Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Born at Adelaide Zoo, Sanda lived for many years as the lowest ranking female of their troop. Her mother was the highest ranking female; and then the other two adult females (until their deaths). Her brother Tsotsi would have outranked all of them by adolescence/young adulthood. It was therefore easy for Sanda to make the adjustment to Hamilton’s troop; unlike Fimi, who struggled.

It’s amazing to think there’s only 10 years between Lucy and Sanda. Their lives have both taken very different trajectories. Though she was only 10 years old upon her import by Auckland Zoo in 1985, Lucy was socially savy and would have effortlessly rose above Suzie and Sally in ranking - possibly even before she had Lucifer and Luka, which cemented her position as alpha female. For them, she would have provided a welcome diversion of Mike’s attention. They were a close pair by all accounts despite his temper and the incident with Loanda (which could be expected from any male).

Only 10 years? Wow, that's interesting. And yes, I remember an Auckland keeper telling me that when Lucy first came to Auckland, Mike snubbed Suzie and Sally in favour of her and would only mate with her. Which was ironic, as Lucy was intended to be a role model to encourage breeding behaviour in Suzie and Sally. It was such a shame that Suzie and Sally were behavioural non-breeders. Sally in particular I think would have taken to motherhood well despite her being hand-reared, given her good relationship with Chiku. A Hamilton keeper told me that Luka occasionally mated with Sally and that he actually had a bit of a soft spot for her, but I suppose by that stage Sally was post-reproductive.

 

[Zoofan15]

Only 10 years? Wow, that's interesting. And yes, I remember an Auckland keeper telling me that when Lucy first came to Auckland, Mike snubbed Suzie and Sally in favour of her and would only mate with her. Which was ironic, as Lucy was intended to be a role model to encourage breeding behaviour in Suzie and Sally. It was such a shame that Suzie and Sally were behavioural non-breeders. Sally in particular I think would have taken to motherhood well despite her being hand-reared, given her good relationship with Chiku. A Hamilton keeper told me that Luka occasionally mated with Sally and that he actually had a bit of a soft spot for her, but I suppose by that stage Sally was post-reproductive.

Yes, Sanda gave birth to a female infant at the age of eight years at Adelaide Zoo, which died in infancy; but otherwise came to motherhood late in life, being 23 years old upon her import into New Zealand and then taking a further eight years to produce an infant. Luka’s fascination with Sally during her estrus cycle was in fact partly attributed to the delay in Sanda conceiving. Apparently their cycles overlapped and he guarded Sally; but presumably wouldn’t allow Lucifer anywhere near Sanda either!

You’re right, it was hoped observing Mike and Lucy would encourage Suzie and Sally to mate with Mike. Genetic diversity wasn’t a major consideration in 1982 (when Mike was imported) and the focus would have been on breeding full stop; but Suzie and Sally were genetically valuable females. It’s a shame Auckland’s tea party founders never bred as prolifically as Wellington’s troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, Sanda gave birth to a female infant at the age of eight years at Adelaide Zoo, which died in infancy; but otherwise came to motherhood late in life, being 23 years old upon her import into New Zealand and then taking a further eight years to produce an infant. Luka’s fascination with Sally during her estrus cycle was in fact partly attributed to the delay in Sanda conceiving. Apparently their cycles overlapped and he guarded Sally; but presumably wouldn’t allow Lucifer anywhere near Sanda either!

You’re right, it was hoped observing Mike and Lucy would encourage Suzie and Sally to mate with Mike. Genetic diversity wasn’t a major consideration in 1982 (when Mike was imported) and the focus would have been on breeding full stop; but Suzie and Sally were genetically valuable females. It’s a shame Auckland’s tea party founders never bred as prolifically as Wellington’s troop.

It was very sad that our tea party chimps didn't breed like Wallington's, it's true - was it Yoka who went on to have quite a few descendants?

At least New Zealand can have a role in producing more genetically valuable chimpanzees via Hamilton and Wellington. Although their paternal line is well represented, Chiku and Kendi from Hamilton would have great value in future as their maternal line is under-represented, especially with the unfortunate passing of Sanda's younger brother, Tsotsi.

 

[Zoofan15]

It was very sad that our tea party chimps didn't breed like Wallington's, it's true - was it Yoka who went on to have quite a few descendants?

At least New Zealand can have a role in producing more genetically valuable chimpanzees via Hamilton and Wellington. Although their paternal line is well represented, Chiku and Kendi from Hamilton would have great value in future as their maternal line is under-represented, especially with the unfortunate passing of Sanda's younger brother, Tsotsi.

Yoka is the fourth most represented founder in the region (behind Bobby, Fifi and Tom in that order).

Chiku and Kendi are certainly genetically valuable as even through their paternal line, they descend from Mary, who is much less represented than her peers. Her only descendant at Taronga is Shabani and he’s up against seven other males (most of which are higher ranking) for siring infants at Taronga Zoo.

Auckland Zoo obtained semen from Bobby prior to his death. It was sent to Sydney University, but was found to be of insufficient motility to use. I suspect Chiki and Shiba at Taronga Zoo would have been the recipients; or potentially Fimi and Sanda at Adelaide Zoo. It’s a shame he never contributed to the regional population.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yoka is the fourth most represented founder in the region (behind Bobby, Fifi and Tom in that order). She has a minimum of 27 descendants, with a further four potential descendants pending paternity results at Taronga and Monarto.

Chiku and Kendi are certainly genetically valuable as even through their paternal line, they descend from Mary, who is much less represented than her peers. Her only descendant at Taronga is Shabani and he’s up against seven other males (most of which are higher ranking) for siring infants at Taronga Zoo.

Auckland Zoo obtained semen from Bobby prior to his death. It was sent to Sydney University, but was found to be of insufficient motility to use. I suspect Chiki and Shiba at Taronga Zoo would have been the recipients; or potentially Fimi and Sanda at Adelaide Zoo. It’s a shame he never contributed to the regional population.

It certainly was a shame that the semen from Bobby wasn't viable, but it is heartening to see that not one but two valuable lines have the chance to live on through Chiku and Kendi. When you mentioned Shabani, I was confused for a moment because a more famous Shabani, the Higashiyama Zoo gorilla, who for a time was indeed a resident of Taronga Zoo!

 

[Zoofan15]

It certainly was a shame that the semen from Bobby wasn't viable, but it is heartening to see that not one but two valuable lines have the chance to live on through Chiku and Kendi. When you mentioned Shabani, I was confused for a moment because a more famous Shabani, the Higashiyama Zoo gorilla, who for a time was indeed a resident of Taronga Zoo!

Interestingly, Shabani the chimpanzee at Taronga was originally called Kibale. They named Spitter’s last infant Gombe; and Sacha’s daughter Kike, which was similarly detractions from their long standing initials tradition. I suspect it was due to having so many S names, but then Shiba’s son was renamed Shabani. I think it’s no coincidence that Shiba had Shabani in 1994; and Sacha had Sandali in 1996. It appears they attempted to differentiate the lines with the first two letters; albeit a plan which went out the window when they had Samaki and Shikamoo in the 2000’s.

The other great loss was that of Ernie at Melbourne Zoo, a son of Ted and Molly. Ted has no living descendants and Molly’s sole surviving descendant is Gandali at Rockhampton. I really hope he’s Hamilton’s future breeding male.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Interestingly, Shabani the chimpanzee at Taronga was originally called Kibale. They named Spitter’s last infant Gombe; and Sacha’s daughter Kike, which was similarly detractions from their long standing initials tradition. I suspect it was due to having so many S names, but then Shiba’s son was renamed Shabani. I think it’s no coincidence that Shiba had Shabani in 1994; and Sacha had Sandali in 1996. It appears they attempted to differentiate the lines with the first two letters; albeit a plan which went out the window when they had Samaki and Shikamoo in the 2000’s.

The other great loss was that of Ernie at Melbourne Zoo, a son of Ted and Molly. Ted has no living descendants and Molly’s sole surviving descendant is Gandali at Rockhampton. I really hope he’s Hamilton’s future breeding male.

That's very interesting! And it would be amazing if Gandali became Hamilton's future breeding male. Is the Gombe you mentioned a different Gombe from the one at Monarto - I remember hearing that he and his father Boyd were brought over from Wellington?

 

[Zoofan15]

That's very interesting! And it would be amazing if Gandali became Hamilton's future breeding male. Is the Gombe you mentioned a different Gombe from the one at Monarto - I remember hearing that he and his father Boyd were brought over from Wellington?

Yes, the Gombe’s I refer to are:

1.0 Gombe (1988) - Taronga Zoo (Danny x Spitter)
1.0 Gombe (1993) - Wellington Zoo (Boyd x Jodie)

Depending on the ages of all involved, they could potentially integrate Gandali with another male of around the ages of late juvenile/early adolescence.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, the Gombe’s I refer to are:

1.0 Gombe (1988) - Taronga Zoo (Danny x Spitter)
1.0 Gombe (1993) - Wellington Zoo (Boyd x Jodie)

Depending on the ages of all involved, they could potentially integrate Gandali with another male of around the ages of late juvenile/early adolescence.

Thanks for the clarification, I was pretty sure there was more than one Gombe but wasn't 100% certain.

If Gandali and possibly another male were brought to Hamilton, would this scenario likely mean that Hamilton would retain Chiku and Kendi rather than dispersing them?

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the clarification, I was pretty sure there was more than one Gombe but wasn't 100% certain.

If Gandali and possibly another male were brought to Hamilton, would this scenario likely mean that Hamilton would retain Chiku and Kendi rather than dispersing them?

Yes it would. Sanda would be retired from breeding obviously, but an additional two unrelated adolescent females could be brought in to join Chiku and Kendi as breeders. It’d be a great opportunity to introduce males and females.

Chiku (2016) could breed up until circa 2056
Kendi (2020) could breed up until circa 2060

Combined with two additional females, that’d be a great founder base akin to Wellington’s 1992 import from Taronga.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes it would. Sanda would be retired from breeding obviously, but an additional two unrelated adolescent females could be brought in to join Chiku and Kendi as breeders. It’d be a great opportunity to introduce males and females.

Chiku (2016) could breed up until circa 2056
Kendi (2020) could breed up until circa 2060

Combined with two additional females, that’d be a great founder base akin to Wellington’s 1992 import from Taronga.

Ideally, I would love to see Hamilton's chimp colony become as strong and thriving as Wellington's or Taronga's. How that will develop, though, only time will tell.

 

[Zoofan15]

Ideally, I would love to see Hamilton's chimp colony become as strong and thriving as Wellington's or Taronga's. How that will develop, though, only time will tell.

Hamilton Zoo have a massive exhibit (with the renovations only slightly reducing the footprint) and could accomodate a much larger troop. Taronga have a smaller exhibit and hold a community of 21 chimpanzees.

While I appreciate Hamilton Zoo have faced challenges in increasing the size of their troop; the options to do so going forward are clear and I hope it’s something they’ll give consideration to. Like elephants, chimpanzees thrive in larger group sizes, more representive of the natural social order of this species.

Spoiler: Exhibit Sizes

Rockhampton: 1000m2
Wellington: 1500m2 estimate
Taronga: 1910m2
Hamilton: 2500m2 estimate
Monarto: 3000m2

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo have a massive exhibit (with the renovations only slightly reducing the footprint) and could accomodate a much larger troop. Taronga have a smaller exhibit and hold a community of 21 chimpanzees.

While I appreciate Hamilton Zoo have faced challenges in increasing the size of their troop; the options to do so going forward are clear and I hope it’s something they’ll give consideration to. Like elephants, chimpanzees thrive in larger group sizes, more representive of the natural social order of this species.

Spoiler: Exhibit Sizes

Rockhampton: 1000m2
Wellington: 1500m2 estimate
Taronga: 1910m2
Hamilton: 2500m2 estimate
Monarto: 3000m2

I personally would love to see a larger troop of chimpanzees at Hamilton, and hope they will be able to achieve this in the future! As happy and stable as the current family are, it would be beneficial to increase its size with imports and hopefully the birth of more infants.

 

[Zoofan15]

I personally would love to see a larger troop of chimpanzees at Hamilton, and hope they will be able to achieve this in the future! As happy and stable as the current family are, it would be beneficial to increase its size with imports and hopefully the birth of more infants.

Husbandry guidelines for the region recommend a minimum of three adult males. In the wild, adult males band together to form patrols and so it’s easy to see how even with a captive setting, this would lead to them feeling more secure. In captive troops, it leads to a healthier culture with fair leaders arising to the alpha position versus tyrants ending up there by default i.e. by virtue of being the only male.

A minimum of four adult females is an additional recommendation. Lucy turns 50 next year, so it’s a sad reality she might not be around a decade from now. Looking to the future, if the plan is for Chiku and Kendi to be retained (with new males imported), a minimum of two additional females would be advisable from a social perspective. A lone female would otherwise be up against two sisters, who will be even more formidable if Sanda is still around to support them.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Husbandry guidelines for the region recommend a minimum of three adult males. In the wild, adult males band together to form patrols and so it’s easy to see how even with a captive setting, this would lead to them feeling more secure. In captive troops, it leads to a healthier culture with fair leaders arising to the alpha position versus tyrants ending up there by default i.e. by virtue of being the only male.

A minimum of four adult females is an additional recommendation. Lucy turns 50 next year, so it’s a sad reality she might not be around a decade from now. Looking to the future, if the plan is for Chiku and Kendi to be retained (with new males imported), a minimum of two additional females would be advisable from a social perspective. A lone female would otherwise be up against two sisters, who will be even more formidable if Sanda is still around to support them.

It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out if they decide to retain Chiku and Kendi. Perhaps it would be advisable to find another pair of sisters to import if they get new females, or a mother and daughter.

 

[Zoofan15]

It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out if they decide to retain Chiku and Kendi. Perhaps it would be advisable to find another pair of sisters to import if they get new females, or a mother and daughter.

The ideal would be two unrelated females from the same troop. That way they’d bring genetic diversity to the region; while having the close bond to support each other going into the troop. It’s a rare commodity given most zoos have troops formed over decades of successive generations; but within our region, Monarto are an example of a zoo who could provide this (purely used an example given their relatedness to Hamilton’s females).

The next best option would be sisters or a mother and daughter pairing as you suggest. Adolescent females tend to assimilate into new troops better (so sisters would be ideal); but a mild mannered, low ranking adult female could well make the adjustment.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The ideal would be two unrelated females from the same troop. That way they’d bring genetic diversity to the region; while having the close bond to support each other going into the troop. It’s a rare commodity given most zoos have troops formed over decades of successive generations; but within our region, Monarto are an example of a zoo who could provide this (purely used an example given their relatedness to Hamilton’s females).

The next best option would be sisters or a mother and daughter pairing as you suggest. Adolescent females tend to assimilate into new troops better (so sisters would be ideal); but a mild mannered, low ranking adult female could well make the adjustment.

That makes sense. Hopefully the ideal female pair can be sourced when the time comes, if Hamilton Zoo doesn't decide to send Chiku and Kendi to Wellington after all.

 

[Jambo]

That makes sense. Hopefully the ideal female pair can be sourced when the time comes, if Hamilton Zoo doesn't decide to send Chiku and Kendi to Wellington after all.

Hamilton do have the unique opportunity to rebuild their whole troop within the next decade - with most of their chimps ageing. In a decades time, there's a good chance only four of the chimps will be left (Luka, Sanda, Chiku and Kendi). It would probably be best imo to wait until both Luka and Sanda eventually pass before sending Chiku and Kendi elsewhere. Or, in the event Luka passes before Sanda, I do think Sanda should be sent with them somewhere else.

The priority should be to completely start over, ie. new males and new females. Preferably both from overseas, but even one half like Monarto did would still be beneficial to the region. If this was to be done, I'd assume it would be females from within the region (following the natural pattern), and the sisters at Rockhampton (Capri and Mzuri) would be prime candidates alongside young females from Taronga (like Safiri and Cekiri).

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton do have the unique opportunity to rebuild their whole troop within the next decade - with most of their chimps ageing. In a decades time, there's a good chance only four of the chimps will be left (Luka, Sanda, Chiku and Kendi). It would probably be best imo to wait until both Luka and Sanda eventually pass before sending Chiku and Kendi elsewhere. Or, in the event Luka passes before Sanda, I do think Sanda should be sent with them somewhere else.

The priority should be to completely start over, ie. new males and new females. Preferably both from overseas, but even one half like Monarto did would still be beneficial to the region. If this was to be done, I'd assume it would be females from within the region (following the natural pattern), and the sisters at Rockhampton (Capri and Mzuri) would be prime candidates alongside young females from Taronga (like Safiri and Cekiri).

The demographics of Hamilton’s troop certainly present a rare opportunity we’re unlikely to see in the region for a long time to come. Considering nearly every viable male in the region descends from well represented founders, I’m hopeful the opportunity will be taken to import males from outside the region first and foremost.

Luka is 31 years, so it’s difficult to say how much longer he’ll be around for. The region’s eldest male (Cassius) turns 53 years this year; but he’s very much a statistical outlier with both Taronga and Wellington yet to see a male exceed 40 years.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Chiku and Kendi’s destination rested on the longevity of Hamilton’s males. If they reach their mid-teens and Lucifer and Luka are both still around (and in good health), I don’t foresee a transfer (to Wellington for example) being delayed. If however, Hamilton were to lose Lucifer and Luka within a shorter space of time, they could be retained to form the next troop. They’re genetically valuable females and Hamilton may be reluctant to undertake the import of an entire troop from scratch. Rockhampton have publicly stated Capri and Mzuri will transfer out, so I’d agree they’d be ideal candidates for joining the Hamilton troop (unless Wellington get them first).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The demographics of Hamilton’s troop certainly present a rare opportunity we’re unlikely to see in the region for a long time to come. Considering nearly every viable male in the region descends from well represented founders, I’m hopeful the opportunity will be taken to import males from outside the region first and foremost.

Luka is 31 years, so it’s difficult to say how much longer he’ll be around for. The region’s eldest male (Cassius) turns 53 years this year; but he’s very much a statistical outlier with both Taronga and Wellington yet to see a male exceed 40 years.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Chiku and Kendi’s destination rested on the longevity of Hamilton’s males. If they reach their mid-teens and Lucifer and Luka are both still around (and in good health), I don’t foresee a transfer (to Wellington for example) being delayed. If however, Hamilton were to lose Lucifer and Luka within a shorter space of time, they could be retained to form the next troop. They’re genetically valuable females and Hamilton may be reluctant to undertake the import of an entire troop from scratch. Rockhampton have publicly stated Capri and Mzuri will transfer out, so I’d agree they’d be ideal candidates for joining the Hamilton troop (unless Wellington get them first).

If Capri and Mzuri transfer out, I would very much like to see them come to Hamilton to build up that troop, but a lot will depend on which males they decide are more desirable to breed from at the time.