Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Jambo]

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.

That would make sense as he also hounded Naomi for a second, which led to her running inside.

Shiba was very patient and she elected not to intervene with any of the drama. Right before I left she and Safiri went over to the termite mound and Fumo joined them. They were eating together and one of the older males (I believe Samaki) came over and barred his teeth at Fumo before settling in next to his mother. It was quite a sight!

 

[Zoofan15]

That would make sense as he also hounded Naomi for a second, which led to her running inside.

Shiba was very patient and she elected not to intervene with any of the drama. Right before I left she and Safiri went over to the termite mound and Fumo joined them. They were eating together and one of the older males (I believe Samaki) came over and barred his teeth at Fumo before settling in next to his mother. It was quite a sight!

Shiba’s family are a very close family. From the moment Sembe was born, Shabani and Samaki stuck to Shiba like glue, guarding her and their newborn sister. To this day, they’re highly protective of Shiba and attacked Shikamoo last year after he made an unprovoked attack on Shiba.

Shiba in turn is rated by all who know the community as the best mother. She’s patient and protective of her offspring, especially her youngest; but will also support her adult offspring (something Sacha and Kuma don’t do).

The fact Shiba’s family line hold the record for the highest infant survival rate at Taronga is testament to their dedication to their infants.

 

[Zoofan15]

Rockhampton Zoo - Infant Named

Alon and Leakey’s daughter has been named Mzuri (Swahili for beautiful) following a vote.

This infant is the first great ape in Australasia to bear this name since the famous gorilla of the same name was born at Melbourne Zoo in 1984.

Alternative names suggested were (in order of preference): Mahindi, Imbali and Nasara.

Rockhampton currently has a troop of 3.5 chimpanzees:

1.0 Cassius (18/10/1971) Chiko x Mary
1.0 Alon (29/01/2008) 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) Imported 2015
0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

 

[Jambo]

Rockhampton Zoo - Infant Named

Alon and Leakey’s daughter has been named Mzuri (Swahili for beautiful) following a vote.

This infant is the first great ape in Australasia to bear this name since the famous gorilla of the same name was born at Melbourne Zoo in 1984.

Alternative names suggested were (in order of preference): Mahindi, Imbali and Nasara.

Rockhampton currently has a troop of 3.5 chimpanzees:

1.0 Cassius (18/10/1971) Chiko x Mary
1.0 Alon (29/01/2008) 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) Imported 2015
0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

agh the name will always remind me of the famous Mzuri from Melbourne. It’s a shame Rockhampton have chosen the name for their baby chimp; the name doesn't really fit for me. Any of the other three names would’ve been great, I personally liked Imbali.

 

[Zoofan15]

agh the name will always remind me of the famous Mzuri from Melbourne. It’s a shame Rockhampton have chosen the name for their baby chimp; the name doesn't really fit for me. Any of the other three names would’ve been great, I personally liked Imbali.

I agree. Like in sport when a player’s number is retired, so too should certain iconic names:

Mzuri (Western lowland gorilla)
Kura (African lion)
Selatan (Sumatran tiger)
Jamuna (Indian elephant)

The latter is currently the name of a red panda, which has always felt strange to me.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington Zoo - Chimpanzee Infant Gender/Name

Sally’s infant is a male and has been named Akida, a Swahili name meaning chief or diplomat. It’s a fitting name for the offspring of the highest ranking female in the troop.

The news the infant is male will be welcomed by the zoo. Prior to Marty’s death there had been conflict within the troop due to he and Alexis being the only adult males. This infant and the two young males coming through (Bakari aged nine; and Kitwe aged seven) should ensure a healthy succession of the troop.

The fact this infant is male strengthens the case for new females being imported. This will be Sally’s last infant and the only two young females are sisters (daughters of Samantha) that are related to all the males at Wellington.

This infant brings Wellington’s troop to 4.6 chimpanzee.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo - Exhibit to Reopen

Construction on Taronga Zoo’s chimpanzee moat is now complete. The moat was refilled yesterday and the chimpanzees will soon have access to the main exhibit after 12 months of being confined to the night house and smaller exhibit.

Having the community kept together in cramped quarters hasn’t been an easy task for the keepers to manage, though it at least resulted in Samaki assuming the alpha position (with Sule’s backing).

Excitingly, the reopening of the exhibit means that several of the females can now be taken off contraception:

- Ceres (1990) - last infant 2017 (surviving)
- Kuma (1991) - last infant 2013 (surviving)
- Kamili (1995) - last infant 2020 (deceased)

Sembe (2008) turns 14 years old this year and will likely breed during the next cohort of births - along with Naomi (2001) - who isn’t yet cycling after the birth of her son 14 months ago.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo - Sonny’s Death/Cancellation of Export Plans

Introduction:

Sonny died at Taronga Zoo on 20/04/1989 at just eleven years of age.

The adolescent male had been removed from the troop after overthrowing the alpha male, Danny; and in turn, proving a tyrant as leader. There were plans to send him and four females overseas.

I was curious to know more details surrounding his death and came across some information in the Sydney Morning Herald (25 April 1989):

Sonny’s death was unexpected (he wasn’t euthanised):

Sonny, an 11-year-old male, died on Thursday after being ill with an unknown infection for about a week. Extra hygiene precautions are being taken with the remaining 23 chimps until the results of pathology tests are available.

The zoo were still planning to export Sonny when he died:

For the sake of harmony, Sonny and four females were separated about six months ago while negotiations were carried out to send then as a social unit to another institution.

The zoo director, Dr John Kelly, is on a fact-finding tour of zoos and aquaria, including inspections of Detroit Zoo and two British zoos to assess their suitability for the chimps.

Animal welfare groups had objected to the first choice, Detroit Zoo, because it has previously sent chimps to research stations.

The export of the females was cancelled due to Sonny’s death:

Taronga's divisional supervisor of primates, Mr Paul Davies, said yesterday that Sonny's death had changed matters considerably. Mr Davies believed the plan would not proceed. The four females quarantined with Sonny were reintroduced on Sunday to the rest of the chimps.

Who were the females:

The article said females (no mention of infants) and if we were to assume they weren’t exporting post reproductive animals like Fifi, Bessie and Susie, the six candidates were:

0.1 Melissa (30/01/1978)
0.1 Lisa (23/08/1979)
0.1 Sacha (11/06/1980)
0.1 Shiba (22/05/1981)
0.1 Cara (10/09/1981)
0.1 Samantha (25/12/1983)

I believe the plan was to export the youngest four of these six females as their removal would have still left their respective mothers with a daughter in the community to continue their line (Sally, Sutu, Cheena and Shona); whereas Melissa and Lisa were the only remaining daughters of their respective mothers.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo Update

The chimpanzees are enjoying having the full run of the exhibit, though none of the females have been taken off contraception as originally planned. The keepers are going to have a meeting to discuss the long term future of the colony with regards to breeding.

Likely outcomes include:

0.1 Kuma (1991) breeding again. Kuma hasn’t bred for almost a decade and only has two immediate family members in the community.

0.1 Ceres (1990) breeding again. Ceres daughter turns five this year and given reproductive success declines significantly from the age of 35, they’ll be wanting to breed this genetically valuable female sooner rather than later.

0.1 Kamili (1995) breeding again. Kamili has had several unsuccessful births. It’s hoped she may have success if she gives birth while other females in the community have newborns. Personally, I’m doubtful, but agree she should have one last chance given her genetic value and the fact she has no immediate family in the community.

0.1 Sembe (2008) breeding or transferring. Sembe turns 14 this year and still isn’t fully integrated into the female hierarchy. She clings to her mother and spends most of her time with Fumo. Sembe would greatly benefit from having her own infant in my opinion. It would give her a sense of purpose and Shiba (1981) is still young enough to provide practical support.

 

[Zoofan15]

RIP Spitter (1960-2022)

It’s with much sadness, I announce the death of Spitter - the elderly female at Taronga Zoo and the oldest chimpanzee in the region.

Spitter was euthanised after suffering from a sudden and acute medical issue. She was born at Taronga Zoo in July 1960 and would have turned 62 this year - a remarkable age for a chimpanzee.

Spitter was known as a particularly maternal female and routinely practiced alloparenting (the care of infants which weren’t her own). One example of this was when she watched over three year old Monte, following the death of his mother in 1989.

Spitter’s family line continues at Taronga through her daughter, Sacha (1980); and grandsons, Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008).

Spitter’s youngest daughter, Sally (1985), is the alpha female of Wellington Zoo’s troop and has just welcomed a new infant; while Spitter has several great grandchildren via her grandsons, Sandali and Shikamoo.

Spitter was every inch a female chimpanzee - caring, yet ferocious. She will be much missed.

My condolences to her keepers and all who knew her.

 

[Pertinax]

RIP Spitter (1960-2022)

It’s with much sadness, I announce the death of Spitter - the elderly female at Taronga Zoo and the oldest chimpanzee in the region.

Spitter was euthanised after suffering from a sudden and acute medical issue. She was born at Taronga Zoo in July 1960 and would have turned 62 this year - a remarkable age for a chimpanzee.

Spitter was known as a particularly maternal female and routinely practiced alloparenting (the care of infants which weren’t her own). One example of this was when she watched over three year old Monte, following the death of his mother in 1989.

Spitter’s family line continues at Taronga through her daughter, Sacha (1980); and grandsons, Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008).

Spitter’s youngest daughter, Sally (1985), is the alpha female of Wellington Zoo’s troop and has just welcomed a new infant; while Spitter has several great grandchildren via her grandsons, Sandali and Shikamoo.

Spitter was every inch a female chimpanzee - caring, yet ferocious. She will be much missed.

My condolences to her keepers and all who knew her.

I'm interested to know why she was called 'Spitter' -since being born in the zoo she wouldn't have developed that habit from infancy when she was (presumably) first named. Or did she have a different birth name that fell out of use?

 

[Zoofan15]

Oldest chimpanzee in the region:

It’s a testament to how rare it is for a chimpanzee to reach this age, that the next oldest chimpanzee in the region is 11 years younger. Cassius (1971) at Rockhampton Zoo is now the eldest in the region; followed by Lucy (1975) at Hamilton Zoo; and Jessie (1978) at Wellington Zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm interested to know why she was called 'Spitter' -since being born in the zoo she wouldn't have developed that habit from infancy when she was (presumably) first named. Or did she have a different birth name that fell out of use?

Good question! She was named after her father, Sailor, who was taught to spit by the sailors on the ship he arrived on. He came to the zoo in 1949 from the USA and sired two offspring (both with Biddy) - Jordie in 1957 and Spitter in 1960.

 

[Jambo]

I'm interested to know why she was called 'Spitter' -since being born in the zoo she wouldn't have developed that habit from infancy when she was (presumably) first named. Or did she have a different birth name that fell out of use?

She was named 'Spitter' after her father, Bobby, who was taught to spit by sailors during his trip aboard a ship to Australia in the 50's.

 

[Jambo]

RIP Spitter (1960-2022)

It’s with much sadness, I announce the death of Spitter - the elderly female at Taronga Zoo and the oldest chimpanzee in the region.

Spitter was euthanised after suffering from a sudden and acute medical issue. She was born at Taronga Zoo in July 1960 and would have turned 62 this year - a remarkable age for a chimpanzee.

Spitter was known as a particularly maternal female and routinely practiced alloparenting (the care of infants which weren’t her own). One example of this was when she watched over three year old Monte, following the death of his mother in 1989.

Spitter’s family line continues at Taronga through her daughter, Sacha (1980); and grandsons, Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008).

Spitter’s youngest daughter, Sally (1985), is the alpha female of Wellington Zoo’s troop and has just welcomed a new infant; while Spitter has several great grandchildren via her grandsons, Sandali and Shikamoo.

Spitter was every inch a female chimpanzee - caring, yet ferocious. She will be much missed.

My condolences to her keepers and all who knew her.

Devastating news.

She almost reached the regional record of 62 years held by Lulu; it's a shame she couldn't make it.

I'll always remember her for her ferociousness. Even as an elderly chimpanzee she would still get involved in disputes and support her grandchildren. She was really adored by keepers, the other chimps and even the general public; some who have known her for decades and decades now. She had a great life, a real testament to Taronga.

She will be greatly missed.

 

[Zoofan15]

Devastating news.

She almost reached the regional record of 62 years held by Lulu; it's a shame she couldn't make it.

I'll always remember her for her ferociousness. Even as an elderly chimpanzee she would still get involved in disputes and support her grandchildren. She was really adored by keepers, the other chimps and even the general public; some who have known her for decades and decades now. She had a great life, a real testament to Taronga.

She will be greatly missed.

Longevity record:

Actually, I’m willing to believe Spitter now holds the regional record for longevity at 61 years and 7 months; followed by Bessie (estimated DOB 01/01/1950), who died at 61 years of age in January 2011.

Lulu was reported to have been born 1952, but this photo taken upon her arrival in 1964 shows her to be around four years old (born 1960):

The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on August 15, 1964 · Page 3

This was later substantiated in a document I came across, listing her DOB as 01/04/1960 (obviously an estimate as she was wild born). This makes more sense as it would have seen her give birth to her first offspring in 1969 at the age of nine (not 17).

 

[steveroberts]

Rest in peace Spitter, what a remarkable age and legacy she has had

 

[Zoofan15]

Rest in peace Spitter, what a remarkable age and legacy she has had

61 years, 7 months
3 exhibits during her lifetime
9 alpha males during her lifetime (including her son)
7 offspring (3 survived to adulthood)
2 living offspring (Sacha and Sally)
6 living grandchildren (Kike, Sandali, Shikamoo, Sule, Bakari,
4 living confirmed great grandchildren (Zuri, Fumo, Sudi, Enzi)

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15 Her legacy is even more impressive seeing it written out like that

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 Her legacy is even more impressive seeing it written out like that

Yeah, I was surprised how many alpha males Spitter had in her time. Danny (her half brother) was the alpha twice between during the late 80’s and early 90’s and her son Gombe was alpha between 1999-2001. She was also the king maker when Sonny assumed the alpha male, which increased her status significantly.

Spitter was the last remaining female at Taronga Zoo to have had unrestricted reproduction (contraception wasn’t applied until 1992), but didn’t breed following the birth of her last infant at age 28.

Spitter would also have been the last chimpanzee to have any memory of the old exhibit. It’s reasonable to Lisa has no memory of it due to being less than a year old when they transferred.