Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Another daughter from Luka and Sanda would be better as that would allow them to bring in 3-4 males when Luka and Lucifer pass; but if everything aligns, they could potentially bring in a second male (when both are adolescents) if they produce a son. It’ll be interesting to see how Rockhampton’s introductions of a castrated male to the 15 year old alpha male go, as this has never been done before. Ultimately it depends also on Hamilton’s intentions around increasing their troop size.

That’s interesting Luna-Bella never took to Horst. Females typically prefer fully flanged males and Indra and Intan both preferred Horst to Charlie.

From what I've heard on social media, Luna-Bella was introduced to 2 flanged males, one of which was Horst, and she turned up her nose at them both, preferring the unflanged (at the time) Madju. From what I've read of her, Luna always has been quite a character and prone to doing the unexpected - she's probably the most notorious ape escape artist since Ken Allen, and surprisingly was instantly a loving mother to her first infant (zoo staff were anticipating issues as she had been human-reared).

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the Hamilton troop, not only when Lucifer and Luka pass on, but if Lucy should pass away as the dynamics between the females will shift drastically. Sanda seems to have a more submissive nature, so I often idly wonder if Chiku, if she is still at Hamilton when Lucy passes, may ascend to the role of dominant female.

 

[Zoofan15]

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the Hamilton troop, not only when Lucifer and Luka pass on, but if Lucy should pass away as the dynamics between the females will shift drastically. Sanda seems to have a more submissive nature, so I often idly wonder if Chiku, if she is still at Hamilton when Lucy passes, may ascend to the role of dominant female.

I feel like Sanda’s current role in the troop is more a consequence of her life course to date. Females transfer into a new troop at adolescence; enter the troop low ranking; and then increase in ranking as they build up their family unit and more (lower ranking) females come in.

While Sanda has followed the above course of actions, she was 23 years upon import (not an adolescent). She then took a further eight years to produce her first offspring. When she arrived, Lucy was established as the alpha female; and Fimi ranked above Sanda. She then had to negotiate her ranking over Suzie and Sally.

While Sanda now has two offspring and were the troop larger, she’d be considered a middle ranking female. She’s 38 years old, whereas most females accomplish this role by their late teens/early twenties.

Upon the passing of Lucy, Sanda may well assert herself. Sacha and Cara are both good examples of middle ranking females who rose drastically due to circumstance in the past few years (the rising of their respective sons to the alpha role). Hamilton’s troop is smaller, so internal influences on troop dynamics are simpler and direct.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I feel like Sanda’s current role in the troop is more a consequence of her life course to date. Females transfer into a new troop at adolescence; enter the troop low ranking; and then increase in ranking as they build up their family unit and more (lower ranking) females come in.

While Sanda has followed the above course of actions, she was 23 years upon import (not an adolescent). She then took a further eight years to produce her first offspring. When she arrived, Lucy was established as the alpha female; and Fimi ranked above Sanda. She then had to negotiate her ranking over Suzie and Sally.

While Sanda now has two offspring and were the troop larger, she’d be considered a middle ranking female. She’s 38 years old, whereas most females accomplish this role by their late teens/early twenties.

Upon the passing of Lucy, Sanda may well assert herself. Sacha and Cara are both good examples of middle ranking females who rose drastically due to circumstance in the past few years (the rising of their respective sons to the alpha role). Hamilton’s troop is smaller, so internal influences on troop dynamics are simpler and direct.

You could very well be right! Sanda could indeed take a stronger role in the troop going forward; she may have been a late bloomer in some areas, but has definitely stepped up well to the role of mother with both Chiku and Kendi, and perhaps she might have the makings of a future matriarch in the absence of such a strong personality as Lucy.

 

[Zoofan15]

You could very well be right! Sanda could indeed take a stronger role in the troop going forward; she may have been a late bloomer in some areas, but has definitely stepped up well to the role of mother with both Chiku and Kendi, and perhaps she might have the makings of a future matriarch in the absence of such a strong personality as Lucy.

It may also be influenced by the dynamics within the mother/daughter trio. Sanda has the closest bond with Kendi at this point in time; so that could even place Kendi above Chiku until one of them breeds (though I still believe Chiku will transfer out).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It may also be influenced by the dynamics within the mother/daughter trio. Sanda has the closest bond with Kendi at this point in time; so that could even place Kendi above Chiku until one of them breeds (though I still believe Chiku will transfer out).

Lucy, apparently, also favors Kendi above Chiku, so that could place Kendi in an advantageous position. Although Chiku has always had a strong bond with Luka from what I've seen and doesn't seem to have the more nervous nature that disadvantaged Lucifer to his brother. I too think that Chiku will transfer out. The ideal situation, I feel, would be for both Chiku and Kendi to disperse at the same time and for the troop's future to rest on a third infant from Sanda as you've discussed earlier.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lucy, apparently, also favors Kendi above Chiku, so that could place Kendi in an advantageous position. Although Chiku has always had a strong bond with Luka from what I've seen and doesn't seem to have the more nervous nature that disadvantaged Lucifer to his brother. I too think that Chiku will transfer out. The ideal situation, I feel, would be for both Chiku and Kendi to disperse at the same time and for the troop's future to rest on a third infant from Sanda as you've discussed earlier.

I believe there was some resentment from Lucy towards the new infant when Sanda first gave birth in 2016. The birth of an infant can unsettle the hierarchy and so she would have seen Sanda giving birth as a threat to her status.

What’s eventuated is a really cohesive troop, with Lucy enjoying a grandmother role to Kendi - without her status being impacted. After all, Lucy has two adult sons including the alpha male.

After the conflicts resulting from introducing Fimi and Sanda in 2008 and then the incident with Chima, it’s nice to see stability within the troop. I don’t anticipate stability under Lucifer’s reign, so it’s for the best Luka remains in place as the alpha. As you’ve mentioned, he’s proved a relatively chill alpha and a fair leader.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I believe there was some resentment from Lucy towards the new infant when Sanda first gave birth in 2016. The birth of an infant can unsettle the hierarchy and so she would have seen Sanda giving birth as a threat to her status.

What’s eventuated is a really cohesive troop, with Lucy enjoying a grandmother role to Kendi - without her status being impacted. After all, Lucy has two adult sons including the alpha male.

After the conflicts resulting from introducing Fimi and Sanda in 2008 and then the incident with Chima, it’s nice to see stability within the troop. I don’t anticipate stability under Lucifer’s reign, so it’s for the best Luka remains in place as the alpha. As you’ve mentioned, he’s proved a relatively chill alpha and a fair leader.

That would explain a lot as to why Kendi is favoured by Lucy! Although Luka definitely made up for it by his attentiveness to Chiku. I frequently saw Luka playing with or grooming Chiku when she was a juvenile, and when I last visited Hamilton Zoo in December 2022, Chiku was enjoying interacting both with Kendi and the adults, and then leaping from the climbing ropes to a nearby tree where she climbed and foraged. She seemed a decent mix of social and independent, from what I could see.

Luka is certainly very relaxed as an alpha indeed! I've never once seen him have to put on a dominance display, but he may do this on other occasions for all I know. But one of the primate keepers did tell me that the one most likely to scream and raise a fuss is actually Lucifer, and the adults of the troop tend to ignore his antics for the most part.

 

[Zoofan15]

That would explain a lot as to why Kendi is favoured by Lucy! Although Luka definitely made up for it by his attentiveness to Chiku. I frequently saw Luka playing with or grooming Chiku when she was a juvenile, and when I last visited Hamilton Zoo in December 2022, Chiku was enjoying interacting both with Kendi and the adults, and then leaping from the climbing ropes to a nearby tree where she climbed and foraged. She seemed a decent mix of social and independent, from what I could see.

Luka is certainly very relaxed as an alpha indeed! I've never once seen him have to put on a dominance display, but he may do this on other occasions for all I know. But one of the primate keepers did tell me that the one most likely to scream and raise a fuss is actually Lucifer, and the adults of the troop tend to ignore his antics for the most part.

It’s seems natural Chiku would gravitate towards Luka as Sanda has been preoccupied by Kendi for the past three years. It’s good for all involved that Chiku has other adults she can interact with since she’s at an age where she craves attention. I know the juveniles in Taronga’s troop have had varying reactions to becoming a big brother/sister.

Curiously several male juveniles have been obsessed with infants over the past few decades at Taronga, dispelling any myths around the interaction being solely around young females practising maternal care. From what I’ve seen, the juveniles with less attentive (or absent) mothers have craved this interaction more than those with helicopter mothers, who have given them undivided attention.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s seems natural Chiku would gravitate towards Luka as Sanda has been preoccupied by Kendi for the past three years. It’s good for all involved that Chiku has other adults she can interact with since she’s at an age where she craves attention. I know the juveniles in Taronga’s troop have had varying reactions to becoming a big brother/sister.

Curiously several male juveniles have been obsessed with infants over the past few decades at Taronga, dispelling any myths around the interaction being solely around young females practising maternal care. From what I’ve seen, the juveniles with less attentive (or absent) mothers have craved this interaction more than those with helicopter mothers, who have given them undivided attention.

When I was at Hamilton last year, Chiku seemed to enjoy playing with Kendi, but I'm not sure if she's playing with her less as she gets older or becoming more attentive. I'm intending to visit before the end of the year or early in the New Year, so it will be interesting to see how the troop are interacting now. I only get to visit Hamilton Zoo about once a year, versus Auckland Zoo where I can be found almost every week (I have a yearly membership pass) so I know a lot more about the orangutans than the chimpanzees.

 

[Zoofan15]

When I was at Hamilton last year, Chiku seemed to enjoy playing with Kendi, but I'm not sure if she's playing with her less as she gets older or becoming more attentive. I'm intending to visit before the end of the year or early in the New Year, so it will be interesting to see how the troop are interacting now. I only get to visit Hamilton Zoo about once a year, versus Auckland Zoo where I can be found almost every week (I have a yearly membership pass) so I know a lot more about the orangutans than the chimpanzees.

I visited Hamilton Zoo today and saw Chiku interacting with all members of the troop except for Lucifer. Sanda spent the majority of her time with Chiku and Kendi; and Lucy spent the majority of her time with Lucifer. Luka moved between these two groups throughout the day, grooming Kendi at one point. Chiku approached Lucy when they were let into the night house and they had a brief interaction.

Luka’s networking with all individuals in the troop is a sign of an effective alpha. He clearly dotes on his offspring and enjoys interacting with them.

I posted some photos of the troop in the Hamilton Zoo gallery if you’re interested (Chiku is looking big!): Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I visited Hamilton Zoo today and saw Chiku interacting with all members of the troop except for Lucifer. Sanda spent the majority of her time with Chiku and Kendi; and Lucy spent the majority of her time with Lucifer. Luka moved between these two groups throughout the day, grooming Kendi at one point. Chiku approached Lucy when they were let into the night house and they had a brief interaction.

Luka’s networking with all individuals in the troop is a sign of an effective alpha. He clearly dotes on his offspring and enjoys interacting with them.

I posted some photos of the troop in the Hamilton Zoo gallery if you’re interested (Chiku is looking big!): Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat

That's great that you got to visit Hamilton - and thanks for the update and photos! It's awesome to see how the troop are thriving. Luka is a very good father as well as being a good alpha, and I've noticed him frequently grooming his daughters. He seems to have a strong bond with them - when I was at Hamilton in 2019 and the troop was inside due to wet weather, Luka spent a lot of time playing with Chiku and filling the role of playmate for her.

Chiku certainly has grown and seems very confident. I personally believe she would make a good alpha female when she grows up!

 

[Zoofan15]

That's great that you got to visit Hamilton - and thanks for the update and photos! It's awesome to see how the troop are thriving. Luka is a very good father as well as being a good alpha, and I've noticed him frequently grooming his daughters. He seems to have a strong bond with them - when I was at Hamilton in 2019 and the troop was inside due to wet weather, Luka spent a lot of time playing with Chiku and filling the role of playmate for her.

Chiku certainly has grown and seems very confident. I personally believe she would make a good alpha female when she grows up!

I visit Auckland and Hamilton quite frequently and am looking forward to the births of the Sumatran tiger cubs. With Caracal also coming to Hamilton Zoo, it’s an exciting time for both zoos.

When Luka became a father to Chiku at the age of 23 years, it was the first time he’d seen an infant, so his care of his daughters is even more impressive. He’s 30 years old now, but has aged well. He has a bulkier build than Lucifer, who is equally tall but lanky. These genes would come from Mary’s line as Lulu was a small female and Lucy is average sized.

Photos of Lulu indicate she was likely a Western chimpanzee; and Chiku has already developed dark pigmentation over her face. The long limbs of Lucifer, Luka and Chiku indicate a Central chimpanzee influence, which as I note, I believe came from Mary.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I visit Auckland and Hamilton quite frequently and am looking forward to the births of the Sumatran tiger cubs. With Caracal also coming to Hamilton Zoo, it’s an exciting time for both zoos.

When Luka became a father to Chiku at the age of 23 years, it was the first time he’d seen an infant, so his care of his daughters is even more impressive. He’s 30 years old now, but has aged well. He has a bulkier build than Lucifer, who is equally tall but lanky. These genes would come from Mary’s line as Lulu was a small female and Lucy is average sized.

Photos of Lulu indicate she was likely a Western chimpanzee; and Chiku has already developed dark pigmentation over her face. The long limbs of Lucifer, Luka and Chiku indicate a Central chimpanzee influence, which as I note, I believe came from Mary.

It's certainly a very exciting time for Hamilton Zoo, as well as Auckland!

The chimps certainly are a well-functioning family unit and I am pleased to see them so harmonious. Probably they're this way because they lack a lot of the stresses that would occur in a larger troop. The two youngsters seem to have got the best traits of both sides of the family in terms of looks and temperament!

 

[Zoofan15]

It's certainly a very exciting time for Hamilton Zoo, as well as Auckland!

The chimps certainly are a well-functioning family unit and I am pleased to see them so harmonious. Probably they're this way because they lack a lot of the stresses that would occur in a larger troop. The two youngsters seem to have got the best traits of both sides of the family in terms of looks and temperament!

I recall it being noted on here that Monte, Sandra and Kike who were exported to Japan via Perth Zoo were a relaxed trio compared to the tensions seen in larger troops. The founding of Auckland’s troop was before my time, but I imagine with Mike and the three females, it was relatively amicable until Lucifer and Luka were born and entered adolescence.

It appears Mike was keen to quash any chances of Lucifer posing a threat to his alpha position; and as detailed on The Zoo, Luka amused himself by antagonising Suzie and Sally as he entered adolescence (a common phase in young males).

If Chiku remains at Hamilton Zoo, she may well become the alpha female one day; but assuming she transfers to Wellington, she’ll be low ranking for many years. Keza is a prime aged female with a nine year old son; but still ranks behind the four older females. Chiku would enter ranking not only below these five; but 13 year old Malika.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I recall it being noted on here that Monte, Sandra and Kike who were exported to Japan via Perth Zoo were a relaxed trio compared to the tensions seen in larger troops. The founding of Auckland’s troop was before my time, but I imagine with Mike and the three females, it was relatively amicable until Lucifer and Luka were born and entered adolescence.

It appears Mike was keen to quash any chances of Lucifer posing a threat to his alpha position; and as detailed on The Zoo, Luka amused himself by antagonising Suzie and Sally as he entered adolescence (a common phase in young males).

If Chiku remains at Hamilton Zoo, she may well become the alpha female one day; but assuming she transfers to Wellington, she’ll be low ranking for many years. Keza is a prime aged female with a nine year old son; but still ranks behind the four older females. Chiku would enter ranking not only below these five; but 13 year old Malika.

I only remember a little of the troop's early years, but I do remember that Lucifer was scared of Mike, and has a nervous disposition to this day, no doubt influenced by those early years. When I've visited Hamilton, Lucifer tends to stay by Lucy a lot and groom her intently, whereas Luka interacts with the whole troop, particularly his daughters; he seems to enjoy grooming them and sometimes being groomed by Sanda.

Chiku would indeed have some very strong females to contend with in Wellington - some of them, if I remember right, are descended from some notable Taronga chimps, including the likes of Spitter. Perhaps that would be a good reason to wait to disperse her until Kendi is old enough to go with her, and then she wouldn't be so alone in there, providing they choose Wellington as her eventual destination.

 

[Zoofan15]

I only remember a little of the troop's early years, but I do remember that Lucifer was scared of Mike, and has a nervous disposition to this day, no doubt influenced by those early years. When I've visited Hamilton, Lucifer tends to stay by Lucy a lot and groom her intently, whereas Luka interacts with the whole troop, particularly his daughters; he seems to enjoy grooming them and sometimes being groomed by Sanda.

Chiku would indeed have some very strong females to contend with in Wellington - some of them, if I remember right, are descended from some notable Taronga chimps, including the likes of Spitter. Perhaps that would be a good reason to wait to disperse her until Kendi is old enough to go with her, and then she wouldn't be so alone in there, providing they choose Wellington as her eventual destination.

Since Wellington has a large troop (10 chimpanzees +), I would definitely recommend transferring her with family support (i.e. Kendi). As we’ve seen at Taronga, introducing single chimpanzees is much more challenging to achieve.

Snowy (imported 1986) and Hannah (imported 2015) are both examples of single individuals who struggled to assimilate into Taronga’s troop.

Yes, Sally (current alpha female) is the daughter of Spitter, who was a high ranking female in her prime; Cara was the daughter of Bessie, a middle ranking female; and Samantha was the daughter of Sutu, an adolescent female with ambitions to secure a higher ranking.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Since Wellington has a large troop (10 chimpanzees +), I would definitely recommend transferring her with family support (i.e. Kendi). As we’ve seen at Taronga, introducing single chimpanzees is much more challenging to achieve.

Snowy (imported 1986) and Hannah (imported 2015) are both examples of single individuals who struggled to assimilate into Taronga’s troop.

Yes, Sally (current alpha female) is the daughter of Spitter, who was a high ranking female in her prime; Cara was the daughter of Bessie, a middle ranking female; and Samantha was the daughter of Sutu, an adolescent female with ambitions to secure a higher ranking.

Wellington's troop has a high number of females, too, so Chiku would definitely need that support from Kendi.

Is the Hannah you mentioned as struggling at Taronga the same Hannah who is now at Monarto, or a different one?

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington's troop has a high number of females, too, so Chiku would definitely need that support from Kendi.

Is the Hannah you mentioned as struggling at Taronga the same Hannah who is now at Monarto, or a different one?

Wellington’s troop are also extremely close knit. Cara, Samantha and Sally arrived together as adolescents in 1992 and relied on each other’s support coming into Wellington’s troop. Each of these females has a power status - with Cara being the mother of the alpha male; Samantha having the support of two adult daughters; and Sally being the alpha female and the mother of two sons. They’re a force to be reckoned with and a lone female would have a really difficult time assimilating into the troop.

Samantha and her daughter Malika currently rank the lowest in Wellington’s troop and so Malika especially would probably welcome new females she could dominate; similar to what we saw with Sembe when Ceres and Naomi joined Taronga’s community.

Yes, same Hannah. After failing to integrate into Taronga’s community, she transferred to Monarto along with Lani (a Taronga bred female). She’s since thrived in Monarto’s smaller troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Wellington’s troop are also extremely close knit. Cara, Samantha and Sally arrived together as adolescents in 1992 and relied on each other’s support coming into Wellington’s troop. Each of these females has a power status - with Cara being the mother of the alpha male; Samantha having the support of two adult daughters; and Sally being the alpha female and the mother of two sons. They’re a force to be reckoned with and a lone female would have a really difficult time assimilating into the troop.

Samantha and her daughter Malika currently rank the lowest in Wellington’s troop and so Malika especially would probably welcome new females she could dominate; similar to what we saw with Sembe when Ceres and Naomi joined Taronga’s community.

Yes, same Hannah. After failing to integrate into Taronga’s community, she transferred to Monarto along with Lani (a Taronga bred female). She’s since thrived in Monarto’s smaller troop.

Yes, I'd agree with you that it would be best to send both Chiku and Kendi, if Wellington is chosen. Even if they went elsewhere, which is less likely, it's best not to send a lone female - Hamilton would probably be considering Chima's fate in their decision.

Thanks for the information about Hannah. I did wonder if that was her, and she is indeed doing well at Monarto with her two healthy offspring (one the confirmed offspring of the late Tsotsi and the other possibly his also, so there is another connection with NZ and our Hamilton troop!)

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, I'd agree with you that it would be best to send both Chiku and Kendi, if Wellington is chosen. Even if they went elsewhere, which is less likely, it's best not to send a lone female - Hamilton would probably be considering Chima's fate in their decision.

Thanks for the information about Hannah. I did wonder if that was her, and she is indeed doing well at Monarto with her two healthy offspring (one the confirmed offspring of the late Tsotsi and the other possibly his also, so there is another connection with NZ and our Hamilton troop!)

Chima’s death was so tragic, especially considering how genetically valuable she was. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it would have been great to have seen Chima (1994) and Keza (1998) transferred to Hamilton Zoo together (Keza had a surprise pregnancy is 2014, preventing her transfer). They would have provided invaluable support to each other and Hamilton Zoo could have potentially had three breeding females.

The Taronga introductions were interesting to read about at the time. They introductions started with the introduction of alpha male (Lubutu) and beta male (Samaki) to the three new females (Ceres, Naomi and Hannah). The 2.3 ratio meant neither side was disadvantaged in numbers and by all reports, was a success.

Unfortunately, introductions to the wider community were more challenging. Koko in particular demonstrated persistent aggression to the new females according to reports on here and Ceres and Hannah struggled to assimilate. Due to her personality (and possibly age), the integration of Naomi went a lot smoother. She’s thriving in Taronga’s community and could well become the alpha female one day.