Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

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’

Very disappointing….

Not only is Zuri the name of an existing chimpanzee in the region (as well as a Mzuri), it’s the most overused female Swahili name in the region across all species. The general public always vote for names that sound ‘nice’ for want of a better word and will always vote for Zuri, Zahara, Jabari etc. when given the opportunity to do so (part the reason we have so many of them already).

Afia doesn’t stand a chance, though it would be my choice given it’s never been used in the region (the others have been used on bongo, zebra, porcupine etc).

The results thus far are:

Zuri - 41 votes
Binti - 24 votes
Dalila - 11 votes
Ayana - 8 votes
Afia - 4 votes

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Very disappointing….

Not only is Zuri the name of an existing chimpanzee in the region (as well as a Mzuri), it’s the most overused female Swahili name in the region across all species. The general public always vote for names that sound ‘nice’ for want of a better word and will always vote for Zuri, Zahara, Jabari etc. when given the opportunity to do so (part the reason we have so many of them already).

Afia doesn’t stand a chance, though it would be my choice given it’s never been used in the region (the others have been used on bongo, zebra, porcupine etc).

The results thus far are:

Zuri - 41 votes
Binti - 24 votes
Dalila - 11 votes
Ayana - 8 votes
Afia - 4 votes

I hope that somebody points out what you've said here about the name Zuri - its overuse and the fact that a very notable chimp in the region already has the name. I am going to cast my vote for Binti - for the "binti mfalme" reason and also because it's the name of one of my all-time favorite gorillas (Binti Jua of Brookfield Zoo!)

 

[marmolady]

I hope that somebody points out what you've said here about the name Zuri - its overuse and the fact that a very notable chimp in the region already has the name. I am going to cast my vote for Binti - for the "binti mfalme" reason and also because it's the name of one of my all-time favorite gorillas (Binti Jua of Brookfield Zoo!)

I did comment on the post, actually, not that I imagine it is of much concern to the average zoo-goer.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I did comment on the post, actually, not that I imagine it is of much concern to the average zoo-goer.

Hopefully if enough of us comment, they will take notice!

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo - Chimpanzee Infant Named

The naming competition has concluded with the results as follows:

Zuri - 488 votes
Binti - 281 votes
Ayana - 104 votes
Dalila - 79 votes
Afia - 50 votes

The female infant has therefore been named Zuri.

Hamilton Zoo’s troop:

1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Unknown x Lulu
0.1 Sanda (10/04/1985) Peter x Fimi
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

 

[Abbey]

Hamilton Zoo - Chimpanzee Infant Named

The naming competition has concluded with the results as follows:

Zuri - 488 votes
Binti - 281 votes
Ayana - 104 votes
Dalila - 79 votes
Afia - 50 votes

The female infant has therefore been named Zuri.

Hamilton Zoo’s troop:

1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Unknown x Lulu
0.1 Sanda (10/04/1985) Peter x Fimi
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

Not surprising, but I agree it would have been nice to come up with something more original. It's not outside of the bounds of possibility that the two Zuris could end up at the same zoo in the future. I know that animal names are often more for public relations, but you'd think there would at least be some husbandry purpose for which double-ups should be avoided for social species.

 

[Zoofan15]

Not surprising, but I agree it would have been nice to come up with something more original. It's not outside of the bounds of possibility that the two Zuris could end up at the same zoo in the future. I know that animal names are often more for public relations, but you'd think there would at least be some husbandry purpose for which double-ups should be avoided for social species.

I agree. Myself and @ApeLadyNZ came up with better ideas without even trying.

We now have in the region:

0.1 Zuri (21/08/2012) Sandali x Zombi
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

It’s bad enough we have so many lion double ups within the region; but since unrelated adult males (or females) are never integrated, at least they’ll never end up in the same pride. Like you say, the same can’t be said for these three chimpanzees.

Considering chimpanzees live up to 60 years and are among the most iconic species held in Australasian zoos, some thought should definitely be put into naming them.

Previous chimpanzee double ups include:

Sally (1960) at Auckland
Sally (1985) at Taronga

Gombe (1988) at Taronga
Gombe (1993) at Wellington

Note these were all named prior to having easy access to online resources including maps and baby name sites like we do today.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree. Myself and @ApeLadyNZ came up with better ideas without even trying.

We now have in the region:

0.1 Zuri (21/08/2012) Sandali x Zombi
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

It’s bad enough we have so many lion double ups within the region; but since unrelated adult males (or females) are never integrated, at least they’ll never end up in the same pride. Like you say, the same can’t be said for these three chimpanzees.

Considering chimpanzees live up to 60 years and are among the most iconic species held in Australasian zoos, some thought should definitely be put into naming them.

Previous chimpanzee double ups include:

Sally (1960) at Auckland
Sally (1985) at Taronga

Gombe (1988) at Taronga
Gombe (1993) at Wellington
Note these were all named prior to having easy access to online resources including maps and baby name sites like we do today.

Thanks for the update! While the new name is pretty, I do concur with @Zoofan15 and @Abbey that a name that isn't shared with an already very notable chimpanzee in the region would have been preferable. Many zoos have unfortunately been prone to double-ups for names - with orangutans, for example, there seems to be quite a frequency of Berani and Cinta!

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo Update

Update from my visit (17/07/2025):

I visited Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzees yesterday and got a brief glimpse of Zuri, who is now three weeks old. When I arrived, Zuri was laying in a pile of bedding on the left hand ledge of the night house, with Kendi sitting besides her. Kendi was playing with her and kissing her forehead, while Sanda lay beside them. Lucy and Lucifer were napping further along on the same ledge; while Luka and Chiku were in the off display cages down below.

After a few minutes, Kendi did something Sanda didn’t like and she hurriedly picked up Zuri, screaming at Kendi. There was a brief scuffle and Luka and Chiku scrambled up to the ledge when they heard Sanda scream, but it was soon over.

I had a good chat to one of the keepers and he advised that Zuri will be Sanda’s last infant due to her age. He confirmed what I was advised last time that the plan is for Chiku and Kendi to transfer out together in 4-5 years; and said the long term plan would be for Zuri to transfer out as well. The keeper said the current plan is for two females to be transferred in, which would be in around 4-5 years time (so as to avoid undertaking introductions with an infant in the troop). No females have been identified/confirmed at this stage as a lot can change in five years.

With regards to the hierarchy, I was surprised to learn that Sanda currently outranks Lucy. Apparently Sanda began as low ranking (as we know); but each time she was pregnant/gave birth, she overtook Lucy in ranking. In some ways, I’m not too surprised. Luka and Sanda are very close, forming the central clique of the troop, along with their offspring. Lucy and Lucifer are very much on the periphery and on most of my visits, they’re sitting together away from the action. So far, Kendi is the only member of the troop that Sanda permits to touch Zuri.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo Update

Update from my visit (17/07/2025):

I visited Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzees yesterday and got a brief glimpse of Zuri, who is now three weeks old. When I arrived, Zuri was laying in a pile of bedding on the left hand ledge of the night house, with Kendi sitting besides her. Kendi was playing with her and kissing her forehead, while Sanda lay beside them. Lucy and Lucifer were napping further along on the same ledge; while Luka and Chiku were in the off display cages down below.

After a few minutes, Kendi did something Sanda didn’t like and she hurriedly picked up Zuri, screaming at Kendi. There was a brief scuffle and Luka and Chiku scrambled up to the ledge when they heard Sanda scream, but it was soon over.

I had a good chat to one of the keepers and he advised that Zuri will be Sanda’s last infant due to her age. He confirmed what I was advised last time that the plan is for Chiku and Kendi to transfer out together in 4-5 years; and said the long term plan would be for Zuri to transfer out as well. The keeper said the current plan is for two females to be transferred in, which would be in around 4-5 years time (so as to avoid undertaking introductions with an infant in the troop). No females have been identified/confirmed at this stage as a lot can change in five years.

With regards to the hierarchy, I was surprised to learn that Sanda currently outranks Lucy. Apparently Sanda began as low ranking (as we know); but each time she was pregnant/gave birth, she overtook Lucy in ranking. In some ways, I’m not too surprised. Luka and Sanda are very close, forming the central clique of the troop, along with their offspring. Lucy and Lucifer are very much on the periphery and on most of my visits, they’re sitting together away from the action. So far, Kendi is the only member of the troop that Sanda permits to touch Zuri.

Thanks for the updates! It's interesting to hear about changes in troop dynamics and plans for the future. It makes sense that Hamilton will wait a few years to transfer out Chiku and Kendi, as not only will Kendi be of age by then, but Zuri will be a juvenile and not an infant when the new females arrive. Presumably the plan is for Zuri to transfer out with a future half-sister.

It will be interesting to see where Chiku and Kendi will be sent, and where new females will come from - we can be certain neither of those options will include Taronga or Monarto, at any rate!

That is fascinating, that Lucy is no longer alpha female! It tracks that Sanda would be increasing her rank by bearing infants and able to display authority by asserting herself over her elder daughters, but I always thought that Lucy's strong personality would cause her to reassert herself. Perhaps it's also due to the fact that Lucy is ageing and Sanda is still very much in her prime, although Zuri is to be her last infant (which makes sense, to avoid strain on Sanda, and the fact she's produced three healthy daughters is likely to mean her line is well represented going forward).

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the updates! It's interesting to hear about changes in troop dynamics and plans for the future. It makes sense that Hamilton will wait a few years to transfer out Chiku and Kendi, as not only will Kendi be of age by then, but Zuri will be a juvenile and not an infant when the new females arrive. Presumably the plan is for Zuri to transfer out with a future half-sister.

It will be interesting to see where Chiku and Kendi will be sent, and where new females will come from - we can be certain neither of those options will include Taronga or Monarto, at any rate!

That is fascinating, that Lucy is no longer alpha female! It tracks that Sanda would be increasing her rank by bearing infants and able to display authority by asserting herself over her elder daughters, but I always thought that Lucy's strong personality would cause her to reassert herself. Perhaps it's also due to the fact that Lucy is ageing and Sanda is still very much in her prime, although Zuri is to be her last infant (which makes sense, to avoid strain on Sanda, and the fact she's produced three healthy daughters is likely to mean her line is well represented going forward).

The change in hierarchy was explained to me as fluctuating i.e. Sanda rose and fell in ranking in accordance to her reproductive status. I’ve observed similar at Taronga Zoo with females like Kamili, who increased in status temporarily while she was pregnant. Others such as Shiba and Kuma enjoyed an increase in status following the births of their infants.

Despite Lucy and Sanda’s reproductive histories being worlds apart (Lucy, two surviving offspring at 13 and 18; Sanda, three surviving offspring at 31, 35 and 40), these two females are only 10 years apart in age, so both are getting up there. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Sanda’s ranking decrease again once Zuri is independent; though any incoming females would enter the hierarchy under her, at least initially until they themselves build up families.

It’s difficult to say with Zuri as it’ll be close to a decade before she’s at dispersal age. Your theory of waiting until she has a half-sister to transfer out with could well hold true. I’m of the opinion she’d be retained for the duration of Sanda’s lifespan, so as not to see her deprived of all family support; so waiting for a half-sister (which won’t be born for a minimum of five years) could be no detriment to Zuri’s breeding timeline. With her sisters transferring out to breed in 4-5 years, that removes the urgency for Zuri to breed.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The change in hierarchy was explained to me as fluctuating i.e. Sanda rose and fell in ranking in accordance to her reproductive status. I’ve observed similar at Taronga Zoo with females like Kamili, who increased in status temporarily while she was pregnant. Others such as Shiba and Kuma enjoyed an increase in status following the births of their infants.

Despite Lucy and Sanda’s reproductive histories being worlds apart (Lucy, two surviving offspring at 13 and 18; Sanda, three surviving offspring at 31, 35 and 40), these two females are only 10 years apart in age, so both are getting up there. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Sanda’s ranking decrease again once Zuri is independent; though any incoming females would enter the hierarchy under her, at least initially until they themselves build up families.

It’s difficult to say with Zuri as it’ll be close to a decade before she’s at dispersal age. Your theory of waiting until she has a half-sister to transfer out with could well hold true. I’m of the opinion she’d be retained for the duration of Sanda’s lifespan, so as not to see her deprived of all family support; so waiting for a half-sister (which won’t be born for a minimum of five years) could be no detriment to Zuri’s breeding timeline. With her sisters transferring out to breed in 4-5 years, that removes the urgency for Zuri to breed.

That's fascinating, how the hierarchy works! I suppose a lot to do with female rankings is childbirth and her relationship with others in the troop. It will be interesting to see how the hierarchy changes further down the line with new females, and whether Luka will continue to favour Sanda or form closer bonds with the new females.

Zuri will not be permitted to breed until she is in her teens, so indeed there won't be any detrimental effects due to delays. I can see the sense in allowing her to remain with Sanda until Sanda passes away, although it's uncertain when that will be. Sanda seems to be in robust health!

It's interesting to see that Kendi is the only one she lets get that close to the baby. Has Chiku shown much interest in Zuri, and does Luka ever get close? Or is his role mainly a protective one in chasing off the other chimps?

 

[Zoofan15]

That's fascinating, how the hierarchy works! I suppose a lot to do with female rankings is childbirth and her relationship with others in the troop. It will be interesting to see how the hierarchy changes further down the line with new females, and whether Luka will continue to favour Sanda or form closer bonds with the new females.

Zuri will not be permitted to breed until she is in her teens, so indeed there won't be any detrimental effects due to delays. I can see the sense in allowing her to remain with Sanda until Sanda passes away, although it's uncertain when that will be. Sanda seems to be in robust health!

It's interesting to see that Kendi is the only one she lets get that close to the baby. Has Chiku shown much interest in Zuri, and does Luka ever get close? Or is his role mainly a protective one in chasing off the other chimps?

Chimpanzee hierarchy is fascinating and varies so much across the troops in the region. Wellington for example had six adult females at one point and the lowest ranking is now the highest. Their troop broke multiple ‘rules’ in that at one point the alpha role was shared by three males; and a handraised female with no offspring attained a higher ranking position than mother raised females with offspring. In recent years we’ve seen Taronga’s community function without an alpha for a period of time; and currently, Monarto’s is a similar transition period.

Lucy and Sanda both appear to be in good health and I’m hopeful they’ll reach decent ages. Sally died at Hamilton Zoo three months before her 51st birthday; so in the second half of next year, Lucy will become Hamilton’s oldest chimpanzee on record as well as the second oldest in New Zealand history. Only Janie at Auckland Zoo lived longer.

Chiku is less interested in Zuri. I’d attribute this to a combination of an infant not being the novelty it is to Kendi; and being more mature, having the sense to give Sanda the space she wants. Luka, I’ve mainly seeing in a protective role. He guards Sanda and makes sure she has space from the others. This is the role of the alpha male; though at Taronga, females with new infants have also had their adult sons play the gate-keeping role.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Chimpanzee hierarchy is fascinating and varies so much across the troops in the region. Wellington for example had six adult females at one point and the lowest ranking is now the highest. Their troop broke multiple ‘rules’ in that at one point the alpha role was shared by three males; and a handraised female with no offspring attained a higher ranking position than mother raised females with offspring. In recent years we’ve seen Taronga’s community function without an alpha for a period of time; and currently, Monarto’s is a similar transition period.

Lucy and Sanda both appear to be in good health and I’m hopeful they’ll reach decent ages. Sally died at Hamilton Zoo three months before her 51st birthday; so in the second half of next year, Lucy will become Hamilton’s oldest chimpanzee on record as well as the second oldest in New Zealand history. Only Janie at Auckland Zoo lived longer.

Chiku is less interested in Zuri. I’d attribute this to a combination of an infant not being the novelty it is to Kendi; and being more mature, having the sense to give Sanda the space she wants. Luka, I’ve mainly seeing in a protective role. He guards Sanda and makes sure she has space from the others. This is the role of the alpha male; though at Taronga, females with new infants have also had their adult sons play the gate-keeping role.

Very interesting indeed! Hierarchy in chimps is indeed complex. With the Monarto situation, I had perhaps thought Sandali might assume the alpha role, but he hasn't done so. Although I am confident that role will eventually go to Enzi, but he is still very young.

It makes sense that Chiku is less interested in Zuri. She is already used to seeing infants since the birth of Kendi, and Zuri is highly protected still and too young to engage in play in the vigorous manner I've seen from Chiku and Kendi.

I hope that Lucy and Sanda do go on to live long and healthy lives! Janie, as you've mentioned, made it into her 60s, and others in Australia have certainly reached some impressive ages.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very interesting indeed! Hierarchy in chimps is indeed complex. With the Monarto situation, I had perhaps thought Sandali might assume the alpha role, but he hasn't done so. Although I am confident that role will eventually go to Enzi, but he is still very young.

It makes sense that Chiku is less interested in Zuri. She is already used to seeing infants since the birth of Kendi, and Zuri is highly protected still and too young to engage in play in the vigorous manner I've seen from Chiku and Kendi.

I hope that Lucy and Sanda do go on to live long and healthy lives! Janie, as you've mentioned, made it into her 60s, and others in Australia have certainly reached some impressive ages.

I understand with Monarto’s situation, Sandali has the support of the majority of the females; but Boyd and Gombe are a strong alliance. I’m doubtful anything will change in this situation until Boyd passes (weakening the resistance against Sandali); or Enzi reaches adulthood and gains the backing of the females. Potentially, Sandali and Enzi could also form an alliance.

Fumo in Taronga’s community has been challenging Sule (the alpha of Taronga’s community) over the last year. Sule is only 17 years old and has strong support from the females (and his brother Shikamoo), so I’d anticipate he’ll hold the alpha role for at least the next decade. Fumo’s best chance long term would be to form an alliance with one of the younger males.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I understand with Monarto’s situation, Sandali has the support of the majority of the females; but Boyd and Gombe are a strong alliance. I’m doubtful anything will change in this situation until Boyd passes (weakening the resistance against Sandali); or Enzi reaches adulthood and gains the backing of the females. Potentially, Sandali and Enzi could also form an alliance.

Fumo in Taronga’s community has been challenging Sule (the alpha of Taronga’s community) over the last year. Sule is only 17 years old and has strong support from the females (and his brother Shikamoo), so I’d anticipate he’ll hold the alpha role for at least the next decade. Fumo’s best chance long term would be to form an alliance with one of the younger males.

Very good points. An alliance of Sandali and Enzi could prove a match for Boyd and Gombe any day, especially with the backing of Zombi. And that's quite an interesting situation in Taronga, too! I wonder if it will be a situation of Enzi backing Sandali, or if Sandali will back his son sometime down the track?

It makes me realize how unique Hamilton's situation truly is - a small troop, all blood-related and with virtually no possibility of a challenge to Luka's position as alpha. I don't see him being deposed unless he sires a son to one of the new females, and that will be a very long time in the future!

 

[Zoofan15]

Very good points. An alliance of Sandali and Enzi could prove a match for Boyd and Gombe any day, especially with the backing of Zombi. And that's quite an interesting situation in Taronga, too! I wonder if it will be a situation of Enzi backing Sandali, or if Sandali will back his son sometime down the track?

It makes me realize how unique Hamilton's situation truly is - a small troop, all blood-related and with virtually no possibility of a challenge to Luka's position as alpha. I don't see him being deposed unless he sires a son to one of the new females, and that will be a very long time in the future!

Enzi has previously provided support to Sandali; but at nine years old, he’s not mature enough for his support to count for anything. He turn 10 in October and certainly be the time he’s 12-13 years, he’ll be an influential figure in the troop. Supporting Sandali as beta male would be one option; but making his own bid for alpha may prove the greater temptation. A lot will depend on the relationships he builds with the females over the next couple of years.

Luka could well reign as alpha until he’s 50 (or the rest of his life). Lucifer is content to sit on the sidelines and there’s no possibility of a male being born into the troop for at least 5-6 years (when Luka will be in his late 30’s). Were a male infant sired by Luka, it’d then be a further 10-12 years before said male stood a chance of overthrowing him.

Tom at Wellington Zoo was the alpha male when he died aged 40 years in 1990; though like Hamilton Zoo they had two small troops. Tom lived with his daughter/breeding partner (Bebe) and their sons (Boyd and Marty).

One of the males imported with Tom (Teddy) was exported to Melbourne Zoo in 1966 and as the only male, ruled unchallenged as alpha until his son Ernie (born 1969) matured and overthrew him during the 1980’s.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo Update

Update from my visit (24/07/2025):

Spoiler: Hamilton Zoo’s Troop

1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Unknown x Lulu
0.1 Sanda (10/04/1985) Peter x Fimi
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

What a difference a week can make!

Sanda’s infant Zuri is now four weeks old and Sanda is confidently taking her outside on a daily basis after spending most of the time since her birth in the night house.

The other change is that all members of the community are now welcome to inspect and interact with Zuri. Kendi has stuck close to her mother’s side since the birth; but on my visit, Lucy was spending a lot of time with Sanda and Zuri, at one point leaning in to kiss her new granddaughter. I also saw Lucifer inspecting Zuri after the entire troop did a lap of the exhibit, before heading into the night house for a feed.

(Big) Chiku:



Sanda and Zuri climbing:



Lucy inspecting Zuri:

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo Update

Update from my visit (24/07/2025):

Spoiler: Hamilton Zoo’s Troop

1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Unknown x Lulu
0.1 Sanda (10/04/1985) Peter x Fimi
0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Zuri (27/06/2025) Luka x Sanda

What a difference a week can make!

Sanda’s infant Zuri is now four weeks old and Sanda is confidently taking her outside on a daily basis after spending most of the time since her birth in the night house.

The other change is that all members of the community are now welcome to inspect and interact with Zuri. Kendi has stuck close to her mother’s side since the birth; but on my visit, Lucy was spending a lot of time with Sanda and Zuri, at one point leaning in to kiss her new granddaughter. I also saw Lucifer inspecting Zuri after the entire troop did a lap of the exhibit, before heading into the night house for a feed.

(Big) Chiku:

View attachment 811846

Sanda and Zuri climbing:

View attachment 811847

Lucy inspecting Zuri:

View attachment 811845

Thanks for the update and the photos - those are amazing! I am quite stunned to see how big Chiku has got - even though I last saw her in March. She looks like an adult female already - even more so than orangutan Daya at Auckland Zoo, who is already 13!

When I saw Chiku, she was still looking and acting quite adolescent, spending most of her time playing with Kendi.

It's encouraging to see Sanda so confident with little Zuri, and the rest of the troop taking such a keen interest!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update and the photos - those are amazing! I am quite stunned to see how big Chiku has got - even though I last saw her in March. She looks like an adult female already - even more so than orangutan Daya at Auckland Zoo, who is already 13!

When I saw Chiku, she was still looking and acting quite adolescent, spending most of her time playing with Kendi.

It's encouraging to see Sanda so confident with little Zuri, and the rest of the troop taking such a keen interest!

Chiku is huge. She’s an adolescent at nine years of age, but already bigger than her mother; though that’s not saying much considering Sanda is a small female. While Chiku is stocky, Kendi’s build is slightly different as you’ve probably noticed - she’s much lankier. It’s led to keepers to speculate whether they were sired by Luca and Lucifer respectively, but the assumption has otherwise been that Luka sired all three infants considering he’s the alpha male.

Chiku has been spending a lot of time with Luka on my recent visits, starting from when Kendi was born and Sanda’s attention switched from Chiku to Kendi. Like you, I’ve also seen Chiku and Kendi playing together; though the latter seems more attached to Sanda. Maybe this will decrease over the coming year as she gains more independence; though her infant sister will surely prove a source of intrigue for her. Within the region, there’s been countless chimpanzees (usually those without younger siblings) who have developed obsessions with infants within their troops.