Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Samantha (1983-2025)

Some very sad news from Wellington Zoo today:

We are very sad to announce that this morning we said goodbye to Samantha, a beloved 41-year-old member of our Chimp community at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo.

Samantha came to the Zoo from Taronga Zoo in Sydney in 1992. She is mother to 2 other members of the community, Malika and Keza, and grandmother to Kitwe, one of the young males with whom she had a particularly strong bond.

Our Animal Care and Veterinary Teams monitor the ongoing health of all Zoo animals. In recent months, Samantha’s health had noticeably deteriorated due to age-related conditions, which were carefully managed with a tailored health care plan and medication. Sadly, this deterioration became more rapid in the last week and a half. As with all the animals we care for, Samantha’s welfare and quality of life are our top priorities, and this week we made the decision it was in her best interest to euthanise her.

We will give the Chimps the opportunity to say goodbye to Samantha. With the loss of any Chimp, there will be changes in social structure, and the Zookeepers will be closely monitoring the Chimps to observe their behaviour as they settle into the new structure.

It's strange that we were just talking about Samantha's mother and sister, and today we find out she has passed away! She will surely be missed at the Wellington Zoo, and I am sad that I won't get to see her again. It's fortunate that she has provided the zoo with 2 healthy daughters and a grandson and hopefully will have further descendants via Malika.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the clarification re Mike and Lucy! I did read somewhere that Lisa was thought to be a better match for him, but she was too young at the time, and they sent Lucy because they thought it would inspire maternal urges in Susie and Sally (but as we all know, that didn't happen - was that your post?)

And thank you for the updates about Wellington. They seem like a fun troop, and I hope there will be another infant from Malika at some point (given the behaviour of Alexis, it sounds promising!)

I do remember reading about Charlie - was he the chimp who spat on a visitor who threatened to sue the zoo over it? I'm pretty sure I remember Susie picking up the spitting habit, too, but thankfully Sally never seemed to have done so!

That was indeed my post. There were many better options than Lucy. I would also have suggested Belle, who was born 1975 like Lucy and conceived her first offspring around the time Lucy and Loanda were sent to Auckland Zoo. Any female sired by Bobby’s replacement (Jojo) would have been a better genetic match for Mike bar his sister Melissa (1978).

A Tiger by the Tail mentioned a chimpanzee filling its mouth with water and spraying it over a well-dressed man, but didn’t specifically name the chimpanzee. He did indeed threaten legal action against the zoo according to the book.

It's strange that we were just talking about Samantha's mother and sister, and today we find out she has passed away! She will surely be missed at the Wellington Zoo, and I am sad that I won't get to see her again. It's fortunate that she has provided the zoo with 2 healthy daughters and a grandson and hopefully will have further descendants via Malika.

It’s very sad and indeed coincidental given our discussion this morning. She will be a great loss to Wellington’s troop - not least to her daughters. She was a great support to Keza in raising Kitwe and undoubtedly would have fulfilled the same role with Malika.

Samantha and Malika have been the lowest ranking females for some time now. Samantha’s son Temba was at one stage the beta male and she benefited from his status; but since his death and the rise of Alexis to the alpha position she dropped in status.

 

[Jambo]

Samantha (1983-2025)

Some very sad news from Wellington Zoo today:

From socials:

We are very sad to announce that this morning we said goodbye to Samantha, a beloved 41-year-old member of our Chimp community at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo.

Samantha came to the Zoo from Taronga Zoo in Sydney in 1992. She is mother to 2 other members of the community, Malika and Keza, and grandmother to Kitwe, one of the young males with whom she had a particularly strong bond.

Our Animal Care and Veterinary Teams monitor the ongoing health of all Zoo animals. In recent months, Samantha’s health had noticeably deteriorated due to age-related conditions, which were carefully managed with a tailored health care plan and medication. Sadly, this deterioration became more rapid in the last week and a half. As with all the animals we care for, Samantha’s welfare and quality of life are our top priorities, and this week we made the decision it was in her best interest to euthanise her.

We will give the Chimps the opportunity to say goodbye to Samantha. With the loss of any Chimp, there will be changes in social structure, and the Zookeepers will be closely monitoring the Chimps to observe their behaviour as they settle into the new structure.

Very sad news to learn considering the integral role she's played in the growth and success of Wellington's troop over the last few decades - mothering three offspring, two of which still survive today. And was once a high ranking female prior to her sons death.

Even though she was a long ranking female over the last decade, she was still incredibly close with both her daughters and her grandson and very well respected amongst the others.

Her line will ultimately continue through her two daughters, both of which will hopefully be given the opportunity to conceive again asap. Keza herself, being off contraception at the present time.

 

[Jambo]

That was indeed my post. There were many better options than Lucy. I would also have suggested Belle, who was born 1975 like Lucy and conceived her first offspring around the time Lucy and Loanda were sent to Auckland Zoo. Any female sired by Bobby’s replacement (Jojo) would have been a better genetic match for Mike bar his sister Melissa (1978).

The intention was to apparently send a female with a young offspring to teach Suzie and Sally how to mother. Ultimately they didn't really consider the ramifications of introducing Mike to an infant - although perhaps they believed he would 'spare' Loanda due to him being familiar with Lucy as they grew up in the same troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That was indeed my post. There were many better options than Lucy. I would also have suggested Belle, who was born 1975 like Lucy and conceived her first offspring around the time Lucy and Loanda were sent to Auckland Zoo. Any female sired by Bobby’s replacement (Jojo) would have been a better genetic match for Mike bar his sister Melissa (1978).

A Tiger by the Tail mentioned a chimpanzee filling its mouth with water and spraying it over a well-dressed man, but didn’t specifically name the chimpanzee. He did indeed threaten legal action against the zoo according to the book.


It’s very sad and indeed coincidental given our discussion this morning. She will be a great loss to Wellington’s troop - not least to her daughters. She was a great support to Keza in raising Kitwe and undoubtedly would have fulfilled the same role with Malika.

Samantha and Malika have been the lowest ranking females for some time now. Samantha’s son Temba was at one stage the beta male and she benefited from his status; but since his death and the rise of Alexis to the alpha position she dropped in status.

Given the circumstances, it's fortunate indeed that Lucifer, Luka and their offspring have suffered no birth defects due to inbreeding!

It's been a long time since I sadly misplaced my copy of A Tiger by the Tail - although it did contain some inaccurate information, there was a lot of valuable historical stuff in there too. From what I read, Charlie the chimpanzee was quite the prankster!

Samantha's sad passing means that Shona is the last survivor of Sutu's Taronga-born infants - I read online that Sumu, who was renamed Mamatha at Hyderabad Zoo, passed away at the age of 21.

 

[Zoofan15]

Given the circumstances, it's fortunate indeed that Lucifer, Luka and their offspring have suffered no birth defects due to inbreeding!

It's been a long time since I sadly misplaced my copy of A Tiger by the Tail - although it did contain some inaccurate information, there was a lot of valuable historical stuff in there too. From what I read, Charlie the chimpanzee was quite the prankster!

Samantha's sad passing means that Shona is the last survivor of Sutu's Taronga-born infants - I read online that Sumu, who was renamed Mamatha at Hyderabad Zoo, passed away at the age of 21.

Inbreeding has unfortunately been quite common across the region’s chimpanzee population. Bebe (1962) has seven offspring at Wellington Zoo - including Boyd, Marty and Snowy. All were sired by her father Tom. Lani at Taronga Zoo was the product of a father daughter mating.

Yes, sadly Sumu died aged 21 having never bred. Although I can’t find any record to confirm either way, it seems likely that Sutu died young too. Most of the great apes Australia exported to Indian zoos died within a few years.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The intention was to apparently send a female with a young offspring to teach Suzie and Sally how to mother. Ultimately they didn't really consider the ramifications of introducing Mike to an infant - although perhaps they believed he would 'spare' Loanda due to him being familiar with Lucy as they grew up in the same troop.

Loanda's fate was indeed a tragedy, although such things can be sadly common with aggressive males. And Mike seemed to have inherited his mother Mary's temperament - she was known for her aggression towards the infants of others, to the point of infanticide.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very sad news to learn considering the integral role she's played in the growth and success of Wellington's troop over the last few decades - mothering three offspring, two of which still survive today. And was once a high ranking female prior to her sons death.

Even though she was a long ranking female over the last decade, she was still incredibly close with both her daughters and her grandson and very well respected amongst the others.

Her line will ultimately continue through her two daughters, both of which will hopefully be given the opportunity to conceive again asap. Keza herself, being off contraception at the present time.

Samantha was fortunate to produce a son early on, which especially as he matured into adulthood, contributed to her high ranking. Temba was four years older than Cara’s son Alexis and Bakari is Sally’s first son to survive to adulthood, though she’s curiously attained the highest ranking position - testament to her political nous. She was the king maker in assisting Alexis take control of the troop.

Samantha’s line at Wellington is secure. Keza is actually back on contraception; but Malika is now off and will hopefully produce an infant this year.

 

[Zoofan15]

The intention was to apparently send a female with a young offspring to teach Suzie and Sally how to mother. Ultimately they didn't really consider the ramifications of introducing Mike to an infant - although perhaps they believed he would 'spare' Loanda due to him being familiar with Lucy as they grew up in the same troop.

Loanda's fate was indeed a tragedy, although such things can be sadly common with aggressive males. And Mike seemed to have inherited his mother Mary's temperament - she was known for her aggression towards the infants of others, to the point of infanticide.

It was incredibly tragic. Christine Tintinger noted on The Zoo that Mike and Lucy were a close pair while at Taronga, which may have been another contributing reason to send Lucy, though the primary purpose was to provide Auckland Zoo with a mother-raised female that the hand-raised females could observe mating with Mike (something they didn’t allow him to do). They would have benefitted from observing maternal care of an infant - but getting them pregnant in the first place was the issue.

Mary was a very aggressive female; though according to reports, keepers believed Mike was only acting on instinct - noting he never once tried to hurt Lucy in the attack. The infanticide is thought to be inspired by an innate desire by the male to bring the mother back in season, so it’s ironic that Lucifer (Lucy’s first infant with Mike) was born close to three years later.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Inbreeding has unfortunately been quite common across the region’s chimpanzee population. Bebe (1962) has seven offspring at Wellington Zoo - including Boyd, Marty and Snowy. All were sired by her father Tom. Lani at Taronga Zoo was the product of a father daughter mating.

Yes, sadly Sumu died aged 21 having never bred. Although I can’t find any record to confirm either way, it seems likely that Sutu died young too. Most of the great apes Australia exported to Indian zoos died within a few years.

It's fortunate that zoos in this region are more vigilant about inbreeding risks now! I'd heard there was some inbreeding happening with the Perth orangutans at one point - possibly that may have led to Utama being removed from the breeding programme).

I'd hoped that Sutu was still with us, but sadly from that Hyderabad Zoo article, you seem to be correct that she has passed away. I can't seem to find out if she had any more offspring in India, though it is heartening to see that her line is secure via Wellington Zoo.

Was it Hyderabad Zoo where the tea party chimps were originally supposed to be sent? From what I've been hearing, I am glad they weren't sent there (and hope things have improved at that zoo since those times for great apes!)

 

[Jambo]

Samantha was fortunate to produce a son early on, which especially as he matured into adulthood, contributed to her high ranking. Temba was four years older than Cara’s son Alexis and Bakari is Sally’s first son to survive to adulthood, though she’s curiously attained the highest ranking position - testament to her political nous. She was the king maker in assisting Alexis take control of the troop.

Samantha’s line at Wellington is secure. Keza is actually back on contraception; but Malika is now off and will hopefully produce an infant this year.

No surprise re. Sally when you consider she grew up in a high ranking family at Taronga - headed by her mother, Spitter and her older siblings, including older sister Sacha and uncle Danny who was effectively the alpha following Jojo's transfer to the USA.

That's interesting to hear Keza's back on contraception. Is there a specific reason for that?

 

[Jambo]

Was it Hyderabad Zoo where the tea party chimps were originally supposed to be sent? From what I've been hearing, I am glad they weren't sent there (and hope things have improved at that zoo since those times for great apes!)

Which chimps are you referring too?

 

[Zoofan15]

It's fortunate that zoos in this region are more vigilant about inbreeding risks now! I'd heard there was some inbreeding happening with the Perth orangutans at one point - possibly that may have led to Utama being removed from the breeding programme).

I'd hoped that Sutu was still with us, but sadly from that Hyderabad Zoo article, you seem to be correct that she has passed away. I can't seem to find out if she had any more offspring in India, though it is heartening to see that her line is secure via Wellington Zoo.

Was it Hyderabad Zoo where the tea party chimps were originally supposed to be sent? From what I've been hearing, I am glad they weren't sent there (and hope things have improved at that zoo since those times for great apes!)

Yes, Puteri had one offspring with her brother and two with her father (including Utama). Horst and Dara at Auckland Zoo were also half-siblings.

I’m open to correction, but I’ve never heard of plans to send Auckland Zoo’s tea party chimps to Hyderabad. Following the unsuccessful attempt to integrate them with Mike and the other in the 1980’s, I believe the plan was for them to live out their retirement years at Auckland Zoo. They even collected Bobby’s semen to investigate using it for AI (I suspect at Taronga Zoo on Shiba and Chiki).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Which chimps are you referring too?

Janie, Josie and Bobby at Auckland Zoo were rumored to be transferred to a zoo in India at some point, but for some reason Auckland decided to retain these chimps rather than export them.

 

[Jambo]

Mary was a very aggressive female; though according to reports, keepers believed Mike was only acting on instinct - noting he never once tried to hurt Lucy in the attack. The infanticide is thought to be inspired by an innate desire by the male to bring the mother back in season, so it’s ironic that Lucifer (Lucy’s first infant with Mike) was born close to three years later.

This is usually the case when introducing an unrelated male of any species to a mother with her offspring. It's natural instinct to do exactly as you say so it's surprising that Auckland at the time supposedly failed to recognise this. Unless they believed Mike's familiarity with Lucy would prevent this from occurring - especially if they were noted to be close at Taronga.

 

[Jambo]

Janie, Josie and Bobby at Auckland Zoo were rumored to be transferred to a zoo in India at some point, but for some reason Auckland decided to retain these chimps rather than export them.

That's interesting. If this was in the 90's when a lot of the regions surplus great apes were sent to India, it's very very possible they could've been destined to Hyderabad.

 

[Zoofan15]

Janie, Josie and Bobby at Auckland Zoo were rumored to be transferred to a zoo in India at some point, but for some reason Auckland decided to retain these chimps rather than export them.

That’s interesting to hear. I too am glad they didn’t.

Taronga and Melbourne’s Hyderabad exports were as follows:

Taronga Zoo:

Exported 16/10/1992:

1.0 Danny (22/07/1974)
0.1 Sutu (28/12/1974)
1.0 Mervin (01/02/1982)
0.1 Cheena (15/08/1985)
0.1 Sumu (18/05/1991)

Melbourne Zoo:

Exported 15/10/1992:

0.1 June (15/09/1960)

Perth Zoo also sent their 1.1 pair (Jamie and Lollipop) the same year.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, Puteri had one offspring with her brother and two with her father (including Utama). Horst and Dara at Auckland Zoo were also half-siblings.

I’m open to correction, but I’ve never heard of plans to send Auckland Zoo’s tea party chimps to Hyderabad. Following the unsuccessful attempt to integrate them with Mike and the other in the 1980’s, I believe the plan was for them to live out their retirement years at Auckland Zoo. They even collected Bobby’s semen to investigate using it for AI (I suspect at Taronga Zoo on Shiba and Chiki).

Thanks for that! I did hear a rumor that Auckland were considering sending the tea party chimps to India, that could have been misinformation from somewhere along the line.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's interesting to hear Keza's back on contraception. Is there a specific reason for that?

Yes, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure last year and is on medication to manage this. As a result she is on contraception until Wellington Zoo are satisfied she’s in good health long term to gestate and raise an infant.

In the meantime, her younger sister Malika recently came off contraception which may have happened anyway given she’s 15 years old this year and an excellent match for Alexis.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for that! I did hear a rumor that Auckland were considering sending the tea party chimps to India, that could have been misinformation from somewhere along the line.

Quite possible it was a discussion that came to nothing. With the exception of June, the chimpanzees sent were young chimpanzees with greater applications to breeding programmes over there.

From reports, it seems some were dispersed early on to other Indian zoos. Cheena for example died in Lucknow in 2002 aged 17 years. A stomach infection was misdiagnosed as pregnancy.