be the ninth and tenth surviving infants born in the region since 2016.

The previous infants were:

0.1 Chiku (2016) - Hamilton Zoo
0.1 Cebele (2017) - Taronga Zoo
0.1 Capri (2018) - Rockhampton Zoo
0.1 Hope (2019) - Monarto Zoo
0.1 Safiri (2019) - Taronga Zoo
0.1 Zola (2019) - Monarto Zoo
1.0 Gandali (2020) - Rockhampton Zoo
0.1 Niambi (2020) Taronga Zoo

Statistically speaking, the chances of an infant surviving to mothers aged over 35 (Samantha turned 37 last month) are low; however the survival rate of second or subsequent infants is higher than first born infants, so hopefully luck will be on Samantha's side this time. Especially considering Samantha is the only surviving member of her family line.

 

[toothlessjaws]

I presume an unrelated Sumatran female will join him at some point.

You'd think so. Covid might have a lot to do with why this hasn't yet happened.

 

[toothlessjaws]

I don’t believe the orangutans are on loan to Sydney Zoo as Zoos Victoria would have mentioned it as a loan. The female is 34 years old; hasn’t bred in a decade; and comes from a well represented line, so I’d be surprised if they bred her again. The daughter of the breeding pair would require the import/transfer of an unrelated male if she was to breed.

True, but it's not at all unusual for the state zoos to loan animals to private zoos indefinitely. The lar gibbons at Halls Gap for example, were still listed on Melbourne's animal census as a loan for decades after they left the zoo (not sure if they're still alive). I do think its very likely that the orangs still (and always will) belong to Melbourne, since Sydney is a private zoo and retaining ownership on paper resolves any sticky situations if care becomes compromised at a private facility. But the point I was trying to make was just that I wouldn't be surprised if we see some movement.

If I was running Melbourne, I'd already be considering what species might inhabit the former elephant exhibits when they leave for Werribee. And more room for orang-utans would be very, very high on the list of contenders. And that would likely require some renovations to the western enclosure to link it with the neighbouring elephant paddock. And that would require moving out half of the orangs for a while so they can accommodate that work. And perhaps Sydney looking for orangs for display was a convenient opportunity to house them until thats finished. After which one, two or more might return to Melbourne and Sydney are taking in some other animals.

This is just total hypothesising on my part of course. But you never know. We often just surprised here!

 

[Zoofan15]

If I was running Melbourne, I'd already be considering what species might inhabit the former elephant exhibits when they leave for Werribee. And more room for orang-utans would be very, very high on the list of contenders. And that would likely require some renovations to the western enclosure to link it with the neighbouring elephant paddock. And that would require moving out half of the orangs for a while so they can accommodate that work.

I'd love to see Melbourne follow in the direction of Auckland Zoo and create an aerial trail for the orangutans and gibbons. This would allow them to hold a larger group and strengthen their commitment to this species. The use of high ropes would be an excellent way to maximise use of what is already a limited footprint within a city zoo.

 

[Jambo]

True, but it's not at all unusual for the state zoos to loan animals to private zoos indefinitely. The lar gibbons at Halls Gap for example, were still listed on Melbourne's animal census as a loan for decades after they left the zoo (not sure if they're still alive). I do think its very likely that the orangs still (and always will) belong to Melbourne, since Sydney is a private zoo and retaining ownership on paper resolves any sticky situations if care becomes compromised at a private facility. But the point I was trying to make was just that I wouldn't be surprised if we see some movement.

If I was running Melbourne, I'd already be considering what species might inhabit the former elephant exhibits when they leave for Werribee. And more room for orang-utans would be very, very high on the list of contenders. And that would likely require some renovations to the western enclosure to link it with the neighbouring elephant paddock. And that would require moving out half of the orangs for a while so they can accommodate that work. And perhaps Sydney looking for orangs for display was a convenient opportunity to house them until thats finished. After which one, two or more might return to Melbourne and Sydney are taking in some other animals.

This is just total hypothesising on my part of course. But you never know. We often just surprised here!

It is interesting that Sydney Zoo was given three Orangutans; one of which could contribute to the regional breeding program in the future. I think it is likely that they are on some sort of loan, because of the space issues Melbourne are currently experiencing. The renovation of the Netted enclosure has been going on for about a year now, and it appears they are attempting to add some more vegetation to the enclosure; something that the enclosure needs. The Island opposite the current Orangutan exhibits (which was recently cleared), could be an option for a third Orangutan enclosure, but if they do have plans to use the current Elephant Area for them when the Elephants depart, they wouldn’t need to do this.

An Elephant Keeper told me that management has already decided what will ‘replace’ the Elephants, but he did not know exactly what. The whole Elephant trail could be renovated to be a so-called ‘Primates of Asia’ trail featuring Orangutan, Saimang and White Cheeked Gibbon. That’s just my thoughts anyway.

 

[tetrapod]

An Elephant Keeper told me that management has already decided what will ‘replace’ the Elephants, but he did not know exactly what. The whole Elephant trail could be renovated to be a so-called ‘Primates of Asia’ trail featuring Orangutan, Saimang and White Cheeked Gibbon. That’s just my thoughts anyway.

Needs more langurs and macaques... Would be nice if MZ could return to the days when they had an impressive primate collection.

 

[Zorro]

Needs more langurs and macaques... Would be nice if MZ could return to the days when they had an impressive primate collection.

I agree but with the resent trend of phasing out and down sizing the range of species held unlikely!

 

[Zoofan15]

Casey the Chimpanzee

I came across this article on Casey, the first chimpanzee held at Taronga Zoo:

"Stormy Old Casey" - The Sins of the Simians Part 2

Casey was a West African chimpanzee and arrived in 1920. He died in 1936.

 

[toothlessjaws]

It is interesting that Sydney Zoo was given three Orangutans; one of which could contribute to the regional breeding program in the future.

I think regardless of if Melbourne loaned its orangs or not to Sydney Zoo, it would be fair to expect that Sydney Zoo have joined the regional breeding program, as I'm sure they have for all their animals. The younger female, in time, will undoubtably be paired up in Australia or overseas.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think regardless of if Melbourne loaned its orangs or not to Sydney Zoo, it would be fair to expect that Sydney Zoo have joined the regional breeding program, as I'm sure they have for all their animals. The younger female, in time, will undoubtably be paired up in Australia or overseas.

Yes, it's my understanding that Sydney Zoo have received the majority of their animals on 'loan' re. they're still part of the breeding programme; versus 'donation' where an animal is given with no expectation of it being recalled.

The African lion brothers are another example of a loan; as is the male Sumatran tiger - though given his age (17 years) and representation (five offspring), he has no longer has any practical application to the breeding programme.

As I understand it, the chimpanzees were classed as a donation as they didn't come from an accredited zoo under the umbrella of any breeding programme. Whether they'll be maintained as Sydney Zoo's own collection; or become amalgamated with the regional population under the established breeding programme for this species remains to be seen. With a decent sized troop, Sydney Zoo would have little incentive to enter into chimpanzee exchanges for the foreseeable.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

A Chimpanzee has been born to female Sanda at Hamilton Zoo! Mother and infant are happy and healthy. The article also reveals that the chimpanzees have been introduced into their new outdoor enclosure.

Full article: Hamilton Zoo welcomes baby chimp

Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzee troop has welcomed an adorable new addition, just 24 hours after their first introduction to their new outdoor enclosure.

Mum Sanda delivered the baby overnight and Zoo Director Dr Baird Fleming said the Zoo team was delighted by the arrival.

“We were so over the moon yesterday with how wonderfully well the chimpanzees reacted to their new space and today we’re celebrating a birth,” said Dr Fleming.

“It’s a really positive sign that Sanda felt so happy, healthy and safe in her new surroundings she was comfortable enough to deliver her baby.”

The chimps have been off display since February while their outdoor enclosure was upgraded.

Dr Fleming said while he knew visitors would be excited to see the chimps again and would be keen to meet the new addition, the priority was to give the troop time to get used to their new space and bond with the baby.

“Animal welfare is always at the forefront of everything we do. The troop needs time together to bond in their new environment and it’s crucial that the other chimpanzees identify and connect with the baby too.”

The Zoo will make an announcement when the chimp enclosure paths and viewing areas are open to the public.

Curator of Exotics Catherine Nichols said the troop was giving Sanda lots of space to bond with her new baby and had “jumped in” to keep big sister Chiku busy.

“Chiku is very inquisitive and has been hanging around Mum on and off to get her attention, but big sister is giving her space to nurse,” said Ms Nichols.

“Grandma Lucy has been keeping an eye on Chiku and Auntie Sally, Uncle Lucifer and Dad Luka have been amazing, playing with her and giving her lots of extra attention.”

The new baby takes the number of chimpanzees at Hamilton Zoo to seven.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists chimpanzees as endangered on their Red List of Threatened Species.

Hamilton Zoo supports the Jane Goodall Foundation and its work with chimpanzees. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting chimpanzees and conserving critical habitat while strengthening surrounding communities and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.

 

[MRJ]

A couple of points of clarification.

1. Breeding programs, When a species is in a managed ZAA program, as is the case with both species of orangutan, they are considered to belong to the program, not the zoo. Thus they can be moved between zoos to meet the needs of the program, This is done with some sensitivity, ie animals that are important to a zoo are not moved against the zoo's wishes. This works to the extent that in the few cases I am aware of where a ZAA member zoo has closed down program animals have been moved to other zoos in the program while other animals have been sold as assets of the zoo. A list of ZAA managed programs can be found here:

Species Programs

2. More generally, animals that are moved between most zoos, and certainly all ZAA zoos, are done under "free exchange", that is no money changes hands, nor is there an expectation of directly receiving animals in return. Costs of the move however are born by the receiving zoo.

3. Macaques. Because of concerns about health risks to staff, Government zoos have phased out all macaque species and it seems very unlikely they will go back into them.

Hope that helps.

 

[Hyak_II]

Awesome news! Sanda's infant (at Hamilton Zoo) and this infant will hopefully be the ninth and tenth surviving infants born in the region since 2016.

The previous infants were:

0.1 Chiku (2016) - Hamilton Zoo
0.1 Cebele (2017) - Taronga Zoo
0.1 Capri (2018) - Rockhampton Zoo
0.1 Hope (2019) - Monarto Zoo
0.1 Safiri (2019) - Taronga Zoo
0.1 Zola (2019) - Monarto Zoo
1.0 Gandali (2020) - Rockhampton Zoo
0.1 Niambi (2020) Taronga Zoo

Statistically speaking, the chances of an infant surviving to mothers aged over 35 (Samantha turned 37 last month) are low; however the survival rate of second or subsequent infants is higher than first born infants, so hopefully luck will be on Samantha's side this time. Especially considering Samantha is the only surviving member of her family line.

Its fairly remarkable just how favorable the gender ratio is, with so many females!