Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo - Sanda’s infant is due any day:

According to this post on socials this evening, Sanda’s infant is due any day. The keepers have begun preparations for the birth, including providing extra bedding for the troop.

Fingers crossed for a safe delivery of the region’s first chimpanzee infant of 2025!

From socials:

Big love is on the way! Our zoo family is growing, and here’s the very first glimpse of our baby chimp.

Nurtured with expert care and surrounded by kindness, this little one is due to arrive any day now—and we can’t wait to welcome the newest member of our troop!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1171579411324686

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo - Sanda’s infant is due any day:

According to this post on socials this evening, Sanda’s infant is due any day. The keepers have begun preparations for the birth, including providing extra bedding for the troop.

Fingers crossed for a safe delivery of the region’s first chimpanzee infant of 2025!

From socials:

Big love is on the way! Our zoo family is growing, and here’s the very first glimpse of our baby chimp.

Nurtured with expert care and surrounded by kindness, this little one is due to arrive any day now—and we can’t wait to welcome the newest member of our troop!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1171579411324686

I am very glad to hear that all is going well with the infant and with preparations for the birth, although I am still mystified as to why it took so long to announce the impending arrival on social media!

 

[Zoofan15]

I am very glad to hear that all is going well with the infant and with preparations for the birth, although I am still mystified as to why it took so long to announce the impending arrival on social media!

Sanda’s pregnancy with Chiku (born February 2016) was announced January 2016; and Sanda’s pregnancy with Kendi (born December 2020) was announced December 2020, so this announcement is in line with this trend.

One explanation could be that female chimpanzees only test positive at the start and at the end of their pregnancy, so they may not have genuinely known until this last month. Sanda was clearly pregnant when I saw her on my last visit; but on my previous visit (a month earlier), there was far less indication visually, showing the difference another month can make.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Sanda’s pregnancy with Chiku (born February 2016) was announced January 2016; and Sanda’s pregnancy with Kendi (born December 2020) was announced December 2020, so this announcement is in line with this trend.

One explanation could be that female chimpanzees only test positive at the start and at the end of their pregnancy, so they may not have genuinely known until this last month. Sanda was clearly pregnant when I saw her on my last visit; but on my previous visit (a month earlier), there was far less indication visually, showing the difference another month can make.

That makes sense, if that is the development pattern for chimpanzee infants. I seem to remember the pregnancy announcements for Chiku and Kendi being earlier, but that's obviously just me misremembering, or getting confused with the relatively early announcement of Melur's pregnancy in Auckland. Anyhow, I am happy that all is progressing well with Sanda!

 

[Zoofan15]

That makes sense, if that is the development pattern for chimpanzee infants. I seem to remember the pregnancy announcements for Chiku and Kendi being earlier, but that's obviously just me misremembering, or getting confused with the relatively early announcement of Melur's pregnancy in Auckland. Anyhow, I am happy that all is progressing well with Sanda!

One thing I should have mentioned is Sanda is clearly ultrasound trained, so it may have been a deliberate decision to delay announcing it (i.e. they may have been aware for some time). The infant mortality rate is reasonably high in captivity (a Taronga study once noted it to be 40%), with maternal age and number of previous births being an influencing factor.

Sanda’s first infant (born 1993, when she was eight years old) died as an infant; but Chiku and Kendi have of course survived. Sanda is 40 years old, but females like Lisa at Taronga have produced infants as late as 43 years old without issue, so I’m optimistic all will go well for Sanda. Though lower ranking than Lucy, she’s not at inherent risk of any infanticide attempts, especially with Luka’s protection.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

One thing I should have mentioned is Sanda is clearly ultrasound trained, so it may have been a deliberate decision to delay announcing it (i.e. they may have been aware for some time). The infant mortality rate is reasonably high in captivity (a Taronga study once noted it to be 40%), with maternal age and number of previous births being an influencing factor.

Sanda’s first infant (born 1993, when she was eight years old) died as an infant; but Chiku and Kendi have of course survived. Sanda is 40 years old, but females like Lisa at Taronga have produced infants as late as 43 years old without issue, so I’m optimistic all will go well for Sanda. Though lower ranking than Lucy, she’s not at inherent risk of any infanticide attempts, especially with Luka’s protection.

This also makes sense. Sanda is lucky to be in a troop where all her infants have been welcomed by the others - although I heard there was some resentment towards Chiku from Lucy from what I've heard (this doesn't seem to have affected Chiku's position and ranking, possibly because Luka favours her). A lot seems to depend on Lucy's response - age doesn't have appeared to have slowed her down much - and these days she seems to tolerate Chiku (although keepers have said she's fond of teasing Lucy!) and has always been very fond of Kendi.

 

[Zoofan15]

This also makes sense. Sanda is lucky to be in a troop where all her infants have been welcomed by the others - although I heard there was some resentment towards Chiku from Lucy from what I've heard (this doesn't seem to have affected Chiku's position and ranking, possibly because Luka favours her). A lot seems to depend on Lucy's response - age doesn't have appeared to have slowed her down much - and these days she seems to tolerate Chiku (although keepers have said she's fond of teasing Lucy!) and has always been very fond of Kendi.

Lucy definitely didn’t take the birth of Chiku well, likely because she interpreted the birth of Sanda’s first infant as a threat to her status. Lucy has held the position of alpha female since her arrival in the 1980’s, establishing a close relationship with Mike (or rather re-establishing as Christine Tintinger noted they were close at Taronga).

Chiku was the first infant born in Lucy’s troop since she gave birth to Luka 23 years prior, so it was no doubt a learning curve for all chimps involved, Luka having never seen an infant; and Lucifer’s only experience being to have Luka born five years after him.

Nearly a decade later, Hamilton have one of the calmest troops in the region. Even the males always appear chilled out on my visits versus Taronga, which was a hotbed of displays from the numerous males in the troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Lucy definitely didn’t take the birth of Chiku well, likely because she interpreted the birth of Sanda’s first infant as a threat to her status. Lucy has held the position of alpha female since her arrival in the 1980’s, establishing a close relationship with Mike (or rather re-establishing as Christine Tintinger noted they were close at Taronga).

Chiku was the first infant born in Lucy’s troop since she gave birth to Luka 23 years prior, so it was no doubt a learning curve for all chimps involved, Luka having never seen an infant; and Lucifer’s only experience being to have Luka born five years after him.

Nearly a decade later, Hamilton have one of the calmest troops in the region. Even the males always appear chilled out on my visits versus Taronga, which was a hotbed of displays from the numerous males in the troop.

Yes, I'd agree that Lucy may have seen Chiku's birth as a threat to her status. Fortunately for her, Sanda's meeker nature meant that she didn't try to take the position of alpha female, although mothers traditionally outrank childless females and females whose infants have grown up. By the time Kendi arrived, Lucy was doubtlessly more secure and able to be welcoming, even affectionate, towards Sanda's younger daughter.

This troop is indeed the calmest family of chimps I've ever seen - I don't think I've ever seen Luka put on a dominance display in the times I've visited there. The only behaviour I've seen resembling any form of displaying was Lucifer running around and banging on the chimp-house windows (which keepers said he occasionally does as a bid for attention - everyone tends to ignore him! )

Incidentally, I see a lot of Lucy's nature in Chiku, a strength of mind she probably also inherited from the late Fimi, which is one reason I hope Sanda's infant is another girl and Chiku can be retained while Kendi and the newcomer eventually transfer out, Personally, I think that she would be well suited to inherit Lucy's position as alpha female when Lucy eventually passes away, and that could be good for a cohesive future troop.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, I'd agree that Lucy may have seen Chiku's birth as a threat to her status. Fortunately for her, Sanda's meeker nature meant that she didn't try to take the position of alpha female, although mothers traditionally outrank childless females and females whose infants have grown up. By the time Kendi arrived, Lucy was doubtlessly more secure and able to be welcoming, even affectionate, towards Sanda's younger daughter.

This troop is indeed the calmest family of chimps I've ever seen - I don't think I've ever seen Luka put on a dominance display in the times I've visited there. The only behaviour I've seen resembling any form of displaying was Lucifer running around and banging on the chimp-house windows (which keepers said he occasionally does as a bid for attention - everyone tends to ignore him! )

Incidentally, I see a lot of Lucy's nature in Chiku, a strength of mind she probably also inherited from the late Fimi, which is one reason I hope Sanda's infant is another girl and Chiku can be retained while Kendi and the newcomer eventually transfer out, Personally, I think that she would be well suited to inherit Lucy's position as alpha female when Lucy eventually passes away, and that could be good for a cohesive future troop.

Adult sons (especially if one happens to be the alpha male) are good for status if you’re a female chimpanzee, so Lucy retaining the alpha female role is not surprising in that regard. Plus Sanda lacks ambition in that regard like you say, so I don’t foresee any threat to Lucy’s status long term.

Fimi’s rise to the position of alpha female of Taronga’s colony was predictable in that she was the older than each of the other founders when they were imported as infants and juveniles; and that she produced two surviving sons, who were both retained in adulthood. Even after their export (and the eventful export of her one surviving daughter), she retained the highest ranking position until her death in 2007. She was a remarkable female and it’s nice to see her granddaughter Kuma has attained a similarly high ranking. With two adult sons, another infant would solidify Kuma’s ranking in Taronga’s community.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Adult sons (especially if one happens to be the alpha male) are good for status if you’re a female chimpanzee, so Lucy retaining the alpha female role is not surprising in that regard. Plus Sanda lacks ambition in that regard like you say, so I don’t foresee any threat to Lucy’s status long term.

Fimi’s rise to the position of alpha female of Taronga’s colony was predictable in that she was the older than each of the other founders when they were imported as infants and juveniles; and that she produced two surviving sons, who were both retained in adulthood. Even after their export (and the eventful export of her one surviving daughter), she retained the highest ranking position until her death in 2007. She was a remarkable female and it’s nice to see her granddaughter Kuma has attained a similarly high ranking. With two adult sons, another infant would solidify Kuma’s ranking in Taronga’s community.

Yes, very true - Lucy's adult sons, with one being alpha, would have solidified her position as highest-placed female. I foresee her maintaining that position for life - she shows no signs of slowing down in her old age!

Fimi was indeed a remarkable female and from a remarkable family. It's encouraging to know her line will continue on through Chiku and Kendi, and Hope at Monarto (possibly Zola also, if she turns out to have been sired by Tsotsi!)

 

[Zoofan15]

Fimi was indeed a remarkable female and from a remarkable family. It's encouraging to know her line will continue on through Chiku and Kendi, and Hope at Monarto (possibly Zola also, if she turns out to have been sired by Tsotsi!)

Fifi is the second most well represented founder in the region. Approximately 50% of the regional population are her descendants. Paternity is unknown or assumed for many of the chimpanzees born at Taronga prior to paternity testing becoming routine in the 1990’s. However, Jojo and Flint (Fifi’s sons) are the only candidates listed for Lisa and Sacha.

As you’ll be aware, Lubutu (son of Lisa) has many descendants - including every male in Taronga’s troop bar Shabani; and Sacha’s sons have sired numerous offspring at both Taronga (six confirmed); and Monarto (two confirmed; with two to be confirmed).

It would be interesting to have confirmation of these four females given Wellington are actively breeding from some of these lines; and Shiba has five offspring in Taronga’s troop.

0.1 Shiba (1981): Flint and Mike
0.1 Cara (1981): Jojo, Flint and Mike
0.1 Samantha (1983): Jojo and Danny
0.1 Sally (1985): Jojo, Danny and Sonny

Due to the young age (and social standing) of Mike and Danny, Fifi’s sons are a more likely assumption for having siring them; but it remains unconfirmed.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Fifi is the second most well represented founder in the region. Approximately 50% of the regional population are her descendants. Paternity is unknown or assumed for many of the chimpanzees born at Taronga prior to paternity testing becoming routine in the 1990’s. However, Jojo and Flint (Fifi’s sons) are the only candidates listed for Lisa and Sacha.

As you’ll be aware, Lubutu (son of Lisa) has many descendants - including every male in Taronga’s troop bar Shabani; and Sacha’s sons have sired numerous offspring at both Taronga (six confirmed); and Monarto (two confirmed; with two to be confirmed).

It would be interesting to have confirmation of these four females given Wellington are actively breeding from some of these lines; and Shiba has five offspring in Taronga’s troop.

0.1 Shiba (1981): Flint and Mike
0.1 Cara (1981): Jojo, Flint and Mike
0.1 Samantha (1983): Jojo and Danny
0.1 Sally (1985): Jojo, Danny and Sonny

Due to the young age (and social standing) of Mike and Danny, Fifi’s sons are a more likely assumption for having siring them; but it remains unconfirmed.

Thanks for this! It's fascinating to know the origins of our chimps in NZ. Sacha and Sally are Spitter's daughters, is that correct?

It would be interesting to know more about the paternity of some of our chimps - I've often wondered if Mike had other offspring before coming to Auckland!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this! It's fascinating to know the origins of our chimps in NZ. Sacha and Sally are Spitter's daughters, is that correct?

It would be interesting to know more about the paternity of some of our chimps - I've often wondered if Mike had other offspring before coming to Auckland!

Yes that’s correct. Spitter had three offspring to survive to adulthood - Sacha (1980), Sally (1985) and Gombe (1988-2001). Gombe was briefly the alpha male of Taronga’s troop, but never sired any offspring.

Mike was exported in 1982 at the age of nine years, so chances are slim with brothers Jojo and Flint being the alpha and beta male respectively, but it’s certainly a possibility.

Confirmation of Cara’s paternity would be interesting to know as she’s already genetically valuable from her maternal line (descendant of Bessie); and her only surviving offspring (Alexis) is now the alpha male of Wellington’s troop. He’s sired one offspring to date (Akida) and is anticipated to be the sire of Malika’s first infant (which will hopefully be born this year). The young males coming through (Bakari and Kitwe) are kept in check by Alexis without issue, but within the next 5-10 years, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bakari assume the alpha role. Bakari is from the well represented Spitter line; but his sire Sam (also the sire of Malika and Kitwe) was the only surviving offspring of the founder Sarah. Breeding from Alexis and Malika is therefore the best course of action in the here and how.

 

[Zoofan15]

The accomodation of the Chimpanzees, Orangs and Gorillas "cages" were perhaps the worse I had seen (1977) I was shocked that a major zoo kept great apes in such sub-standard housing. they were basically a concrete box with thick steel bars on one side!

It was really interesting seeing the difference the move to the open air exhibit (Chimpanzee Park) in 1980 made to the chimpanzees. The birth intervals increased; but the infant mortality rate declined. There’s no doubt the open spaces benefited the culture of the colony, alleviating the tensions that came from being confined with displaying males and inevitable conflicts.

Spitter was the first chimpanzee to give birth in the new exhibit. Her daughter was the first of three infants she would deliver in the new exhibit (all of which survived to adulthood). All Spitter’s previous offspring died, including one who died in a fight between adults in the cages.

 

[Zoofan15]

Birth Announcement - Hamilton Zoo

Australasia’s first chimpanzee infant of 2025!

Congratulations to the Hamilton Zoo team!

From socials:

Baby chimp is here!!!

We’re thrilled to share that a healthy baby chimpanzee was born to Sanda and Luka —Sanda's third time becoming a mom.

In a tender moment, Sanda holds her newborn close, while big sisters Chiku and Kendi watch with curiosity.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Birth Announcement - Hamilton Zoo

Australasia’s first chimpanzee infant of 2025!

Congratulations to the Hamilton Zoo team!

From socials:

Baby chimp is here!!!

We’re thrilled to share that a healthy baby chimpanzee was born to Sanda and Luka —Sanda's third time becoming a mom.

In a tender moment, Sanda holds her newborn close, while big sisters Chiku and Kendi watch with curiosity.

That is wonderful news! Any word on the infant's sex yet (will determine the dynamics of the troop going forward!)

 

[Zoofan15]

That is wonderful news! Any word on the infant's sex yet (will determine the dynamics of the troop going forward!)

Though Sanda is an experienced mother, given she’s 40 years old, it’s a relief to hear of the safe arrival of a healthy infant.

I was at the zoo this morning and there’s no news on the infant’s gender. I will be posting a more comprehensive update this afternoon on future plans for the troop.

I’m anticipating 2025 will be a quiet year for chimpanzee infants, with Malika at Wellington Zoo the most realistic chance of a second infant born this year.

2026 however could be a bumper year with Taronga’s community recommencing breeding upon completion of the vet hospital and possibilities of infants in Rockhampton and Sydney’s troops, following an exchange of females - and the upcoming import of a female from South Korea by Rockhampton Zoo. I’m also hopeful @Swanson02 will give us good news from his upcoming Monarto visit that Galatea and Lani have breeding recommendations.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Though Sanda is an experienced mother, given she’s 40 years old, it’s a relief to hear of the safe arrival of a healthy infant.

I was at the zoo this morning and there’s no news on the infant’s gender. I will be posting a more comprehensive update this afternoon on future plans for the troop.

I’m anticipating 2025 will be a quiet year for chimpanzee infants, with Malika at Wellington Zoo the most realistic chance of a second infant born this year.

2026 however could be a bumper year with Taronga’s community recommencing breeding upon completion of the vet hospital and possibilities of infants in Rockhampton and Sydney’s troops, following an exchange of females - and the upcoming import of a female from South Korea by Rockhampton Zoo. I’m also hopeful @Swanson02 will give us good news from his upcoming Monarto visit that Galatea and Lani have breeding recommendations.

Thanks for this - will be very interested to hear your update! Whatever gender the infant ends up being, it's wonderful that Sanda delivered a healthy baby and that valuable genetic lines have yet another chance to continue.

I too hope there will be news of a pregnancy for Malika this year! If she happens to produce a male, those young fellows will be quite a little crew in the future!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this - will be very interested to hear your update! Whatever gender the infant ends up being, it's wonderful that Sanda delivered a healthy baby and that valuable genetic lines have yet another chance to continue.

I too hope there will be news of a pregnancy for Malika this year! If she happens to produce a male, those young fellows will be quite a little crew in the future!

Another infant would be great for Wellington’s troop. Akida (2021) is the first infant since they began breeding chimpanzees in 1960 to not have a surviving infant born within three years either side of them, so fingers crossed Malika can get one in this year as he approaches his fourth birthday.

Infants born in Wellington’s troop (1993-present) to survive to the juvenile stage:

1.0 Gombe (1993)
0.1 Chima (1994)
1.0 Temba (1994)
1.0 Mahinga (1996)
1.0 Alexis (1998)
0.1 Keza (1998)
1.0 Bahati (2000)
1.0 Beni (2007)
0.1 Malika (2010)
1.0 Bakari (2012)
1.0 Kitwe (2014)
1.0 Akida (2021)

 

[Jambo]

Birth Announcement - Hamilton Zoo

Australasia’s first chimpanzee infant of 2025!

Congratulations to the Hamilton Zoo team!

From socials:

Baby chimp is here!!!

We’re thrilled to share that a healthy baby chimpanzee was born to Sanda and Luka —Sanda's third time becoming a mom.

In a tender moment, Sanda holds her newborn close, while big sisters Chiku and Kendi watch with curiosity.

Great news to hear of a successful birth and a healthy infant! The best case would be for this little one to be another female - it would certainly put Hamilton's troop in good stead for continuing their breeding program down the line by acquiring males.

But a male would still be good nonetheless. It's worth noting there hasn't been a male from the Peter x Fimi line as of yet, unless Tsotsi has sired Happy (likely, but unconfirmed).