Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

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).

I too am hoping for another female - a third daughter for Sanda and Luka would mean that Chiku would be more likely to be retained at Hamilton Zoo while Kendi and the newcomer would transfer out in the future, but a male also has advantages in that he'd most likely become the successor to Luka and that he would be one acceptable to Lucy, who is likely to retain the highest female ranking for life.

 

[Zoofan15]

I too am hoping for another female - a third daughter for Sanda and Luka would mean that Chiku would be more likely to be retained at Hamilton Zoo while Kendi and the newcomer would transfer out in the future, but a male also has advantages in that he'd most likely become the successor to Luka and that he would be one acceptable to Lucy, who is likely to retain the highest female ranking for life.

Lucy is doing amazingly well for her age. She was looking fit and healthy today and is firmly in place as the alpha female.

Fifi (1947-2007) similarly retained her status as alpha female until her death. What’s even more remarkable is that she did so even after the export of her adult sons, who were instrumental to her rise to power.

Spitter (1960-2022) was a high ranking female in her prime, but lost status as a result of Lubutu’s campaign against her grandson, Sandali. Spitter backed Sandali in every confrontation, meaning she was targeted by Lubutu as well and her ranking fell. The transfer of Sandali (a male) out the troop is something you wouldn’t normally see, but the opportunity came and it was very much in the interests of all involved.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Lucy is doing amazingly well for her age. She was looking fit and healthy today and is firmly in place as the alpha female.

Fifi (1947-2007) similarly retained her status as alpha female until her death. What’s even more remarkable is that she did so even after the export of her adult sons, who were instrumental to her rise to power.

Spitter (1960-2022) was a high ranking female in her prime, but lost status as a result of Lubutu’s campaign against her grandson, Sandali. Spitter backed Sandali in every confrontation, meaning she was targeted by Lubutu as well and her ranking fell. The transfer of Sandali (a male) out the troop is something you wouldn’t normally see, but the opportunity came and it was very much in the interests of all involved.

Lucy certainly is a formidable female - she always will be, I believe! I hope the rest of the troop is responding as positively as Chiku and Kendi are to the new arrival. I watched the video on Facebook and was charmed by the older sisters' reactions - there even seemed to be a gentle reminder from Sanda to Kendi, not to get too close to her little sibling, and that she's not the baby of the family anymore!

Thanks for the history of some other high-ranking females in Australasia, they were certainly strong individuals in their own right! Sandali would be the one at Monarto, is that right? He looks likely to have fathered a future alpha male in Enzi!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the history of some other high-ranking females in Australasia, they were certainly strong individuals in their own right! Sandali would be the one at Monarto, is that right? He looks likely to have fathered a future alpha male in Enzi!

Yes, Sandali is Monarto’s breeding male. Boyd and Gombe (who came from Wellington) have been vasectomsied. Enzi is indeed Sandali’s son, and huge! Zuri is his other confirmed offspring and also a large chimp.

Enzi is pretty much a lock for the alpha male role in the future - the youngest male by 19 years; and the oldest of the Monarto bred males by seven years. His mother is also the alpha female.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo - Update

Update from my visit (27/06/2025):

I visited Hamilton Zoo today and was surprised to learn that Sanda the chimpanzee had given birth this morning. I’ve seen chimpanzee infants many times before, but never less than 24 hours old! The gender of the infant is still unknown at this stage.

Kendi was obsessed with the baby. She kept waving her hands around, indicating her displeasure, which is understandable considering she’s had Sanda’s undivided attention for the past 3.5 years since she was born. Chiku was interested, but not as engaged as Kendi. Having a younger sibling isn’t a novelty for Chiku.

Luka was very protective, smacking the glass and ensuring the rest of the troop kept their distance from Sanda and the newborn. Twice he chased after Chiku and once after Lucifer, which unsettled Sanda (second pic) as the whole troop got stirred up.

The keepers are hoping for a male infant as the plan is for any female infants to transfer out upon reaching adolescence. Chiku has reached dispersal age, but will be retained until Kendi is old enough to join her. There are no plans to bring in new females at this stage, but I assume this would be given consideration when Chiku and Kendi transfer out and numbers dwindle.

Chiku is getting big. She’s nine years old and already 20kg heavier than her mother, who is a small chimp.

Sanda and her newborn infant:

 

[marmolady]

How absolutely wonderful for you!

 

[Zoofan15]

How absolutely wonderful for you!

It was very lucky! My plans to visit the zoo the previous day fell through, so I made sure to go yesterday since school holidays start today and the zoo will be busy for the next two weeks. The birth was therefore a nice surprise when I arrived. Also, the rain surely motivated the entire troop to stay inside (where they’re more visible). Had it been a fine day, I don’t doubt Sanda would have taken her infant up onto one of the elevated platforms.

It was really cool to see a newborn of my favourite species and to see the infant looking strong and vigorous. Though the new infant has ruffled Kendi’s feathers, there’s no doubt it’ll be a positive for the culture of the troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, Sandali is Monarto’s breeding male. Boyd and Gombe (who came from Wellington) have been vasectomsied. Enzi is indeed Sandali’s son, and huge! Zuri is his other confirmed offspring and also a large chimp.

Enzi is pretty much a lock for the alpha male role in the future - the youngest male by 19 years; and the oldest of the Monarto bred males by seven years. His mother is also the alpha female.

Thanks for that! Sandali has certainly done well for himself in the long run, and that was some feat of daring, siring offspring behind the alpha's back, very much in keeping with a descendant of the formidable Spitter (since Tsotsi was still alive then) and I think I read somewhere that there may be future breeding recommendations for him with Galatea and Lani.

Transferring him out was indeed the best solution for all, and means he's become quite a success in his own right!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It was very lucky! My plans to visit the zoo the previous day fell through, so I made sure to go yesterday since school holidays start today and the zoo will be busy for the next two weeks. The birth was therefore a nice surprise when I arrived. Also, the rain surely motivated the entire troop to stay inside (where they’re more visible). Had it been a fine day, I don’t doubt Sanda would have taken her infant up onto one of the elevated platforms.

It was really cool to see a newborn of my favourite species and to see the infant looking strong and vigorous. Though the new infant has ruffled Kendi’s feathers, there’s no doubt it’ll be a positive for the culture of the troop.

Indeed, it was lucky for you to see the newborn! It'll probably be a few months before I'm able to visit Hamilton, but I'm looking forward to it.

Chiku seemed to be very interested in the newcomer, and no doubt this will be a great experience with her, to be an adolescent watching a baby grow as she is doubtless intended for the breeding programme, whether she is transferred out or remains at Hamilton and new males are brought in.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for that! Sandali has certainly done well for himself in the long run, and that was some feat of daring, siring offspring behind the alpha's back, very much in keeping with a descendant of the formidable Spitter (since Tsotsi was still alive then) and I think I read somewhere that there may be future breeding recommendations for him with Galatea and Lani.

Transferring him out was indeed the best solution for all, and means he's become quite a success in his own right!

@Swanson02 advised in January 2025 that none of the Monarto females have breeding recommendations (or are off contraception at this point in time); but keepers were hopeful of Galatea and Lani, nether of which have surviving offspring, receiving breeding recommendations in the near future.

Galatea is one of the most genetically valuable females in the region, being a founder. Lani isn’t genetically valuable (and is actually the product of a mother son/mating), but it’d be good for her to breed from a social perspective. I wouldn’t be surprised if a long gap (10-12 years) followed the birth of Lani’s first surviving infant.

 

[Zoofan15]

Indeed, it was lucky for you to see the newborn! It'll probably be a few months before I'm able to visit Hamilton, but I'm looking forward to it.

Chiku seemed to be very interested in the newcomer, and no doubt this will be a great experience with her, to be an adolescent watching a baby grow as she is doubtless intended for the breeding programme, whether she is transferred out or remains at Hamilton and new males are brought in.

As per my update above, Hamilton’s keepers were adamant that Chiku and Kendi will be transferring out together once Kendi reaches dispersal age. They said Chiku (aged nine years) is old enough now, so presumably this will occur 2029/2030. They said the reason is to adhere to the female dispersal pattern observed in wild populations.

Luka and Lucifer are aged 32 and 37 years. It’s possible they could live a decade or more (Cassius at Rockhampton made 53 years; Boyd at Monarto is 47 years and still doing strong), so at least Chiku and Kendi’s reproduction won’t be delayed by waiting for their father and uncle to pass. Chiku would probably be given a breeding recommendation almost immediately upon transferring to a new troop as she’ll be in her mid-teens by 2029/2030.

Looking at the regional population, Sydney would be the best destination for Chiku/Kendi; and Wellington would be the best destination for Hope/Zola in my opinion. Assuming Tsotsi sired Zola, they would be unrelated to Wellington’s troop; while Chiku/Kendi are related to Wellington’s troop via their shared Taronga ancestry.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

As per my update above, Hamilton’s keepers were adamant that Chiku and Kendi will be transferring out together once Kendi reaches dispersal age. They said Chiku (aged nine years) is old enough now, so presumably this will occur 2029/2030. They said the reason is to adhere to the female dispersal pattern observed in wild populations.

Luka and Lucifer are aged 32 and 37 years. It’s possible they could live a decade or more (Cassius at Rockhampton made 53 years; Boyd at Monarto is 47 years and still doing strong), so at least Chiku and Kendi’s reproduction won’t be delayed by waiting for their father and uncle to pass. Chiku would probably be given a breeding recommendation almost immediately upon transferring to a new troop as she’ll be in her mid-teens by 2029/2030.

Looking at the regional population, Sydney would be the best destination for Chiku/Kendi; and Wellington would be the best destination for Hope/Zola in my opinion. Assuming Tsotsi sired Zola, they would be unrelated to Wellington’s troop; while Chiku/Kendi are related to Wellington’s troop via their shared Taronga ancestry.

Thanks for the update! It will be interesting to see what the dynamics of the troop are like going forward with this new infant. I'll be sad to see Chiku and Kendi leave when the time comes but will be proud of them in that they are carrying on valuable genetic lines.

A male infant would likely be the successor to Luka when the time comes, so any new females would probably be brought in after Chiku and Kendi transfer out. It will be really interesting to see what happens if Sanda has delivered her third daughter and what the zoo's plans are then.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update! It will be interesting to see what the dynamics of the troop are like going forward with this new infant. I'll be sad to see Chiku and Kendi leave when the time comes but will be proud of them in that they are carrying on valuable genetic lines.

A male infant would likely be the successor to Luka when the time comes, so any new females would probably be brought in after Chiku and Kendi transfer out. It will be really interesting to see what happens if Sanda has delivered her third daughter and what the zoo's plans are then.

Chiku and Kendi are among a small number of living descendants of the founders Peter and Fimi, so breeding from them will surely be prioritised. By this, I mean breeding from them as soon as they reach their mid-teens. Compare this to chimpanzees such as Lani, who didn’t receive a breeding recommendation until she was in her 20’s; and Sembe, who at 17 years old, hasn’t even been placed in her future breeding troop.

If Sanda’s infant is a female, it will indeed be interesting indeed to see what happens. The infant would reach the recommended breeding age of 15 years in 2040, which would make Sanda, 55 years old; Lucifer, 52 years old; and Luka, 47 years old. While it’s not impossible, it would be optimistic to assume any of these three would still be alive by then. With this in mind, it would appear kindest to retain this infant so that Sanda has some family support into her later years - especially if new females are brought in.

If new females are brought in to Hamilton’s troop (i.e. when Chiku and Kendi leave) and produce sons, they would be half-siblings of Sanda’s new infant and therefore cement the decision to transfer her out eventually; but there’s no reason that couldn’t be done once Sanda has passed. Best case scenario, Sanda could live into her early 60’s; by which time this infant would be in her prime (early 20’s). By then, Chiku and Kendi could have several offspring each, devaluing the genetics of their new sibling.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Chiku and Kendi are among a small number of living descendants of the founders Peter and Fimi, so breeding from them will surely be prioritised. By this, I mean breeding from them as soon as they reach their mid-teens. Compare this to chimpanzees such as Lani, who didn’t receive a breeding recommendation until she was in her 20’s; and Sembe, who at 17 years old, hasn’t even been placed in her future breeding troop.

If Sanda’s infant is a female, it will indeed be interesting indeed to see what happens. The infant would reach the recommended breeding age of 15 years in 2040, which would make Sanda, 55 years old; Lucifer, 52 years old; and Luka, 47 years old. While it’s not impossible, it would be optimistic to assume any of these three would still be alive by then. With this in mind, it would appear kindest to retain this infant so that Sanda has some family support into her later years - especially if new females are brought in.

If new females are brought in to Hamilton’s troop (i.e. when Chiku and Kendi leave) and produce sons, they would be half-siblings of Sanda’s new infant and therefore cement the decision to transfer her out eventually; but there’s no reason that couldn’t be done once Sanda has passed. Best case scenario, Sanda could live into her early 60’s; by which time this infant would be in her prime (early 20’s). By then, Chiku and Kendi could have several offspring each, devaluing the genetics of their new sibling.

Very good points. If the newcomer is a girl, the only way in the present situation to transfer her out when she reaches breeding age would be to send Sanda with her (given the risks of transferring a lone chimp), and I don't think they would ever consider that, given the bonds Sanda has forged in the troop, especially with Luka. It's much rarer to transfer out mothers and daughters rather than sisters, half-sisters or cousins. If a new female infant transfers out, the best way would be to bring in new females ASAP and transfer her with a younger female half-sibling, if the new females produce daughters.

Although, as you've said, perhaps they might retain and not breed from the new one if Chiku and/or Kendi prove very fertile in their new troop. Whether this new infant is a male or a female is going to be a big deal going forward, and I can see why the Hamilton team are hoping for Sanda to have a son at this point!

 

[Zoofan15]

Very good points. If the newcomer is a girl, the only way in the present situation to transfer her out when she reaches breeding age would be to send Sanda with her (given the risks of transferring a lone chimp), and I don't think they would ever consider that, given the bonds Sanda has forged in the troop, especially with Luka. It's much rarer to transfer out mothers and daughters rather than sisters, half-sisters or cousins. If a new female infant transfers out, the best way would be to bring in new females ASAP and transfer her with a younger female half-sibling, if the new females produce daughters.

Although, as you've said, perhaps they might retain and not breed from the new one if Chiku and/or Kendi prove very fertile in their new troop. Whether this new infant is a male or a female is going to be a big deal going forward, and I can see why the Hamilton team are hoping for Sanda to have a son at this point!

I think if there’s some level of confidence in being able to safely introduce new females to Hamilton’s troop, a male from Luka and Sanda wouldn’t be the end of the world as he could end up the eldest of a cohort of young males born over the next 5-10 years.

If a female, a third daughter of Luka and Sanda could well end up breeding down the line, but a delayed move into a breeding situation rather than a priority breeding (in order to see her remain in support of Sanda). We all wish Sanda a long life of course and even in that best case scenario (60 years), her current infant would still be more than young enough to breed.

 

[Jambo]

I think if there’s some level of confidence in being able to safely introduce new females to Hamilton’s troop, a male from Luka and Sanda wouldn’t be the end of the world as he could end up the eldest of a cohort of young males born over the next 5-10 years.

If a female, a third daughter of Luka and Sanda could well end up breeding down the line, but a delayed move into a breeding situation rather than a priority breeding (in order to see her remain in support of Sanda). We all wish Sanda a long life of course and even in that best case scenario (60 years), her current infant would still be more than young enough to breed.

I definitely agree with that assessment. Taking into account the ages of Chiku and Kendi, it'll still be at least seven or eight years until we can expect to see them transfer out of the troop, which is quite a while away. Assuming Sanda doesn't breed again, this could the troop numbers would rather be stagnated in the meantime.

But I wonder whether there might be consideration towards introducing new females sooner rather than later (ie. once Chiku and Kendi transfer out). The younger trio at Taronga would be good candidates once they reach maturity - in about a decades time (tying in well with Chiku and Kendi transferring out). Safiri (2019) and Cekiri (2023) would be the obvious candidates - assuming Ceres has produced further offspring by that point.

In saying that, there's really limited options currently regionally unless Monarto sends across Zuri accompanied by an older female, like Galatea.

 

[Zoofan15]

I definitely agree with that assessment. Taking into account the ages of Chiku and Kendi, it'll still be at least seven or eight years until we can expect to see them transfer out of the troop, which is quite a while away. Assuming Sanda doesn't breed again, this could the troop numbers would rather be stagnated in the meantime.

But I wonder whether there might be consideration towards introducing new females sooner rather than later (ie. once Chiku and Kendi transfer out). The younger trio at Taronga would be good candidates once they reach maturity - in about a decades time (tying in well with Chiku and Kendi transferring out). Safiri (2019) and Cekiri (2023) would be the obvious candidates - assuming Ceres has produced further offspring by that point.

In saying that, there's really limited options currently regionally unless Monarto sends across Zuri accompanied by an older female, like Galatea.

Kendi was born December 2020, so I’d anticipate Chiku and Kendi will transfer out together in 2030. They’re both large females and will have each other for support. I’m predicting Sydney Zoo as their current destination, with Leakey and her then adolescent daughter being their main opposition coming into the troop. Leakey was a known troublemaker at Rockhampton and will be well established, likely with another infant or two by then.

Hope and Zola have been scheduled to transfer out together from early on; but the game changer now is that Zuri will likely be transferring out too. Together the three of them would be ideal candidates demographically for going into the Taronga troop, though accepting Zuri is a poor genetic match given her paternal uncles will be siring most, if not all infants for the foreseeable. The alternative would be to send Hope and Zola to Wellington; and Zuri to Rockhampton, which being a small troop, would be suitable for a lone female to go into. Sile has made a seamless integration into this troop; and another female is expected from South Korea this year. They would have room for a maximum of one additional female and tbh I’m surprised Sembe hasn’t already gone there.

Galatea doesn’t have offspring in the Monarto troop; but she’s very close to Zombi. I anticipate she’d remain in the Monarto troop long term, with a breeding recommendation expected in the near future.

 

[Zoofan15]

The future of Taronga’s community:

Following the import of the female from South Korea this year (by Rockhampton Zoo), it wouldn’t surprise me if the next overseas import by the region was undertaken by Taronga Zoo.

As per the female dispersal pattern, it’s anticipated their four youngest females will be transferring out long term:

0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Sule x Shiba
0.1 Lemba (23/05/2023) Sule x Lisa
0.1 Cekiri (29/07/2023) Sule x Ceres

Of the eight adult females remaining, six are older than any of the nine males in Taronga’s community and all eight are older than every male in the community bar Shabani. The three breeding females are Ceres, aged 34; Kuma, aged 33; and Naomi, aged 24. It’s therefore fair to say that in a decade’s time, Taronga would (without new females) be reduced to a single breeding female. If only they’d proceeded with the original plan (in 2015) to import Marie (2005) and Marit (2006) from Sweden!

1.0 Shabani (14/09/1994) Monte x Shiba
1.0 Samaki (27/11/2001) Lubutu x Shiba
1.0 Furahi (28/02/2003) Lubutu x Kuma
1.0 Shikamoo (25/07/2003) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Sule (04/04/2008) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Fumo (16/10/2013) Shikamoo x Kuma
1.0 Sudi (09/08/2014) Shikamoo x Shiba
1.0 Liwali (22/09/2014) Samaki x Lisa
1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Sule x Naomi

0.1 Lisa (23/08/1979) Unknown x Lulu
0.1 Sacha (11/06/1980) Unknown x Spitter
0.1 Shiba (22/05/1981) Unknown x Susie
0.1 Shona (09/10/1987) Unknown x Sutu
0.1 Ceres (19/09/1990) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015
0.1 Kuma (06/12/1991) Snowy x Ficha
0.1 Kamili (02/09/1995) Snowy x Koko
0.1 Naomi (25/01/2001) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015

The zoo have been quite clear that any future introductions of new females would involve a family. Hannah (a lone female) failed to integrate; and Ceres and Naomi (a pair of females) struggled to integrate; so it wouldn’t surprise me if three related females were brought in - perhaps a mother with adolescent/young adult daughters; or three adolescent/young adult females from the same community.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I think if there’s some level of confidence in being able to safely introduce new females to Hamilton’s troop, a male from Luka and Sanda wouldn’t be the end of the world as he could end up the eldest of a cohort of young males born over the next 5-10 years.

If a female, a third daughter of Luka and Sanda could well end up breeding down the line, but a delayed move into a breeding situation rather than a priority breeding (in order to see her remain in support of Sanda). We all wish Sanda a long life of course and even in that best case scenario (60 years), her current infant would still be more than young enough to breed.

Very good points. And there's also the possibility that Sanda could produce a fourth infant - unlikely given her age, it's true, but not impossible either.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very good points. And there's also the possibility that Sanda could produce a fourth infant - unlikely given her age, it's true, but not impossible either.

That’s something I’ve been wondering. Fertility wise, I have no doubt she’d conceive, especially considering she’s had three infants in nine years; but for that same reason, I’m inclined to believe they’d want to give her a break.

Historically, Taronga females bred back to back (contraception didn’t become routine until the 1990’s); with tubal ligation only used prior to this in exceptional circumstances (Bessie had a succession of stillbirths and miscarriages). However the oldest mother was 40 years old (Sanda’s current age) and that resulted in a stillbirth.

Were Sanda’s latest infant to be a male, there could be some value in going for another infant in the hope of providing him with a brother; but in all honesty, the same could be achieved through importing new females and waiting for a half-brother to join his cohort.