Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

If she was only a juvenile then the idea of a premeditated murder seems even more fanciful to me. Odd that a figure like Hallstrom should interpret it that way, but then it was another era.

Of course we know wild chimps have a 'dark' side and will sometimes co-operate in joining forces to kill one from a rival clan, but that is adults, never younger ones.

The youngest chimpanzee I've otherwise heard of killing others of their own kind was a seven year old male named Mervin at Taronga, who fatally injured three infants. This was either boisterous play or perhaps frustration their mother's attention was on them and not him.

With regards to Susie, the Hallstrom era was rife with anthropomorphism. Chimps were kept in pairs until the 60's and reffered to as husband and wife etc. His comments were probably in line with those sentiments e.g. most articles described it as murder.

 

[Zoofan15]

Mary (Cause of Death)

Mary died 17/04/1989 at Taronga Zoo aged 33 years.

I was interested to learn her cause of death was a twisted bowel. She became unwell and underwent emergency surgery, but died despite the best efforts of the zoo’s veterinary team.

In 1988, Mary underwent surgery by a leading ophthalmologist in an attempt to correct her blindness. Following her death, Mary’s eyes were donated to this same doctor; while her heart was sent to the University of New South Wales. It was discovered there was scarring on the heart, suggesting Mary had suffered at least one heart attack.

Mary’s eldest son (Mike - 15 years) was living at Auckland Zoo at the time, where he’d recently sired his first offspring; while Mary’s other three offspring (Melissa - 11 years, Mervin - 7 years and Monte - 3 years) remained at Taronga Zoo until their respective exports throughout the 1990’s.

Mary’s youngest son, Monte, was watched over Spitter following her death. Spitter frequently practiced alloparenting within the community.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hannah at Monarto Zoo is pregnant!

Fantastic news given Hannah is a founder to the region and a genetically valuable female. This will be her second infant and a sibling to three year old Hope.

——————

From socials:

Your well wishes have paid off - Monarto Safari Park’s Chimpanzee troop is fit to receive visitors from Friday and, as if that wasn’t good news enough, there’s more Chimpanzee cheer to share - 28-year-old Hannah is pregnant!

This will be Hannah’s second baby. Her firstborn, Hope, is now three-years-old and is an absolute delight. Visitors often see the two playing together and we have no doubt that Hannah will be as wonderful a mum to her newborn, which is expected in November.

The troop has recovered from RSV:

The troop was diagnosed with Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on Friday 15 July and has been in quarantine while under the careful watch of veterinarians and their keepers. Cups of homemade soup, hot lemon and honey tea and regular doses of paracetamol have helped the chimps go from drowsy with runny noses and coughs, to bright and active.

The last few weeks were worrying as Tsotsi was really quite poorly, while the others had varying degrees of illness. However, they have now all made a great recovery thanks in part to their resilience but also due to the wonderful TLC they received from keepers and the vet team.

 

[Jambo]

Hannah at Monarto Zoo is pregnant!

Amazing news!

Hannah's genetics are valued within the region, so it's awesome to know she's pregnant again three years following her last offspring - Hope, who was born in 2019.

 

[Zoofan15]

Amazing news!

Hannah's genetics are valued within the region, so it's awesome to know she's pregnant again three years following her last offspring - Hope, who was born in 2019.

The infant will be even more valuable genetically if Tsotsi is the sire (as he is with Hope). Interestingly, this means that Hope can remain in Monarto’s troop long term as she’s unrelated to Sandali (1996) and Enzi (2015) - who may be the only viable males alive by the time she’s of reproductive age (and the latter of which will surely be alpha).

 

[Zoofan15]

Regional Plans for 1991

I was looking over the regional primate plan for 1991 and thought people would be interested to hear in more detail about what it held for the region’s chimpanzee population. I’ve followed this up with notes about how these plans eventuated.

In 1991, Common chimpanzee were held at six facilities: Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Perth Zoo – with the latter two indicating their plan to phase them out.

Taronga Zoo 1990 Export (Delayed):

Taronga Zoo had an export planned for 1990, which was cancelled due to the restructuring of the troop. This would refer to the introduction of Snowy, who had arrived from Wellington Zoo in 1986 and was taking a lengthy time to be integrated with the others.

The process was to form a group of allies (mostly other juveniles; along with a few of the more passive adults e.g. Bessie) with high ranking, aggressive individuals (e.g. Lulu) added to that group over time. It was apparent from the start the two adult males (Danny and Sonny) could never be integrated with him, so my interpretation here is there was a capacity for females to be exported with them and they were waiting to see which females could or couldn’t be integrated.

Sonny died in 1989 and the eventual export in 1992 consisted of Danny (1974), Sutu (1974), Mervin (1982), Cheena (1985) and Sumu (1991). Since Mervin was only a year older than Snowy, it’s my belief he took Sonny’s place due to the staff wanting to reduce competition for Snowy siring infants (not because they didn’t get on); while Cheena similarly took the place that would have been allocated to a female who couldn’t be integrated had it been needed.

Melbourne Zoo Phase Out:

There was talk of Melbourne transferring their three female to Taronga – June (1960), Sandra (1971) and Koko (1972); but in the end, only the younger two were transferred, with June exported to Hyderabad. There had been discussions around Melbourne receiving two males from Taronga to join their young adult male (Ernie), but these were rejected in favour of phasing out and Ernie was euthanised.

New Holders - Dubbo and Orana:

Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park had plans to acquire this species, with each holding a bachelor troop of six males. Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s plans were the most concrete, with a date of 1994 identified; while Orana’s plans appeared more a statement of intention than a developed plan.

The obvious candidates for Dubbo’s bachelor troop in 1994 were Lewis (1985), Monte (1985), Gombe (1988) and Lobo (1989) from Taronga; Marty (1988) from Wellington; and Lucifer (1988) from Auckland. The export of Lucifer would have been particularly beneficial given the size of Auckland’s exhibit led to tensions in the troop of 3.3 as Lucifer and Luka matured.

Sadly neither of these zoos acquired this species and it would be a further decade and a half before Orana acquried their first ape species (gorilla), which will be their focus long term.

Semen Banking of Wild Founders:

It was noted there were plans to collect semen from Bobby at Auckland Zoo and Peter at Adelaide Zoo for storage, both being wild founders and the former unrepresented. Peter died in 1994 and Bobby’s semen was collected in 1998, but wasn’t of sufficient motility to be used. Peter is represented by his offspring, Sanda and Tsotsi, who have in turn bred at Hamilton and Monarto.

Subspecies Identification:

There was discussion around identifying what subspecies were held in the region. According to taxonomy at the time, there were three subspecies (Eastern, Western and Central). There’s now a fourth and discussion of a fifth. Unfortunately nothing ever came of this discussion, which is a shame as it would have been fascinating to see. Through research, I’ve identified the subspecies of few of these chimpanzees e.g. Susie was a Central chimpanzee.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo - Update

Samaki steps down as alpha:

It appears Samaki has stepped down from the alpha role and the community are currently without an alpha again.

There’s been a number of driving factors towards this outcome. Despite playing the role of Lubutu’s right hand man for several years, Samaki was reluctant to take on the alpha role. His support was Sule; but Sule is now backing his brother, Shikamoo, who has a strong desire to be alpha.

Shikamoo strongest candidate for new alpha:

The community are responding to Shikamoo and Sule’s displays and interestingly, Sacha’s confidence has increased - a consequence of being the mother of two high ranking adult sons. Both males are popular within the community.

Shabani is past his prime; Furahi is feared by many of the females; and the adolescents have yet to enter the hierarchy, so Shikamoo and Sulu will likely assume the role of alpha and right hand man unopposed in the coming months.

Female hierarchy:

Shiba remains the highest ranking female. She has two adult and one adolescent son, who are highly protective of her. She’s an integral part of the community and dedicates considerable time to networking. She’s on contraception and wont breed again, but is well supported with five offspring in the community.

Kuma has regained condition (muscle mass) since the community has been allowed back into the main exhibit, but has little interest in networking. Producing an infant in the next year (she’s off contraception) would assist her in retaining her rank.

Naomi is the third highest ranking female. At 21 years old, she’s in her prime and is popular with the males. As the mother of a young son, Naomi’s status will only increase. She’s social, intelligent and has close relationships with Shiba’s family and of course her sister, Ceres.

Sacha is the fourth highest ranking female. If Shikamoo and Sule assume the alpha and right hand man roles, her status will be cemented (or even rise) irregardless of her not breeding again (Sacha is on contraception).

Ceres is the fifth highest ranking female. Ceres ranks higher than Kamili and Shona. It’s unlikely she’ll ever be a high ranking female, but enjoys the support of her sister; and long term, will have the support of her five year old daughter as she matures. She’s off contraception, which will assist her ranking if she gives birth in the next year - especially with Sembe entering the hierarchy.

Kamili then Shona are the lowest ranking females. Sembe still maintains an uncertain position in the female hierarchy, given she’s latches onto Shiba rather than maintaining an individual rank. Given she’s on contraception, it’s unlikely we’ll see Sembe forge her own path in the near future.

 

[Jambo]

Taronga Zoo - Update

Samaki steps down as alpha:

It appears Samaki has stepped down from the alpha role and the community are currently without an alpha again.

There’s been a number of driving factors towards this outcome. Despite playing the role of Lubutu’s right hand man for several years, Samaki was reluctant to take on the alpha role. His support was Sule; but Sule is now backing his brother, Shikamoo, who has a strong desire to be alpha.

Shikamoo strongest candidate for new alpha:

The community are responding to Shikamoo and Sule’s displays and interestingly, Sacha’s confidence has increased - a consequence of being the mother of two high ranking adult sons. Both males are popular within the community.

Shabani is past his prime; Furahi is feared by many of the females; and the adolescents have yet to enter the hierarchy, so Shikamoo and Sulu will likely assume the role of alpha and right hand man unopposed in the coming months.

Female hierarchy:

Shiba remains the highest ranking female. She has two adult and one adolescent son, who are highly protective of her. She’s an integral part of the community and dedicates considerable time to networking. She’s on contraception and wont breed again, but is well supported with five offspring in the community.

Kuma has regained condition (muscle mass) since the community has been allowed back into the main exhibit, but has little interest in networking. Producing an infant in the next year (she’s off contraception) would assist her in retaining her rank.

Naomi is the third highest ranking female. At 21 years old, she’s in her prime and is popular with the males. As the mother of a young son, Naomi’s status will only increase. She’s social, intelligent and has close relationships with Shiba’s family and of course her sister, Ceres.

Sacha is the fourth highest ranking female. If Shikamoo and Sule assume the alpha and right hand man roles, her status will be cemented (or even rise) irregardless of her not breeding again (Sacha is on contraception).

Ceres is the fifth highest ranking female. Ceres ranks higher than Kamili and Shona. It’s unlikely she’ll ever be a high ranking female, but enjoys the support of her sister; and long term, will have the support of her five year old daughter as she matures. She’s off contraception, which will assist her ranking if she gives birth in the next year - especially with Sembe entering the hierarchy.

Kamili then Shona are the lowest ranking females. Sembe still maintains an uncertain position in the female hierarchy, given she’s latches onto Shiba rather than maintaining an individual rank. Given she’s on contraception, it’s unlikely we’ll see Sembe forge her own path in the near future.

That's a shame re. Samaki. It seems he's never really been completely willing to take the alpha role. Hopefully Shikamoo can prove a much more adequate successor.

Also did you forget Lisa?

 

[Zoofan15]

That's a shame re. Samaki. It seems he's never really been completely willing to take the alpha role. Hopefully Shikamoo can prove a much more adequate successor.

Also did you forget Lisa?

Samaki has never had the ambition, whereas Shikamoo has been vying for the alpha position since Samaki took over. He became somewhat cantankerous initially, especially when his brother was supporting Samaki over him. Similar to Samaki backing Lubutu (instead of Shabani), he clearly believed at the time that he was the pony to bet on (so to speak).

Lisa has fallen drastically in ranking. The only chimpanzee in her family group is her eight year old son and he’s non confrontational compared to his peers (especially Sudi). At this stage, Lisa ranks just below Ceres - who’s better integrated into the community, backed by her sister and has a juvenile offspring.

Lisa and Ceres are both off contraception, but with the former unlikely to produce a viable infant due to her age; and the latter likely to welcome a new infant within the year, there’s no reason to believe their rankings will change.

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo - Hierarchy Update

Taronga’s troop have a new alpha. Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008) have formed a successful coalition and are now leading the troop. They’re followed in the hierarchy by Samaki (2001), Furahi (2003) and Shabani (1994).

Both alpha males are popular within the community and at 19 and 14 years old, will likely retain this position for at least a decade - contributing to a more stable hierarchy going forward.

The other adult males have accepted this change and are respectful of Shikamoo and Sule.

 

[Jambo]

Taronga Zoo - Hierarchy Update

Taronga’s troop have a new alpha. Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008) have formed a successful coalition and are now leading the troop. They’re followed in the hierarchy by Samaki (2001), Furahi (2003) and Shabani (1994).

Both alpha males are popular within the community and at 19 and 14 years old, will likely retain this position for at least a decade - contributing to a more stable hierarchy going forward.

The other adult males have accepted this change and are respectful of Shikamoo and Sule.

The first time in Taronga's history keeping this species I think we've seen sibling leaders (as the alpha and beta males). Exciting to finally see an established hierarchy, it's a shame Samaki couldn't keep it up as he had the support. Shikamoo was always one to have a go at being alpha too; he's always been very popular with the girls.

 

[Zoofan15]

The first time in Taronga's history keeping this species I think we've seen sibling leaders (as the alpha and beta males). Exciting to finally see an established hierarchy, it's a shame Samaki couldn't keep it up as he had the support. Shikamoo was always one to have a go at being alpha too; he's always been very popular with the girls.

Full siblings, yes. Lubutu (1993-2019) and Chimbuka (1995-2011) were half brothers and were an alpha and beta pairing. The keepers were concerned after Chimbuka’s death, Lubutu would lose power to Shabani (1994) and Samaki (2001) - but these brothers were never successful at working together; and Samaki, realising Lubutu was the pony to bet on, shifted allegiance to him instead.

Long term, I doubt the upcoming males will pose any threat to Shikamoo/Sule:

- Fumo (2013) is popular and would make an excellent alpha from what I’ve heard - he’s very much a peacemaker; and disciplines the other adolescents when they act out; but his best alliance would be with Furahi, who is feared within the community and unpopular.

- Sudi (2014) is regarded as a nuisance who spends his days tormenting the females and causing problems. His chances of an alliance with his brothers are sunk by Samaki’s reluctance; and Shabani’s low ranking.

- Liwali (2014) has no brothers and no strong alliances within the community.

 

[Swanson02]

Hannah is due any day now. She was supposedly due two days ago so now it's just a waiting game

 

[Zoofan15]

Sad news from Rockhampton: Holly has passed away after a sudden illness:

Sad death at Rockhampton Zoo

Holly leaves behind an almost three year old son, who will hopefully be watched over by the other females - including Leakey, who has a juvenile and infant herself.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sad news from Rockhampton: Holly has passed away after a sudden illness:

Sad death at Rockhampton Zoo

Holly leaves behind an almost three year old son, who will hopefully be watched over by the other females - including Leakey, who has a juvenile and infant herself.

Some additional details:

Gandali is not yet weaned, so keepers have been bottle feeding him. He remains with the troop and is being comforted by his father and five year old half sister, who’s demonstrated strong maternal skills.

Chimps in mourning after beloved mum's sudden death from mystery illness

Review of Australasian Management plan:

It’s also mentioned the species management plan for Australasia has just been reviewed.

In addition to Lisa (1979), Ceres (1990), Kuma (1991) and Kamili (1995), who are off contraception at Taronga; it’s likely we’ll see breeding recommendations for Galatea (1999) at Monarto and Keza (1998) at Wellington within the next year.

Possible transfers include Sembe (2008) at Taronga and Zuri (2012) at Monarto; though it wouldn’t surprise me if Zuri was retained long term and Zola (2019) transferred out in her place a decade from now.

 

[Jambo]

Sad news from Rockhampton: Holly has passed away after a sudden illness:

Sad death at Rockhampton Zoo

Holly leaves behind an almost three year old son, who will hopefully be watched over by the other females - including Leakey, who has a juvenile and infant herself.

Very sad news.

Hopefully the other members of the troop will be able to step up and assist in raising him from here on.

Possible transfers include Sembe (2008) at Taronga and Zuri (2012) at Monarto; though it wouldn’t surprise me if Zuri was retained long term and Zola (2019) transferred out in her place a decade from now.

The best move for Sembe (2008) imo is to send her to Rockhampton, who obviously would require a new female especially following Holly’s death.

I would keep Zuri (2012) at Monarto; even if she remains there as a non breeding female. Zola (2019) and Hope (2019) could then be sent to another facility together; preferably Wellington who will be in need of some new females in a decades time.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very sad news.

Hopefully the other members of the troop will be able to step up and assist in raising him from here on.



The best move for Sembe (2008) imo is to send her to Rockhampton, who obviously would require a new female especially following Holly’s death.

I would keep Zuri (2012) at Monarto; even if she remains there as a non breeding female. Zola (2019) and Hope (2019) could then be sent to another facility together; preferably Wellington who will be in need of some new females in a decades time.

They may consider vasectomising Sandali (1996) at Monarto, which would ensure Zuri (2012) could breed with Tsotsi (1989). At this stage, they’re probably anxious to reduce their colony to single viable male given Tsotsi is 33 years old, but with Enzi (2015) maturing - this is something they can now consider. Sandali’s brothers at Taronga will be siring most, if not all infants at Taronga for the foreseeable.

Sembe (2008) is the ideal candidate for transfer to Rockhampton based on her age and genetics. She has little to no breeding application at Taronga (with the other males being close relatives) and she’s related to the males at Wellington, Hamilton etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

Female Dispersal Pattern

Rockhampton Zoo have recently stated the plan is for Capri and Mzuri to transfer out upon reaching adolescence in line with the regional plan to follow the female dispersal pattern for this species.

With this in mind, I thought it’d be interesting to analyse the likelihood of the eleven females in the region aged 14 years of age or under remaining at their current facility versus transferring out.

Hamilton Zoo:

0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda

I’d assess these females as having a high likelihood of remaining at Hamilton Zoo long term. It’s been problematic to introduce females into Hamilton’s troop due to Luka’s aggression and since a direct swap is unlikely, my assumption is Chiku and Kendi will remain in the troop.

The two adult males (their father and uncle) are aged 29 and 34 years of age respectively. Assuming average captive lifespans, they’ll likely pass when these two young females are in their teens/early twenties - presenting an opportunity to introduce unrelated males (and females) to the troop.

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha

Malika’s a difficult one. I previously wondered if she would be transferred out, along with her mother; but I feel like we would have seen this happen this year if it was going to.

Malika may breed in the next few years at Wellington while Alexis is alpha (the two upcoming males are close relatives); possibly replacing Keza (half sister of Alexis) as a breeding female during his reign.

Taronga Zoo:

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

Sembe is a very strong candidate for transfer to Rockhampton Zoo in the near future. She’s closely related to all the males at Taronga and has little no breeding application. She’s struggling to find her place in the community given she has no offspring and her mother has two younger offspring to preoccupy her time.

I feel like Cebele will be retained long term. Taronga stated the importation of the females from Europe would sustain the genetic diversity of their community for the next 50 years. Ceres is 32 years old and as a newcomer to the community, would benefit from the retention of her daughter to build up her family group.

Like Sembe, Safiri will have little breeding application within the community - but also is unlikely to be a genetically valuable addition elsewhere. I’d assume she’ll be retained as support for Shiba, especially if Shabani passes before Shiba.

Monarto Safari Park:

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

Monarto have stated it’s their intention to retain Zuri, who is unrelated to the alpha male and is approaching the age females first breed in the region in next few years.

Monarto have similarly stated an intention to transfer Hope and Zola out. Wellington Zoo is the obvious destination as they could benefit from new females.

Rockhampton Zoo:

0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

It’s been stated Capri and Mzuri will transfer out, which makes sense as both their father and half brother are young and will likely be around for a long time to come. Taronga is the obvious destination as if they only retain Cebele from the current cohort, they’ll be keen to introduce more young females for succession.

 

[Jambo]

Hamilton Zoo:

0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda

I’d assess these females as having a high likelihood of remaining at Hamilton Zoo long term. It’s been problematic to introduce females into Hamilton’s troop due to Luka’s aggression and since a direct swap is unlikely, my assumption is Chiku and Kendi will remain in the troop.

The two adult males (their father and uncle) are aged 29 and 34 years of age respectively. Assuming average captive lifespans, they’ll likely pass when these two young females are in their teens/early twenties - presenting an opportunity to introduce unrelated males (and females) to the troop.

Definitely agree here. It would be a disaster in the making if Hamilton attempt to introduce further females into Hamilton’s troop. And they can’t afford to lose Sanda’s two daughters too, as otherwise Hamilton will be left with just two males and two females. Once new males are brought in too (a decade or two down the line), Hamilton should be looking to breed from both Chiku and Kendi too, as Sanda will be post reproductive.

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha

Malika’s a difficult one. I previously wondered if she would be transferred out, along with her mother; but I feel like we would have seen this happen this year if it was going to.

Malika may breed in the next few years at Wellington while Alexis is alpha (the two upcoming males are close relatives); possibly replacing Keza (half sister of Alexis) as a breeding female during his reign.

It would probably be best to send Malika to another facility, but I guess Wellington may be waiting for an exchange or something of the sort in the meantime.

Malika’s another strong candidate for Rockhampton; and could join Sembe in being sent there (the two are close in age too) and are both cousins through the Susie line too.

Taronga Zoo:

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

Sembe is a very strong candidate for transfer to Rockhampton Zoo in the near future. She’s closely related to all the males at Taronga and has little no breeding application. She’s struggling to find her place in the community given she has no offspring and her mother has two younger offspring to preoccupy her time.

I feel like Cebele will be retained long term. Taronga stated the importation of the females from Europe would sustain the genetic diversity of their community for the next 50 years. Ceres is 32 years old and as a newcomer to the community, would benefit from the retention of her daughter to build up her family group.

Like Sembe, Safiri will have little breeding application within the community - but also is unlikely to be a genetically valuable addition elsewhere. I’d assume she’ll be retained as support for Shiba, especially if Shabani passes before Shiba.

I feel like Sembe’s a certain option for Rockhampton. She can’t really go elsewhere due to her close relations, and especially following the birth of Safiri (I’m not sure she’ll remain in the group as a non breeding female).

Cebele’s future at Taronga may very well rely on Ceres’s future breeding success at Taronga. A further two successful offspring within the next decade may incline Taronga to send Cebele elsewhere (especially as she has valuable genetics on her maternal side). I guess this is just the case of - watch this space.

Safiri’s in a similar situation. She does have three older brothers (and an older sister). Taronga could afford to export both female offspring of Shiba, but I think the pure fact that Taronga breed Shiba again in 2019 despite the fact she’s already well represented makes me think it was for hierarchal purposes if anything. A daughter would be good support for Shiba long term; but Taronga may elect to retain Sembe as support and export Safiri instead. It could really go either ways with these two females.

Monarto Safari Park:

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

Monarto have stated it’s their intention to retain Zuri, who is unrelated to the alpha male and is approaching the age females first breed in the region in next few years.

Monarto have similarly stated an intention to transfer Hope and Zola out. Wellington Zoo is the obvious destination as they could benefit from new females.

Hope and Zola are really the only candidates within the region for a Wellington transfer as all others are somewhat related (besides Rockhampton’s girls). Wellington will be in need of new females in a decades time, and these females will be of the right age, so it’s really a perfect fit.

Rockhampton Zoo:

0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

It’s been stated Capri and Mzuri will transfer out, which makes sense as both their father and half brother are young and will likely be around for a long time to come. Taronga is the obvious destination as if they only retain Cebele from the current cohort, they’ll be keen to introduce more young females for succession.

Taronga stands as the best option imo (especially as they’ll be needing some new females in a decades time) - they’ll only still be breeding from two females (Naomi and Cebele) by that time. Hamilton is also in need of some new females, but that would all depend on when their two current males pass. Monarto’s another option but they’re covered within the next decade by Zombi, Hannah and eventually, Zuri.

 

[Zoofan15]

Definitely agree here. It would be a disaster in the making if Hamilton attempt to introduce further females into Hamilton’s troop. And they can’t afford to lose Sanda’s two daughters too, as otherwise Hamilton will be left with just two males and two females. Once new males are brought in too (a decade or two down the line), Hamilton should be looking to breed from both Chiku and Kendi too, as Sanda will be post reproductive.

Over the past decade, a number of males in the region have died in their 20’s or 30’s including Sam (38), Mike (37), Marty (34) and Lubutu (26) - so it’s entirely possible Hamilton Zoo will find itself without males 10-15 years from now.

The death of Lucifer and Luka will present a rare opportunity to transfer in a number of males - potentially from different zoos for the sake of genetic diversity. This would also be helpful to other zoos wanting to address a gender imbalance in their community.

Malika’s another strong candidate for Rockhampton; and could join Sembe in being sent there (the two are close in age too) and are both cousins through the Susie line too.

It’s difficult to say if their relatedness would be a deterrent to sending them both to Rockhampton to breed with the same male. I feel like this would be overlooked in social context (i.e. if they were from the same troop and closely bonded), but they’re unfamiliar with each other and for the sake of genetic diversity, I’d recommend Malika went elsewhere (if at all).

Hope and Zola are really the only candidates within the region for a Wellington transfer as all others are somewhat related (besides Rockhampton’s girls). Wellington will be in need of new females in a decades time, and these females will be of the right age, so it’s really a perfect fit.

Hope and Zola are a great combination as they’re genetically valuable (different mothers, who are both founders) - yet will have a close bond from growing up together at Monarto.

Taronga has previously stated future incoming chimpanzees will be brought in with family support - which means Taronga and Wellington are both likely options for Hope and Zola. I’d assess Wellington’s need for new females as greater, which makes them the more likely option imo.