Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

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.

I remember @marmolady remarking about the difference in appearance between Chiku and Kendi (not sure if it was on here or on socials) and how Chiku has a strong facial resemblance to her maternal line. I can definitely see that resemblance in Monarto's Hope and can detect it in Zola also (which makes me believe she was also sired by the late Tsotsi).

Chiku may facially resemble Sanda's side of the family, but she definitely gets her size and strength from Luka's line. Whereas I think Kendi resembles the "L family" in terms of facial features, but she has Sanda's more slender build. It will be interesting to see who Zuri grows up to resemble!

 

[Zoofan15]

I remember @marmolady remarking about the difference in appearance between Chiku and Kendi (not sure if it was on here or on socials) and how Chiku has a strong facial resemblance to her maternal line. I can definitely see that resemblance in Monarto's Hope and can detect it in Zola also (which makes me believe she was also sired by the late Tsotsi).

Chiku may facially resemble Sanda's side of the family, but she definitely gets her size and strength from Luka's line. Whereas I think Kendi resembles the "L family" in terms of facial features, but she has Sanda's more slender build. It will be interesting to see who Zuri grows up to resemble!

It’s always interesting seeing the resemblance in facial features across related members of Australasia’s chimpanzee population. Cara at Wellington Zoo bears a strong resemblance to photos I’ve seen of Taronga’s now defunct original C family; and Hamilton’s males both have the long facial features of Taronga’s L family.

Sembe at Taronga Zoo, who is now 17 years old, bears a striking resemblance to her mother Shiba during her prime years; while of the Taronga males, Furahi bears the greatest resemblance to his deceased sire, Lubutu.

What’s also interesting is when new lines come into the region - e.g. Capri at Rockhampton, who is the offspring of two founders and looks very different to other infants/juveniles in the region. Considering the strong Western and Central ancestry of most of Australasia’s chimpanzees, it’d be interesting to know if Alon/Leakey had any Eastern heritage. I can definitely see some similarities there.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s always interesting seeing the resemblance in facial features across related members of Australasia’s chimpanzee population. Cara at Wellington Zoo bears a strong resemblance to photos I’ve seen of Taronga’s now defunct original C family; and Hamilton’s males both have the long facial features of Taronga’s L family.

Sembe at Taronga Zoo, who is now 17 years old, bears a striking resemblance to her mother Shiba during her prime years; while of the Taronga males, Furahi bears the greatest resemblance to his deceased sire, Lubutu.

What’s also interesting is when new lines come into the region - e.g. Capri at Rockhampton, who is the offspring of two founders and looks very different to other infants/juveniles in the region. Considering the strong Western and Central ancestry of most of Australasia’s chimpanzees, it’d be interesting to know if Alon/Leakey had any Eastern heritage. I can definitely see some similarities there.

Yes indeed - the resemblances are fascinating to contemplate! Not just in features, but also temperament. I can see quite a bit of Lucy's determination in Chiku - which would explain why she was not deterred or intimidated by Lucy's early resentment of Chiku and her marked preference for her younger sister Kendi.

Speaking of temperament, I too am convinced Luka sired all three of Sanda's offspring born at Hamilton. Lucifer has too nervous a disposition to be able to go behind Luka's back the way the much wilier Sandali did with Tsotsi!

 

[marmolady]

Monarto have shared an in-depth update on their chimpanzee community, including the current state of the contested position of alpha male. It seems it remains most probably between Sandali and Gombe, dependent on female supports, though Zombi does also provide support to Enzi.

 

[Zoofan15]

Monarto have shared an in-depth update on their chimpanzee community, including the current state of the contested position of alpha male. It seems it remains most probably between Sandali and Gombe, dependent on female supports, though Zombi does also provide support to Enzi.

It’s interesting to compare Enzi (2015)’s social development to Sudi (2014) and Liwali (2014) at Taronga, who have made very little inroads with regards to entering the male hierarchy - presumably a consequence of them living in a larger community with multiple adult males and a defined hierarchy with an alpha and beta in place.

I think the one thing we can guarantee about Monarto’s troop is that if Gombe or Sandali secure the alpha role, it’ll be a short reign with Enzi then taking over.

Enzi has the support of his mother Zombi, which is by no means a given. Several females in the region with sons who could be considered candidates for the alpha role have leant their support to other males they clearly identified as more suitable for the role.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s interesting to compare Enzi (2015)’s social development to Sudi (2014) and Liwali (2014) at Taronga, who have made very little inroads with regards to entering the male hierarchy - presumably a consequence of them living in a larger community with multiple adult males and a defined hierarchy with an alpha and beta in place.

I think the one thing we can guarantee about Monarto’s troop is that if Gombe or Sandali secure the alpha role, it’ll be a short reign with Enzi then taking over.

Enzi has the support of his mother Zombi, which is by no means a given. Several females in the region with sons who could be considered candidates for the alpha role have leant their support to other males they clearly identified as more suitable for the role.

Thanks @marmolady for the Monarto chimpanzee updates! I love seeing what they are up to, given the connection to our Hamilton chimps and because they are such a fascinating array of personalities!

@Zoofan15 - thanks for the insights into some of the other chimpanzee dynamics. Their ways are very interesting! I too agree that if Gombe or Sandali succeeded in becoming alpha, it'd be a short reign ending in the ascension of Enzi, and he would likely stay in the alpha role for a long time.

Hamilton is quite the outlier in terms of male dynamics, with Luka likely to remain alpha long into his twilight years. Let's face it, Lucifer is never going to mount a challenge - his temperament is too nervous, and Lucy has always favoured Luka. It'll be a long time indeed before there are any potential sons to challenge him!

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 - thanks for the insights into some of the other chimpanzee dynamics. Their ways are very interesting! I too agree that if Gombe or Sandali succeeded in becoming alpha, it'd be a short reign ending in the ascension of Enzi, and he would likely stay in the alpha role for a long time.

Hamilton is quite the outlier in terms of male dynamics, with Luka likely to remain alpha long into his twilight years. Let's face it, Lucifer is never going to mount a challenge - his temperament is too nervous, and Lucy has always favoured Luka. It'll be a long time indeed before there are any potential sons to challenge him!

You’re welcome.

I agree regarding Lucifer. His father Mike came down extremely hard on him during his adolescence and I think it knocked his confidence. Hamilton Zoo noted he really feared Mike when they came to Hamilton Zoo. As is common in chimpanzees, Lucy focussed on her youngest offspring, Luka; which is surely why Lucifer didn’t receive the protection from Mike that Luka enjoyed. Lucy shielded Luka so effectively, some were of the opinion he could have done with more discipline.

Having three males in Auckland’s troop really compounded tensions once Luka reached adolescence. He went through the typical harassing low ranking adult female phase that many of Taronga’s males have gone through and Suzie and Sally found that (combined with Mike’s leadership) terrifying. The transfer to Hamilton alleviated most of that, with Luka taking over as alpha not long after the move (with Lucy’s support). It was then all plain sailing until Fimi and Sanda arrived. Fimi backed Mike as alpha, but didn’t respect Luka (the alpha).

I’ve often said I would have made two changes to the establishment of the Hamilton troop:

1. Lucy to have had one more infant in the mid 2000’s.

2. Chima and Keza transferred in from Wellington at dispersal age in the mid-late 2000’s.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

You’re welcome.

I agree regarding Lucifer. His father Mike came down extremely hard on him during his adolescence and I think it knocked his confidence. Hamilton Zoo noted he really feared Mike when they came to Hamilton Zoo. As is common in chimpanzees, Lucy focussed on her youngest offspring, Luka; which is surely why Lucifer didn’t receive the protection from Mike that Luka enjoyed. Lucy shielded Luka so effectively, some were of the opinion he could have done with more discipline.

Having three males in Auckland’s troop really compounded tensions once Luka reached adolescence. He went through the typical harassing low ranking adult female phase that many of Taronga’s males have gone through and Suzie and Sally found that (combined with Mike’s leadership) terrifying. The transfer to Hamilton alleviated most of that, with Luka taking over as alpha not long after the move (with Lucy’s support). It was then all plain sailing until Fimi and Sanda arrived. Fimi backed Mike as alpha, but didn’t respect Luka (the alpha).

I’ve often said I would have made two changes to the establishment of the Hamilton troop:

1. Lucy to have had one more infant in the mid 2000’s.

2. Chima and Kendi transferred in from Wellington at dispersal age in the mid-late 2000’s.

I agree that Lucy should have been allowed to have another infant, and that it would have been best to have Chima and Keza transfer out together.

It's a very interesting story, Hamilton's chimps and their dynamics! I wonder why Fimi backed Mike as alpha - perhaps it was Luka's youth that led her to not respect him.

It makes me wonder how the dynamics among the males at Wellington Zoo are - Alexis is the current alpha, but there are three young males and I've heard some say that Bakari is a likely future challenger.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree that Lucy should have been allowed to have another infant, and that it would have been best to have Chima and Keza transfer out together.

It's a very interesting story, Hamilton's chimps and their dynamics! I wonder why Fimi backed Mike as alpha - perhaps it was Luka's youth that led her to not respect him.

It makes me wonder how the dynamics among the males at Wellington Zoo are - Alexis is the current alpha, but there are three young males and I've heard some say that Bakari is a likely future challenger.

Lucy was only 29 years old when the troop transferred from Auckland Zoo, so she was a perfect age to have had another infant (several females of that generation had their last infant in their 20’s). It would have also been fantastic if Sally (then aged 34) and Suzie (then aged 40) had bred; but their handraised backgrounds sadly went against them. Despite Sally’s love of (human) children, there’s also no guarantee she would have raised her offspring.

When I last visited Wellington’s troop in December 2024, Alexis’ authority was total. He very much keeps the adolescent males, Bakari and Kitwe, in check and was guarding Malika, who was off contraception and had a large swelling. The younger males were following Keza, who had a smaller swelling.

Adelaide always held a small troop, of which Fimi was the highest ranking female. The alpha male died in 1994 and consequently Fimi’s then five year old son Tsotsi was left as the only male in the troop. Fimi would have therefore become the most dominant force in the troop at that point. Even once Tsotsi matured, Fimi would have held a high ranking position and deferring to the then 15 year old Luka was evidently too much of an adjustment. Mike being older, may have commanded more respect; though I understand Fimi used to instigate squabbles amongst the females and I imagine this was perceived differently by the males - Luka would have seen it as a disruption to his cohesive troop; Mike would have seen it as an opportunity to get a female on side (to boost his own candidacy for leadership).

 

[Lindachimp]

Hi all
I am currently writing my dissertation in wildlife science and I was after a little information??
I am doing a case study on the three chimps Sonny, Buddy and the very hard to find info on Mr muggins. I found a lot of threads on here already and have read them but they only left me with more questions. I have plenty of info on the Sonny and Buddy but I would love any further info on Mr Muggins???

 

[Zoofan15]

Hi all
I am currently writing my dissertation in wildlife science and I was after a little information??
I am doing a case study on the three chimps Sonny, Buddy and the very hard to find info on Mr muggins. I found a lot of threads on here already and have read them but they only left me with more questions. I have plenty of info on the Sonny and Buddy but I would love any further info on Mr Muggins???

Welcome to ZooChat. The only information I have on Mr Muggins is that he was born 1993 to Lola, who was herself born at Taronga Zoo in 1964 to Bobby and Suzie. Suzie was a wild born Central chimpanzee, so all three brothers (Sonny, Buddy and Mr Muggins) would have had Central chimpanzee DNA. A large percentage of the region’s chimpanzee population are related to Mr Muggins as his maternal grandfather was a prolific sire at Taronga during his tenure as alpha.

With regards to Mr Muggins specifically, @Primatologist advised he was euthanised, but there’s no further information publicly available. You could try contacting Ridgeways Circus where he lived his life.

There’s also a documentary here (shared by @Jambo a couple of years ago):

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Lucy was only 29 years old when the troop transferred from Auckland Zoo, so she was a perfect age to have had another infant (several females of that generation had their last infant in their 20’s). It would have also been fantastic if Sally (then aged 34) and Suzie (then aged 40) had bred; but their handraised backgrounds sadly went against them. Despite Sally’s love of (human) children, there’s also no guarantee she would have raised her offspring.

When I last visited Wellington’s troop in December 2024, Alexis’ authority was total. He very much keeps the adolescent males, Bakari and Kitwe, in check and was guarding Malika, who was off contraception and had a large swelling. The younger males were following Keza, who had a smaller swelling.

Adelaide always held a small troop, of which Fimi was the highest ranking female. The alpha male died in 1994 and consequently Fimi’s then five year old son Tsotsi was left as the only male in the troop. Fimi would have therefore become the most dominant force in the troop at that point. Even once Tsotsi matured, Fimi would have held a high ranking position and deferring to the then 15 year old Luka was evidently too much of an adjustment. Mike being older, may have commanded more respect; though I understand Fimi used to instigate squabbles amongst the females and I imagine this was perceived differently by the males - Luka would have seen it as a disruption to his cohesive troop; Mike would have seen it as an opportunity to get a female on side (to boost his own candidacy for leadership).

It is indeed a pity that Lucy never got to have another infant, which may have stimulated at least Sally to breed - although, as you've mentioned, there is no guarantee Sally would have raised the infant, and it may have had to have been fostered out.

Thanks for clarifying re Fimi. She was obviously quite a strong personality - quite a contrast to the gentler Sanda (although from what you've told me Sanda has managed to rise in rank in her own way!)

Alexis sounds like a very strong leader indeed if he is able to keep the adolescents in check like that, but I do believe somewhere down the track - probably some years away - Bakari may make a bid for the alpha role, and he'll have the backing of Kitwe and very likely Akida. If Malika produces a male infant, the four youngest males could form quite a unit!

 

[Zoofan15]

It is indeed a pity that Lucy never got to have another infant, which may have stimulated at least Sally to breed - although, as you've mentioned, there is no guarantee Sally would have raised the infant, and it may have had to have been fostered out.

Thanks for clarifying re Fimi. She was obviously quite a strong personality - quite a contrast to the gentler Sanda (although from what you've told me Sanda has managed to rise in rank in her own way!)

Alexis sounds like a very strong leader indeed if he is able to keep the adolescents in check like that, but I do believe somewhere down the track - probably some years away - Bakari may make a bid for the alpha role, and he'll have the backing of Kitwe and very likely Akida. If Malika produces a male infant, the four youngest males could form quite a unit!

I’ve been reading up about contraception in chimpanzees and both the implant and contraceptive pill have variants that allow the female to either have regular swellings or no swelling at all. Following the arrival of Lucy in 1985, Suzie and Sally had had three years where they’d failed to breed with Mike. It was hoped they’d learn through observation of watching Mike and Lucy breed; but once it was obvious this wasn’t successful, I’m wondering if they were put on a contraceptive that disabled swellings. Similar to Johari (gorilla at Taronga), this may have had the desired effect of reducing the males interest in them while in the confines of Auckland’s cramped exhibit.

I’m under the impression both Suzie and Sally were taken off contraception upon coming to Hamilton as when I spoke to a keeper about the chance of them breeding, they referred to attempts by Mike and Suzie to mate and wasn’t discounting her falling pregnant. It might have been a second chance scenario, with a new exhibit and space perhaps enhancing breeding opportunities. Luka (who was fond of Sally) also emerged as the alpha early on. Due to her age, Sally would have gone back on contraception in her later years. Apparently her swellings in Sanda’s early years in the troop proved a distraction for Luka.

It’ll be fascinating to see how Wellington’s hierarchy develops. Either Bakari or Kitwe could team up with Alexis to become his right hand man/beta and suppress the other adolescent; or they could team up to overthrow him. Sally (mother of Bakari) is the alpha female and was the kingmaker in Alexis overthrowing Marty; but she may well shift her allegiance to backing her son in the coming years. For now, Alexis is well supported by the females and the troop is stable, so I imagine the keepers are hoping he’ll continue to reign for a while yet.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Welcome to ZooChat. The only information I have on Mr Muggins is that he was born 1993 to Lola, who was herself born at Taronga Zoo in 1964 to Bobby and Suzie. Suzie was a wild born Central chimpanzee, so all three brothers (Sonny, Buddy and Mr Muggins) would have had Central chimpanzee DNA. A large percentage of the region’s chimpanzee population are related to Mr Muggins as his maternal grandfather was a prolific sire at Taronga during his tenure as alpha.

With regards to Mr Muggins specifically, @Primatologist advised he was euthanised, but there’s no further information publicly available. You could try contacting Ridgeways Circus where he lived his life.

There’s also a documentary here (shared by @Jambo a couple of years ago):

Thanks for sharing this documentary - I will definitely watch this! I had heard that Sonny and Buddy were eventually relocated to a sanctuary, but it's sad that Mr Muggins ended up being euthanized - perhaps due to the fact he had been so "humanized" that he could never cope with life as a chimp among other chimps.

I am wondering if Mr Muggins was the baby chimp I once saw at a small circus in the early 90s? Even then, I felt sad for him. Personally, I am glad that circuses no longer use animals in their shows. I've always loved circuses for their human performances (my favourites are the clowns) but never approved of performing animals.

One of my earliest memories of Auckland Zoo is seeing a baby chimp that must have been Sally wearing a little dress, and even then, I wondered why the "baby monkey" was dressed up like a doll!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for sharing this documentary - I will definitely watch this! I had heard that Sonny and Buddy were eventually relocated to a sanctuary, but it's sad that Mr Muggins ended up being euthanized - perhaps due to the fact he had been so "humanized" that he could never cope with life as a chimp among other chimps.

I am wondering if Mr Muggins was the baby chimp I once saw at a small circus in the early 90s? Even then, I felt sad for him. Personally, I am glad that circuses no longer use animals in their shows. I've always loved circuses for their human performances (my favourites are the clowns) but never approved of performing animals.

One of my earliest memories of Auckland Zoo is seeing a baby chimp that must have been Sally wearing a little dress, and even then, I wondered why the "baby monkey" was dressed up like a doll!

It’s a sad reality that it’s unlikely any zoo in the region would have wanted to have touched a hand-raised male circus chimp with a barge pole. Melbourne Zoo couldn’t even rehome a genetically valuable mother raised male chimpanzee when they attempted to do so in 1992. His wild born sire’s genes have been lost to region; and his mother’s only surviving descendant is Gandali at Rockhampton.

There’s a photo of Sally at Auckland Zoo being pushed in a pram by Ma Schwe the elephant in the early 70’s in a Tiger by the Tail; as well as photos of both cohorts of tea party chimps; Mike and Lucy with Lucifer; and Mike hovering several feet in the air above a climbing pole (which I recall you telling me he loved to jump up and down on).

From our discussions a few weeks ago regarding Auckland’s set up, it would appear Suzie and Sally moved into the open air exhibit around the late 70’s, which then underwent an upgrade in the late 80’s (likely with the poles added around that time).

 

[marmolady]

If I recall, Rockhampton actually offered to take Muggins, but were refused. It is tragic that he was not rehomed at Chimfunshi along with Sonny and Buddy, his best chance of being given a chimpanzee social life as they were very experienced with the care of humanised chimps-- certainly before he'd gotten older and the challenges would have become more severe. There are options for chimps in his situation, they just weren't taken.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s a sad reality that it’s unlikely any zoo in the region would have wanted to have touched a hand-raised male circus chimp with a barge pole. Melbourne Zoo couldn’t even rehome a genetically valuable mother raised male chimpanzee when they attempted to do so in 1992. His wild born sire’s genes have been lost to region; and his mother’s only surviving descendant is Gandali at Rockhampton.

There’s a photo of Sally at Auckland Zoo being pushed in a pram by Ma Schwe the elephant in the early 70’s in a Tiger by the Tail; as well as photos of both cohorts of tea party chimps; Mike and Lucy with Lucifer; and Mike hovering several feet in the air above a climbing pole (which I recall you telling me he loved to jump up and down on).

From our discussions a few weeks ago regarding Auckland’s set up, it would appear Suzie and Sally moved into the open air exhibit around the late 70’s, which then underwent an upgrade in the late 80’s (likely with the poles added around that time).

I can understand why no zoos would been keen to take on ex-circus chimps, although it's an abject pity that valuable genes have been lost - in all likelihood, these chimps would be bullied or isolated by the other chimps or demonstrate other challenging and disruptive behaviours, especially if they were males. Although I am surprised, they were unable to relocate Mr Muggins to a sanctuary. Chimpanzee sanctuaries have had successes even with some individuals deemed to be "hopeless" - Cozy of Chimp Eden is a well-known example of this.

I always regretted losing my copy of "A Tiger by the Tail" - despite some inaccuracies, it was quite a treasure trove of zoo history. I remember actually seeing Mike do that jump on top of the pole and was astounded as to how he managed to land so neatly!

Re Suzie and Sally's move to the open-air exhibit, that sounds about right. I do remember at some stage they were occupying a cage area, but I can't recall exactly where in the zoo that was and I remember at the time (they would have been adolescents or older juveniles) they were being referred to as "Suzie Q" and "Sally Q" - although the zoo later dropped the Q designation for some unknown reason.

 

[Zoofan15]

I can understand why no zoos would been keen to take on ex-circus chimps, although it's an abject pity that valuable genes have been lost - in all likelihood, these chimps would be bullied or isolated by the other chimps or demonstrate other challenging and disruptive behaviours, especially if they were males. Although I am surprised, they were unable to relocate Mr Muggins to a sanctuary. Chimpanzee sanctuaries have had successes even with some individuals deemed to be "hopeless" - Cozy of Chimp Eden is a well-known example of this.

I always regretted losing my copy of "A Tiger by the Tail" - despite some inaccuracies, it was quite a treasure trove of zoo history. I remember actually seeing Mike do that jump on top of the pole and was astounded as to how he managed to land so neatly!

Re Suzie and Sally's move to the open-air exhibit, that sounds about right. I do remember at some stage they were occupying a cage area, but I can't recall exactly where in the zoo at was and I remember at the time (they would have been adolescents or older juveniles) they were being referred to as "Suzie Q" and "Sally Q" - although the zoo later dropped the Q designation for some unknown reason.

I see @marmolady was correct in that Rockhampton offered to take Mr Muggins, but Ridgways ultimately declined. It is indeed unfortunate he couldn’t have joined his brothers at the sanctuary. Presumably Sonny (the oldest of the brothers) was prioritised since he was living in isolation from his species and was unable to be safely handled once he reached adolescence.

Auckland Zoo had a chimpanzee cage block adjacent to the stage they performed the tea parties on during the 50’s and 60’s. This was on the site of the Orangutan Park (opened 1987), so we can assume the tea party chimps moved across to the cage block they occupied until the death of the last chimp (Janie in 2013) around 1985/1986 (after a last ditch attempt to integrate them with the others. The origin of the cage the tea party chimps moved into are unclear. It may have been a bird aviary as some of the maps suggest; or even the orangutan cage block that Topsy and Turvey moved into during the late 1960’s (during their performing years, they lived in an adjacent cage to the chimps).

I assume Suzie and Sally (born six years apart) were introduced fairly young (i.e. as soon as Sally moved out of the head keeper’s house where she was raised). Suzie would have been an adolescent by then, but she was a handraised female and keepers may have been able to regulate interactions between her and juvenile sister.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I see @marmolady was correct in that Rockhampton offered to take Mr Muggins, but Ridgways ultimately declined. It is indeed unfortunate he couldn’t have joined his brothers at the sanctuary. Presumably Sonny (the oldest of the brothers) was prioritised since he was living in isolation from his species and was unable to be safely handled once he reached adolescence.

Auckland Zoo had a chimpanzee cage block adjacent to the stage they performed the tea parties on during the 50’s and 60’s. This was on the site of the Orangutan Park (opened 1987), so we can assume the tea party chimps moved across to the cage block they occupied until the death of the last chimp (Janie in 2013) around 1985/1986 (after a last ditch attempt to integrate them with the others. The origin of the cage the tea party chimps moved into are unclear. It may have been a bird aviary as some of the maps suggest; or even the orangutan cage block that Topsy and Turvey moved into during the late 1960’s (during their performing years, they lived in an adjacent cage to the chimps).

I assume Suzie and Sally (born six years apart) were introduced fairly young (i.e. as soon as Sally moved out of the head keeper’s house where she was raised). Suzie would have been an adolescent by then, but she was a handraised female and keepers may have been able to regulate interactions between her and juvenile sister.

@marmolady - thanks for the info re Muggins! It indeed is a pity he couldn't have gone to Rockhampton or to join his brothers at Chimfunshi.

I do recall reading somewhere that one of the people caring for Muggins was deeply attached to him and was highly resistant to the very idea of sending him away, even threatening to go into hiding with him should authorities attempt to take him. A very unfortunate situation all around.

@Zoofan15 - yes, that does sound about right for where Suzie and Sally would have been housed for a time. I do remember they were kept apart from Janie, Josie and Bobby but that zoo staff were able to integrate the sisters with each other (and as we know, eventually with the breeding troop also).

I still found myself wondering why the zoo went with the whole "Q" thing for the sisters - I do remember there was a popular song called "Suzie Q", so perhaps that was why. It didn't stick, obviously, and was well and truly forgotten by the time the sisters reached Hamilton.

 

[Jambo]

Welcome to ZooChat. The only information I have on Mr Muggins is that he was born 1993 to Lola, who was herself born at Taronga Zoo in 1964 to Bobby and Suzie. Suzie was a wild born Central chimpanzee, so all three brothers (Sonny, Buddy and Mr Muggins) would have had Central chimpanzee DNA. A large percentage of the region’s chimpanzee population are related to Mr Muggins as his maternal grandfather was a prolific sire at Taronga during his tenure as alpha.

With regards to Mr Muggins specifically, @Primatologist advised he was euthanised, but there’s no further information publicly available. You could try contacting Ridgeways Circus where he lived his life.

There’s also a documentary here (shared by @Jambo a couple of years ago):

If I recall, Rockhampton actually offered to take Muggins, but were refused. It is tragic that he was not rehomed at Chimfunshi along with Sonny and Buddy, his best chance of being given a chimpanzee social life as they were very experienced with the care of humanised chimps-- certainly before he'd gotten older and the challenges would have become more severe. There are options for chimps in his situation, they just weren't taken.

The owners of Ridgeways refused to give up Mr Muggins. He was one of the baby of the Ridgeway's chimps (born in the mid 90's), so it explains why the whole team was infatuated with him and refused to give him up to the sanctuary, and later Rockhampton.

It'll be interesting to know what exactly happened to him - he was still alive as of 2009 (evident by Rockhampton's attempted acquisition). But I don't know how much longer he was alive after that.