Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Jambo]

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.

It's surprising to me that Sembe still hasn't transferred out considering she's now seventeen. To be fair though, she doesn't really have many options as to a female she could be transferred out with.

The best case scenario would be for her to transfer up to Rockhampton, who could utilise additional females, however it seems they're content with acquiring the new female from Korea and maintaining their troop as it is for the meantime.

Sembe's best option is to wait until her younger sister is old enough to transfer out (likely another five or so years), with the pair then transferring out together. Rockhampton still remains an option for both of them come that point in time - Capri will also be transferring out by then. Or even Sydney - who as you've stated, will also need additional females eventually due to the current group demographics.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's surprising to me that Sembe still hasn't transferred out considering she's now seventeen. To be fair though, she doesn't really have many options as to a female she could be transferred out with.

The best case scenario would be for her to transfer up to Rockhampton, who could utilise additional females, however it seems they're content with acquiring the new female from Korea and maintaining their troop as it is for the meantime.

Sembe's best option is to wait until her younger sister is old enough to transfer out (likely another five or so years), with the pair then transferring out together. Rockhampton still remains an option for both of them come that point in time - Capri will also be transferring out by then. Or even Sydney - who as you've stated, will also need additional females eventually due to the current group demographics.

The keeper I spoke to at Taronga last year said it’s still in the plans for Sembe to transfer out and that she won’t be breeding in Taronga’s community (understandable given her close relation to all the males).

I imagine had Cebele survived, Sembe and Cebele would have transfered out together as she was the next female born after Sembe. Pairings from here would probably be Sembe/Safiri (offering family support); and Lemba/Cekiri (offering genetic diversity). It wouldn’t be surprising to see the latter have a delayed transfer out to provide Ceres with additional family support for as long as possible; and Lemba until Lisa passes. Lisa was 43 when she was born, so if she lives until 60, that would only be delaying Lemba from breeding for two years past the recommended age of 15 years, which is no big deal.

Rockhampton would be perfect for Sembe as Alon is unrelated to her. Otherwise, yes Sydney; as if she went with her sister, they’d offer each other the support needed against Leakey etc. In the meantime, it can be established whether Sydney has a proven breeding male in Fritz via breeding from Leakey in the near future. This will surely influence any future transfers to Sydney Zoo. On that note, Fritz is born 1982, so is by no means a young animal. Fingers crossed for a son from him and Leakey sooner rather than later. Otherwise they’ll need to bring in more males if he dies without siring a son as he’s the only intact male in their troop.

 

[marmolady]

An alternative could be to buddy up the similar aged Sembe and Zuri for the purposes of introducing them to Sydney or Rockhampton, though naturally there would be a great benefit to moving two from a natal community together. With Zuri being as physically imposing and socially savvy as she is, I would not expect her to have too much difficulty wherever she may go.

 

[Zoofan15]

An alternative could be to buddy up the similar aged Sembe and Zuri for the purposes of introducing them to Sydney or Rockhampton, though naturally there would be a great benefit to moving two from a natal community together. With Zuri being as physically imposing and socially savvy as she is, I would not expect her to have too much difficulty wherever she may go.

That’s a good idea. Both Sembe and Zuri are unrelated to Fritz, so Sydney would be a better option than sending them to any of the other holders (bar Rockhamton). Rockhampton will soon have two breeding females, so I don’t anticipate they’d acquire any more than one additional female at this point in time. Leakey became an issue once she became established in Rockhampton’s troop, so it’d be ideal for such a move to occur before she gets too comfortable at Sydney Zoo.

Taronga and Hamilton would both ideally import as no zoo in the region will be able to supply the required number of genetically diverse, bonded females for the foreseeable. Hope descends from the Peter/Fimi line (and we’re all predicting Zola does too), so pairing them with Luka and Lucifer (who have now had three infants with Peter and Fimi’s daughter Sanda) would be repetitive; and I would have doubts over two females going to Taronga (three or more would be preferable).

This leads me back to the possibility of Zuri, Hope and Zola all going to Taronga, on the acceptance Zuri’s addition to a troop of closely related males is a sacrifice made for the sake of them being three bonded females, two of which are a great match for Taronga’s community. Zuri could always breed 1-2 in Taronga’s community; with Hope and Zola breeding 3-4 times over their lifetime.

 

[Jambo]

The keeper I spoke to at Taronga last year said it’s still in the plans for Sembe to transfer out and that she won’t be breeding in Taronga’s community (understandable given her close relation to all the males).

I imagine had Cebele survived, Sembe and Cebele would have transfered out together as she was the next female born after Sembe. Pairings from here would probably be Sembe/Safiri (offering family support); and Lemba/Cekiri (offering genetic diversity). It wouldn’t be surprising to see the latter have a delayed transfer out to provide Ceres with additional family support for as long as possible; and Lemba until Lisa passes. Lisa was 43 when she was born, so if she lives until 60, that would only be delaying Lemba from breeding for two years past the recommended age of 15 years, which is no big deal.

Rockhampton would be perfect for Sembe as Alon is unrelated to her. Otherwise, yes Sydney; as if she went with her sister, they’d offer each other the support needed against Leakey etc. In the meantime, it can be established whether Sydney has a proven breeding male in Fritz via breeding from Leakey in the near future. This will surely influence any future transfers to Sydney Zoo. On that note, Fritz is born 1982, so is by no means a young animal. Fingers crossed for a son from him and Leakey sooner rather than later. Otherwise they’ll need to bring in more males if he dies without siring a son as he’s the only intact male in their troop.

I think Sembe and Safiri will ultimately determine where Lemba and Cekiri end up transferring to. Ie. if the former transfers to Rockhampton, it puts the latter in strong stead to transfer to Sydney and vice versa. Another dark horse to consider here is Hamilton (in the event Sanda's latest offspring is a female) - they might be in a position where they could afford to acquire Sembe and Safiri in five or so years time. With the intention hopefully being to import a cohort of young males.

On Sydney, they'll also be receiving a male from Korea this year (with his sister going to Rockhampton). He'll hopefully serve as a complacency for Fritz in the meantime - and the main breeding male in the long term.

 

[Jambo]

Taronga and Hamilton would both ideally import as no zoo in the region will be able to supply the required number of genetically diverse, bonded females for the foreseeable. Hope descends from the Peter/Fimi line (and we’re all predicting Zola does too), so pairing them with Luka and Lucifer (who have now had three infants with Peter and Fimi’s daughter Sanda) would be repetitive; and I would have doubts over two females going to Taronga (three or more would be preferable).

This leads me back to the possibility of Zuri, Hope and Zola all going to Taronga, on the acceptance Zuri’s addition to a troop of closely related males is a sacrifice made for the sake of them being three bonded females, two of which are a great match for Taronga’s community. Zuri could always breed 1-2 in Taronga’s community; with Hope and Zola breeding 3-4 times over their lifetime.

Wellington's another facility that will be in need of acquiring females - and we've discussed in the past that Hope and Zola would be perfect candidates to transferring there, and if they don't manage to acquire them their only other option would be to import new females from overseas.

I like the idea of sending Zuri, Hope and Zola to Taronga together. The only issue is that I don't foresee Zuri even being given a breeding recommendation due to her close relation to the current dominant males (Shikamoo and Sule). However they have inbred in the past, so there's no reason to say they won't this time around, especially if it's in favour of acquiring two genetically valuable females to further breeding.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think Sembe and Safiri will ultimately determine where Lemba and Cekiri end up transferring to. Ie. if the former transfers to Rockhampton, it puts the latter in strong stead to transfer to Sydney and vice versa. Another dark horse to consider here is Hamilton (in the event Sanda's latest offspring is a female) - they might be in a position where they could afford to acquire Sembe and Safiri in five or so years time. With the intention hopefully being to import a cohort of young males.

On Sydney, they'll also be receiving a male from Korea this year (with his sister going to Rockhampton). He'll hopefully serve as a complacency for Fritz in the meantime - and the main breeding male in the long term.

I could certainly see Sembe and Safiri transferring to Hamilton together. The impression I got from Hamilton’s keepers is that the future of the troop would be built around either Lucifer and Luka breeding with new females; or with new females breeding with any son/s that might be born into the troop. Either of the males could live another 10-15 years and the alternative would be putting things on hold until they pass.

There’s probably better genetic matches considering their mutual Taronga ancestry; but it’s not necessarily a bad genetic match and the value of two closely bonded females going into this troop is of benefit in itself.

Hamilton’s team exhibit has a capacity of around 15 chimpanzees, yet they’re never held more than eight. It would be nice to see them acquire at least two breeding females; as was the intention with Chima joining Sanda back in 2015 (albeit amongst uncertainty if Sanda would conceive at that point).

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington's another facility that will be in need of acquiring females - and we've discussed in the past that Hope and Zola would be perfect candidates to transferring there, and if they don't manage to acquire them their only other option would be to import new females from overseas.

I like the idea of sending Zuri, Hope and Zola to Taronga together. The only issue is that I don't foresee Zuri even being given a breeding recommendation due to her close relation to the current dominant males (Shikamoo and Sule). However they have inbred in the past, so there's no reason to say they won't this time around, especially if it's in favour of acquiring two genetically valuable females to further breeding.

Wellington are in strong need of new females and I’m hopeful they’ll be given priority in receiving Hope/Zola once they reach dispersal age circa 2029.

The death of Samantha at 41 years of age is a harsh reminder not every female will reach the aspired 60 year lifespan; and Cara and Sally are 43 and 40 years respectively. With Bakari and Kitwe entering adulthood, the zoo will soon have three adult males, which is almost equal to the number of adult females.

1.0 Alexis (20/08/1998) Boyd x Cara
1.0 Bakari (11/06/2012) Sam x Sally
1.0 Kitwe (15/11/2014) Sam x Keza
1.0 Akida (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally

0.1 Cara (10/09/1981) Unknown x Chiki
0.1 Sally (13/01/1985) Unknown x Spitter
0.1 Keza (06/07/1998) Marty x Samantha
0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha

I’m not sure if Keza will ever breed again (she’s back on contraception while they address her health issues); but if not, Malika will be their sole breeding female from the above list.

Wellington on the whole have an amiable troop culture. I wouldn’t anticipate any of the four females would prove unnecessarily hostile towards incoming females. Sally is very much like her mother was in her younger years, high ranking, socially savvy, but a supportive force within the troop culture (alloparenting, peacemaker etc).

 

[Zoofan15]

Article on Hamilton Zoo’s Chimpanzee Infant

Keepers suspect the infant may be female:

The Waikato Times

Sanda gave birth to the healthy baby that was first spotted by keepers early on Friday. Though the sex is unknown as of yet, her keepers suspect it may be a female.

Kendi, hadn’t yet been weaned when Sanda was pregnant, and has taken a little adjusting to the new baby.

However, Jackson said the eldest sister, Chiku, 9, has been taking her to play, and her dad Luka, age 32, and her uncle have also pitched in.

 

[Zoofan15]

Article on Hamilton Zoo’s Chimpanzee Infant

Keepers suspect the infant may be female:

The Waikato Times

Sanda gave birth to the healthy baby that was first spotted by keepers early on Friday. Though the sex is unknown as of yet, her keepers suspect it may be a female.

Kendi, hadn’t yet been weaned when Sanda was pregnant, and has taken a little adjusting to the new baby.

However, Jackson said the eldest sister, Chiku, 9, has been taking her to play, and her dad Luka, age 32, and her uncle have also pitched in.

If this infant is indeed female, it all but cements the decision Hamilton Zoo will be acquiring more females. The gender of this infant will not influence the decision to transfer out Chiku and Kendi, which we can expect to occur 2029/2030. The departure of Chiku and Kendi will reduce the troop to 2.3 chimpanzees and one of the females (Lucy) is now the eldest chimpanzee in the region.

Bringing in 2-3 more females would enable Hamilton Zoo to produce a cohort of young males to ensure better succession of the troop. Husbandry guidelines recommend a minimum of three adult males and a minimum of four adult females, and it’s been a while since Hamilton Zoo has held these numbers.

As I noted in a previous post, it would be my expectation in this scenario that this infant (if female) would remain in support of Sanda until she passes, so as not to leave her socially isolated in what could become a thriving breeding troop. One thing to consider in what could be a minor delay to said infant breeding upon reaching the recommended age of 15 years (due to remaining behind until Sanda passes) is that delay could benefit a half-sister produced by one of the incoming females in being able to transfer out with her. If we’re to assume no females are brought in until circa 2030, Sanda’s new infant will be at least 5-6 years old than any half-sibling.

About the only thing that could throw a spanner in the works to the above is the passing of both Luka and Lucifer within the next five years.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

If this infant is indeed female, it all but cements the decision Hamilton Zoo will be acquiring more females. The gender of this infant will not influence the decision to transfer out Chiku and Kendi, which we can expect to occur 2029/2030. The departure of Chiku and Kendi will reduce the troop to 2.3 chimpanzees and one of the females (Lucy) is now the eldest chimpanzee in the region.

Bringing in 2-3 more females would enable Hamilton Zoo to produce a cohort of young males to ensure better succession of the troop. Husbandry guidelines recommend a minimum of three adult males and a minimum of four adult females, and it’s been a while since Hamilton Zoo has held these numbers.

As I noted in a previous post, it would be my expectation in this scenario that this infant (if female) would remain in support of Sanda until she passes, so as not to leave her socially isolated in what could become a thriving breeding troop. One thing to consider in what could be a minor delay to said infant breeding upon reaching the recommended age of 15 years (due to remaining behind until Sanda passes) is that delay could benefit a half-sister produced by one of the incoming females in being able to transfer out with her. If we’re to assume no females are brought in until circa 2030, Sanda’s new infant will be at least 5-6 years old than any half-sibling.

About the only thing that could throw a spanner in the works to the above is the passing of both Luka and Lucifer within the next five years.

Thanks for pointing out the article! It will indeed be interesting to see what gender this infant is as the whole future of the troop will hinge on it (so sad we are still to lose Chiku and Kendi, though, I will miss them although I will be proud that they will have the chance to have infants of their own elsewhere), With World Chimpanzee Day coming up next week, I am wondering if Hamilton Zoo already know if the infant is male or female and plan a gender reveal on that day, and possibly a name reveal or choice of names for a competition.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for pointing out the article! It will indeed be interesting to see what gender this infant is as the whole future of the troop will hinge on it (so sad we are still to lose Chiku and Kendi, though, I will miss them although I will be proud that they will have the chance to have infants of their own elsewhere), With World Chimpanzee Day coming up next week, I am wondering if Hamilton Zoo already know if the infant is male or female and plan a gender reveal on that day, and possibly a name reveal or choice of names for a competition.

I agree some sort of fanfare (e.g. a gender reveal) on World Chimpanzee Day (July 14) seems likely. Zoos often delay announcements for such occasions. The school holidays wrap up this weekend, which otherwise would have been an ideal time to run a naming competition. Sanda has been much more relaxed this time around, so I’m confident the keepers would know by now.

It was first proposed the Australasian region follow the female dispersal method in the early 2010’s. I can’t imagine it was well received considering most of the surviving infants in the decade leading up to that had been male, offering little to no surplus for exchange. However, it’s interesting to note that if Sanda’s new infant is female, she’d be the 10th female of the 15 surviving infants born between 2015-2025. Combined with imports, that offers massive potential for exchanges within the region.

Gender of surviving infants (2015-2025):

1.0 Enzi (19/10/2015) Sandali x Zombi
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Hope (19/02/2019) Tsotsi x Hannah
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Sule x Shiba
0.1 Zola (08/09/2019) Unknown x Zombi
1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly
1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Sule x Naomi
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda
1.0 Akida (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey
1.0 Happy (21/12/2022) Unknown x Hannah
0.1 Lemba (23/05/2023) Sule x Lisa
0.1 Cekiri (29/07/2023) Sule x Ceres
0.0.1 Unnamed (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

 

[Zoofan15]

Sanda’s infant is a female:

Confirmation from the zoo’s socials that Sanda’s infant is a female:

Today, on International Chimpanzee Day, we’re excited to share that our newest chimp baby is a female — and she’s already stealing hearts at Hamilton Zoo!

Born as part of our global breeding program, she represents hope for the future of her species.

A vote on the infant’s name (from options selected by keepers) will follow shortly.

This means all four of Sanda’s infants have been female:

0.1 Mosi (26/10/1993) Died 09/12/1993
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016)
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020)
0.1 Unnamed (27/06/2025)

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Sanda’s infant is a female:

Confirmation from the zoo’s socials that Sanda’s infant is a female:

Today, on International Chimpanzee Day, we’re excited to share that our newest chimp baby is a female — and she’s already stealing hearts at Hamilton Zoo!

Born as part of our global breeding program, she represents hope for the future of her species.

A vote on the infant’s name (from options selected by keepers) will follow shortly.

This means all four of Sanda’s infants have been female:

0.1 Mosi (26/10/1993) Died 09/12/1993
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016)
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020)
0.1 Unnamed (27/06/2025)

Thanks for the update! I had a strong suspicion that the gender reveal was happening today and that the baby chimp is a female! And that's exactly what occurred!

This will be interesting for the dynamics of the troop going forward. Since keepers already confirmed Chiku and Kendi will transfer out together once Kendi is of age, I suppose there will be a delay in transferring this one out and the future will depend on the health and longevity of the incumbent males, particularly Luka,

I will be very interested to see the name selection going up for a vote!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update! I had a strong suspicion that the gender reveal was happening today and that the baby chimp is a female! And that's exactly what occurred!

This will be interesting for the dynamics of the troop going forward. Since keepers already confirmed Chiku and Kendi will transfer out together once Kendi is of age, I suppose there will be a delay in transferring this one out and the future will depend on the health and longevity of the incumbent males, particularly Luka,

I will be very interested to see the name selection going up for a vote!

You were right!

My assumption is new females will now be brought in. The obvious time to do this would be when Chiku and Kendi transfer out in around 5 years. Aside from needing to make up the numbers (especially if Lucy is deceased by then), this infant will be a juvenile (Luka’s protectiveness towards Sanda and the infant won’t be as heightened).

Sanda is 40 years old and her new daughter won’t be allowed to breed until she’s 15 years. That would make Sanda 55 years old, so my assumption is her new daughter will remain at Hamilton until Sanda passes (so Sanda has family support). A five year delay in breeding (if Sanda lives to 60) is no big deal, especially with Chiku and Kendi breeding in the interim.

If new females are brought in and sons produced, the only males in the troop by the time this female infant is ready to disperse would be her half-brothers.

It’ll be interesting to see what names they come up with. I’m not a fan of voting per se, but I acknowledge it filters out the nonsense the general public usually come up with. I’ll be happy with any geographically appropriate name that’s unique within the regional population. An S name would be nice, especially if this infant is to remain at Hamilton until Sanda passes.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

You were right!

My assumption is new females will now be brought in. The obvious time to do this would be when Chiku and Kendi transfer out in around 5 years. Aside from needing to make up the numbers (especially if Lucy is deceased by then), this infant will be a juvenile (Luka’s protectiveness towards Sanda and the infant won’t be as heightened).

Sanda is 40 years old and her new daughter won’t be allowed to breed until she’s 15 years. That would make Sanda 55 years old, so my assumption is her new daughter will remain at Hamilton until Sanda passes (so Sanda has family support). A five year delay in breeding (if Sanda lives to 60) is no big deal, especially with Chiku and Kendi breeding in the interim.

If new females are brought in and sons produced, the only males in the troop by the time this female infant is ready to disperse would be her half-brothers.

It’ll be interesting to see what names they come up with. I’m not a fan of voting per se, but I acknowledge it filters out the nonsense the general public usually come up with. I’ll be happy with any geographically appropriate name that’s unique within the regional population. An S name would be nice, especially if this infant is to remain at Hamilton until Sanda passes.

Yes, that does seem the most likely course of action. Luka is in good and robust health and will be capable of siring infants to new females for years to come. He will likely remain alpha for the majority of his life, since Lucifer appears content to remain beta male and it will be a long time indeed before any potential sons come of age. And there is always the possibility of a fourth infant from Sanda - it's unlikely, but as I've said before, these things aren't unknown. Sanda will be 44 by the time the new infant reaches Kendi's current age, and while that's definitely high in age for a chimpanzee mother, there have been births to females around that age before!

Personally, I quite like the idea of voting; as you've mentioned, it filters out the Chimpy McChimpface-type suggestions and as the keepers have an idea of what the little one is like already, they can suggest something fitting. I like the idea of an S-name too, providing a connection long-term with Sanda and her line. Or perhaps a name to suggest the infant's specialness, such as Kanzi (meaning treasure).

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, that does seem the most likely course of action. Luka is in good and robust health and will be capable of siring infants to new females for years to come. He will likely remain alpha for the majority of his life, since Lucifer appears content to remain beta male and it will be a long time indeed before any potential sons come of age. And there is always the possibility of a fourth infant from Sanda - it's unlikely, but as I've said before, these things aren't unknown. Sanda will be 44 by the time the new infant reaches Kendi's current age, and while that's definitely high in age for a chimpanzee mother, there have been births to females around that age before!

Personally, I quite like the idea of voting; as you've mentioned, it filters out the Chimpy McChimpface-type suggestions and as the keepers have an idea of what the little one is like already, they can suggest something fitting. I like the idea of an S-name too, providing a connection long-term with Sanda and her line. Or perhaps a name to suggest the infant's specialness, such as Kanzi (meaning treasure).

Mike’s half brothers Cassius and Jojo lived until they were 53 and 51 years respectively, so it’s entirely possible Luka (aged 32 years) could go for another 20 years. The departure of Chiku and Kendi will reduce the troop to 2.2 adults, which is well below the recommended minimum number of 3.4 adults. Furthermore, Lucy is the oldest chimpanzee in the region at 50 years of age, so there’s no guarantees how much longer she’ll be around. New females are definitely needed.

Sanda has been successful in producing viable young late in life (and successfully raising them); as has Lisa at Taronga Zoo. I have no doubt Sanda could produce a live infant again in 3-5 years and successfully raise it, but I’m thinking Hamilton would be conscious of putting the strain on her given she’s now had three infants back to back. No chimpanzee in the region has ever raised three infants back to back this late in life. A fourth I feel would be pushing it, with the costs outweighing the benefits.

That’s a good idea. The last two infants have had Swahili names, so presumably this infant will too. ‘Siri’ meaning ‘secret’ would be a good name; or perhaps ‘Gola’ after Gola National Park. Unlike the overused Gombe and Mahale, there’s been no Gola’s amongst Australia’s great ape population and this particular national park is home to Western chimpanzees.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Mike’s half brothers Cassius and Jojo lived until they were 53 and 51 years respectively, so it’s entirely possible Luka (aged 32 years) could go for another 20 years. The departure of Chiku and Kendi will reduce the troop to 2.2 adults, which is well below the recommended minimum number of 3.4 adults. Furthermore, Lucy is the oldest chimpanzee in the region at 50 years of age, so there’s no guarantees how much longer she’ll be around. New females are definitely needed.

Sanda has been successful in producing viable young late in life (and successfully raising them); as has Lisa at Taronga Zoo. I have no doubt Sanda could produce a live infant again in 3-5 years and successfully raise it, but I’m thinking Hamilton would be conscious of putting the strain on her given she’s now had three infants back to back. No chimpanzee in the region has ever raised three infants back to back this late in life. A fourth I feel would be pushing it, with the costs outweighing the benefits.

That’s a good idea. The last two infants have had Swahili names, so presumably this infant will too. ‘Siri’ meaning ‘secret’ would be a good name; or perhaps ‘Gola’ after Gola National Park. Unlike the overused Gombe and Mahale, there’s been no Gola’s amongst Australia’s great ape population and this particular national park is home to Western chimpanzees.

Very good points. Luka seems to have come from quite a long-lived family! And perhaps yes, it might be pushing it to allow Sanda to breed again, especially since all her infants are females who will doubtless all be destined for the breeding programme.

Siri and Gola are great ideas for names! I also like Subira ("patience") for an S name, and another possible regional name is Kakombe, name of a river and waterfall in Gombe National Park.

 

[marmolady]

I would save ‘Gola’ for if Galatea has a successful birth!
Going by the vote so far, it looks like this new infant will be another ‘Zuri’ which is disappointing. The other names in the running are not used by any great apes in the region.

The options are:
‘Zuri’
‘Ayana’
‘Binti’
‘Afia’
‘Dalila’

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I would save ‘Gola’ for if Galatea has a successful birth!
Going by the vote so far, it looks like this new infant will be another ‘Zuri’ which is disappointing. The other names in the running are not used by any great apes in the region.

The options are:
‘Zuri’
‘Ayana’
‘Binti’
‘Afia’
‘Dalila’

I agree, Gola would be fitting for Galatea's infant and would suit either a male or a female. Hopefully the existence of another quite iconic Zuri might discourage Hamilton Zoo from choosing that name, even if it turns out to be the most popular. Perhaps they will choose the next most popular name? Personally, of those options, I like Ayana or Binti (which could be short for "binti mfalme" - princess in Swahili, the meaning of the late Sally's name).