Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this, @Zoofan15 ! I am still very convinced that Monarto's Zola will be revealed to have been sired by Tsotsi, given her strong resemblance to his relatives. More than one person has pointed out to me her resemblance to Hamilton's Chiku!

I agree. I reluctantly included Enzi as a candidate for being Happy’s sire on the basis the survey included any male over five years of age as a potential sire (noting Mervin to be a potential sire for Shona). It seems quite improbable, but I definitely think there’s a strong likelihood he sired Lani’s infant based on observations by @marmolady last year.

An interesting note that Mike could be the sire of Cara! Even with an alpha and beta male ahead of him, it should be noted Sule sired two infants born 2019 and 2020 while outranked by older males.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree. I reluctantly included Enzi as a candidate for being Happy’s sire on the basis the survey included any male over five years of age as a potential sire (noting Mervin to be a potential sire for Shona). It seems quite improbable, but I definitely think there’s a strong likelihood he sired Lani’s infant based on observations by @marmolady last year.

An interesting note that Mike could be the sire of Cara! Even with an alpha and beta male ahead of him, it should be noted Sule sired two infants born 2019 and 2020 while outranked by older males.

This is all very interesting, thank you! Particularly the news regarding Cara's possible sire and Enzi being the possible father of Lani's unborn infant.

 

[Zoofan15]

This is all very interesting, thank you! Particularly the news regarding Cara's possible sire and Enzi being the possible father of Lani's unborn infant.

No problem. I realised I made one small error and that was discounting Danny a potential sire of Cara (born 1981).

Cara’s Sire

I’ve re-read the document and while I was correct Danny was ruled out as the sire of Lisa, Sacha and Shiba; there’s nothing to suggest he couldn’t have been the sire of Cara (the three females sent to Wellington weren’t included in the paternity study).

Ficha (born 1981) has Jojo, Flint, Mike and Danny listed as potential sires; while testing on Shiba (also born 1981) rules out Jojo and Danny.

Candidates are therefore as follows:

0.1 Lisa (1979): Jojo and Flint
0.1 Sacha (1980): Jojo and Flint
0.1 Shiba (1981): Flint and Mike
0.1 Ficha (1981): Jojo, Flint, Mike and Danny
0.1 Cara (1981): Jojo, Flint, Mike and Danny
0.1 Samantha (1983): Jojo and Danny
0.1 Sally (1985): Jojo, Danny and Sonny
0.1 Shona (1987): Danny, Sonny and Mervin

What made me realise was pondering how such a small female like Cara could have been sired by Mike or one of Fifi’s sons (Jojo or Flint). Danny was noted to be a small male and is the prime candidate (assumed sire) of Shona (a small female).

It therefore wouldn’t surprise me if Danny was in fact Cara’s sire!

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo - Update

My friend visited Taronga Zoo over the weekend and can sadly advise that Kamili’s infant did not survive.

Though not unexpected news, it’s unfortunate nonetheless. The infant was the fifth born to 28 year old Kamili, who previously lost infants in 2005, 2013, 2014 and 2021.

There’s currently no plans for Kamili to breed again, which is a wise decision imo. No pregnancy is without risk and each subsequent pregnancy increases the chance of something going wrong, with only a minuscule chance of a successful outcome. It’s sad to see Koko’s line effectively come to an end, but the right decision.

Last I heard, the plan was still for Kuma and Naomi to be taken off contraception this year, so fingers crossed the community can welcome two more infants in the next 12 months. It’ll be fascinating to see the impact these births have on the hierarchy, following Shiba’s recent decrease in ranking. A surviving infant could help cement Naomi’s position as the second highest ranking female; with Kuma the most realistic threat to her status.

 

[Zoofan15]

Video of Taronga’s infants:

A small update on the community’s newest infants, Lemba and Cekiri.

Lemba’s face has lightened up significantly compared to the dark pigmentation observed in her first few weeks.

It’s also nice to see Cekiri and Niambi interacting. Due to the close relationship between sisters, Ceres and Naomi, Cebele and Niambi previously spent a lot of time together.

Growing up together Keeper Scott gives an update on the babies who are incredibly curious and quickly learning the ropes of our Chimpanzee community... | By Taronga Zoo Sydney | Facebook

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Video of Taronga’s infants:

A small update on the community’s newest infants, Lemba and Cekiri.

Lemba’s face has lightened up significantly compared to the dark pigmentation observed in her first few weeks.

It’s also nice to see Cekiri and Niambi interacting. Due to the close relationship between sisters, Ceres and Naomi, Cebele and Niambi previously spent a lot of time together.

Growing up together Keeper Scott gives an update on the babies who are incredibly curious and quickly learning the ropes of our Chimpanzee community... | By Taronga Zoo Sydney | Facebook

Lemba is Lisa's infant, is that right - and if I remember correctly, isn't Lisa the half-sister of Lucy at Hamilton Zoo?

 

[Zoofan15]

Lemba is Lisa's infant, is that right - and if I remember correctly, isn't Lisa the half-sister of Lucy at Hamilton Zoo?

Yes, that’s all correct:

Lulu (1960-2014) was the mother of eight infants including Lucy (1975), Lisa (1979) and Lewis (1985-1996).

Lucy is the mother of Loanda (1985-1985), Lucifer (1988) and Luka (1993).

Lisa is the mother of Lobo (1989-1996), Lubutu (1993-2019), Lani (2002), Liwali (2014) and Lemba (2023).

Paternity of Lucy was assigned to Bobby, the alpha male at the time. He died the year Lucy was born and his son, Jojo, assumed the alpha role. Jojo is the presumed sire of Lisa, with a lesser possibility Flint was the sire.

 

[Tiger91]

Taronga should build an exhibit at western plains zoo. Move all of there males out there, then import a fresh batch of males. Things are beginning to look a little Tasmanian in there troop.

 

[Jambo]

Taronga should build an exhibit at western plains zoo. Move all of there males out there, then import a fresh batch of males. Things are beginning to look a little Tasmanian in there troop.

Taronga (like most other zoos these days) are running their troop in the natural way ie. females disperse and males stay in their natal troop for life so I doubt this would happen.

In any case, a bachelor group at Dubbo was considered in the past, albeit three decade ago. It would be nice to see a secondary troop established at Dubbo down the line though (supporting Taronga's).

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga should build an exhibit at western plains zoo. Move all of there males out there, then import a fresh batch of males. Things are beginning to look a little Tasmanian in there troop.

The original plan (in the 1990’s) was to house six males at the Dubbo site and a similar sized troop at Orana Willdife Park.

I think it could have been greatly beneficial to have had a clear out of males at Taronga (for want of a better word) a few years ago when the European females were imported, with new males introduced. Spitter’s line is becoming overepresented with her grandsons at Taronga and Monarto in a position to sire a large numbers of infants (especially at Monarto, where there are no other viable males).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, that’s all correct:

Lulu (1960-2014) was the mother of eight infants including Lucy (1975), Lisa (1979) and Lewis (1985-1996).

Lucy is the mother of Loanda (1985-1985), Lucifer (1988) and Luka (1993).

Lisa is the mother of Lobo (1989-1996), Lubutu (1993-2019), Lani (2002), Liwali (2014) and Lemba (2023).

Paternity of Lucy was assigned to Bobby, the alpha male at the time. He died the year Lucy was born and his son, Jojo, assumed the alpha role. Jojo is the presumed sire of Lisa, with a lesser possibility Flint was the sire.

Thank you for this. I'm always interested to hear of connections between NZ's great apes to their overseas counterparts. It's wonderful to see the L line thriving. I assume Lisa's daughter Lani is the same Lani who is now at Monarto and expecting an infant?

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank you for this. I'm always interested to hear of connections between NZ's great apes to their overseas counterparts. It's wonderful to see the L line thriving. I assume Lisa's daughter Lani is the same Lani who is now at Monarto and expecting an infant?

Yes, that’s correct. Lani isn’t a genetically valuable individual, so her breeding is likely for social dynamics (as Zombi and Hannah each have families); and they still hope Galatea will produce a surviving infant.

The L line (descended from Lulu) is well represented as eight of the nine males at Taronga are either her great grandsons or great great grandsons via her grandson Lubutu (1993-2019); and the one that isn’t (Shabani) is an ageing male, unlikely to sire any offspring going forward.

It’d interesting to note that even in 1995, the L line was noted to be well represented; and Lewis was vasectomised to enhance Snowy’s chances of siring offspring. The L line at that time consisted of Lulu, Lisa, Lewis, Lubutu and Lobo at Taronga; and Lucy, Luca and Lucifer at Hamilton.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, that’s correct. Lani isn’t a genetically valuable individual, so her breeding is likely for social dynamics (as Zombi and Hannah each have families); and they still hope Galatea will produce a surviving infant.

The L line (descended from Lulu) is well represented as eight of the nine males at Taronga are either her great grandsons or great great grandsons via her grandson Lubutu (1993-2019); and the one that isn’t (Shabani) is an ageing male, unlikely to sire any offspring going forward.

It’d interesting to note that even in 1995, the L line was noted to be well represented; and Lewis was vasectomised to enhance Snowy’s chances of siring offspring. The L line at that time consisted of Lulu, Lisa, Lewis, Lubutu and Lobo at Taronga; and Lucy, Luca and Lucifer at Hamilton.

Thanks for this information! I'd imagine then that the genetic value in Luka's daughters at Hamilton would come from Sanda's side, especially since the tragic passing of Tsotsi means that Fimi's line is now underrepresented.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this information! I'd imagine then that the genetic value in Luka's daughters at Hamilton would come from Sanda's side, especially since the tragic passing of Tsotsi means that Fimi's line is now underrepresented.

Yes and also Mary’s line:

Mary’s sons (Mike and Monte) only sired three confirmed offspring between them (Lucifer, Luka and Shabani). Shabani will likely never sire infants and neither will Lucifer.

Luka (if he breeds again) and his two daughters are effectively Mary’s only viable descendants.

Of course, what would be a game changer is if Mike sired any offspring at Taronga (which is unknown). Shiba was potentially sired by Mike and Cara is another possibility (though my money is on Danny given her size).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes and also Mary’s line:

Mary’s sons (Mike and Monte) only sired three confirmed offspring between them (Lucifer, Luka and Shabani). Shabani will likely never sire infants and neither will Lucifer.

Luka (if he breeds again) and his two daughters are effectively Mary’s only viable descendants.

Of course, what would be a game changer is if Mike sired any offspring at Taronga (which is unknown). Shiba was potentially sired by Mike and Cara is another possibility (though my money is on Danny given her size).

Thanks for clarifying! I wasn't aware Mary's line was so underrepresented. That does add more value to Chiku, Kendi and their potential future offspring.

It's interesting that, while Mike inherited his hyper-aggressive nature from his mother, Lucifer and Luka don't display those traits and neither do Chiku and Kendi.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for clarifying! I wasn't aware Mary's line was so underrepresented. That does add more value to Chiku, Kendi and their potential future offspring.

It's interesting that, while Mike inherited his hyper-aggressive nature from his mother, Lucifer and Luka don't display those traits and neither do Chiku and Kendi.

It’s possible Mike’s behaviour was exacerbated by the small size of the exhibit at Auckland Zoo and it’s design (high walls), which created a claustrophobic environment. At Hamilton, the chimpanzees have space to escape from one another following a conflict and I have no doubt it’s been of great benefit to their welfare to have this time for cooling off (followed by reconciliation).

At Auckland, when Lucifer reached adolescence, it threw him into conflict with Mike; and this would have been further compounded when Luka reached that phase of life and began harassing Suzie and Sally (as males that age typically do to adult females).

The fact Chiku and Kendi are females will also help stablise the troop dynamics long term. A higher ratio of females to males usually has a calming presence on a troop

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s possible Mike’s behaviour was exacerbated by the small size of the exhibit at Auckland Zoo and it’s design (high walls), which created a claustrophobic environment. At Hamilton, the chimpanzees have space to escape from one another following a conflict and I have no doubt it’s been of great benefit to their welfare to have this time for cooling off (followed by reconciliation).

At Auckland, when Lucifer reached adolescence, it threw him into conflict with Mike; and this would have been further compounded when Luka reached that phase of life and began harassing Suzie and Sally (as males that age typically do to adult females).

The fact Chiku and Kendi are females will also help stablise the troop dynamics long term. A higher ratio of females to males usually has a calming presence on a troop

Yes, it's very likely that was the case - the previous great ape environment at Auckland Zoo was not suitable for their use at all, neither for the chimpanzees nor for the orangutans who later inhabited it. The chimps' present habitat is a vast improvement, and seems to be enjoyed by all, especially Chiku and Kendi. I have personally witnessed, more than once, Chiku making a massive leap from the climbing ropes into a tree, where she proceeded to climb and forage.

My most recent visit to the troop was in December, and the troop appeared to be happy and relaxed, with the youngsters playful and the adults meeting for a group grooming session in the afternoon. I didn't witness any running around and displaying from Lucifer, which I've seen on previous visits. Even Lucy, who can be quite a forceful personality at times, was very calm - perhaps it's due to her advancing age.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, it's very likely that was the case - the previous great ape environment at Auckland Zoo was not suitable for their use at all, neither for the chimpanzees nor for the orangutans who later inhabited it. The chimps' present habitat is a vast improvement, and seems to be enjoyed by all, especially Chiku and Kendi. I have personally witnessed, more than once, Chiku making a massive leap from the climbing ropes into a tree, where she proceeded to climb and forage.

My most recent visit to the troop was in December, and the troop appeared to be happy and relaxed, with the youngsters playful and the adults meeting for a group grooming session in the afternoon. I didn't witness any running around and displaying from Lucifer, which I've seen on previous visits. Even Lucy, who can be quite a forceful personality at times, was very calm - perhaps it's due to her advancing age.

I believe what makes Hamilton’s troop so settled is that every chimpanzee knows it’s place in the hierarchy. Lucy is the alpha female and Sanda has neither the ambition or the support to challenge that. The same can be said for Luka and Lucifer. Lucy was very unsettled by the birth of Chiku, which could have threatened her status; but eight years on and she’s enjoying the interactions she has with other members of the troop. She spends most of her time with Lucifer.

Wellington Zoo similarly have a very settled troop. Alexis has proved an effective yet benevolent alpha male who has the support of the troop. The adolescents - Bakari (2012) and Kitwe (2014) could pose a threat in years to come; but for now, they have no support from the females and Alexis easily keeps them in check.

Long term, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a peaceful handover of leadership of Wellington Zoo’s troop (such as the one between Marty and Alexis in the late 2010’s) as Alexis ages and Bakari (14 years his junior) enters his late teens/twenties. The predicted addition of females to the troop around that time could well prove the catalyst for this change.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I believe what makes Hamilton’s troop so settled is that every chimpanzee knows it’s place in the hierarchy. Lucy is the alpha female and Sanda has neither the ambition or the support to challenge that. The same can be said for Luka and Lucifer. Lucy was very unsettled by the birth of Chiku, which could have threatened her status; but eight years on and she’s enjoying the interactions she has with other members of the troop. She spends most of her time with Lucifer.

Wellington Zoo similarly have a very settled troop. Alexis has proved an effective yet benevolent alpha male who has the support of the troop. The adolescents - Bakari (2012) and Kitwe (2014) could pose a threat in years to come; but for now, they have no support from the females and Alexis easily keeps them in check.

Long term, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a peaceful handover of leadership of Wellington Zoo’s troop (such as the one between Marty and Alexis in the late 2010’s) as Alexis ages and Bakari (14 years his junior) enters his late teens/twenties. The predicted addition of females to the troop around that time could well prove the catalyst for this change.

This is very true. I don't know the Wellington troop as well as I do the Hamilton chimps, but the defined roles certainly seem to provide harmony in the Hamilton troop. I am very impressed with how the young ones are progressing - Chiku seems to be very adventurous and confident, enjoying being with the adults, playing with her sister or going off on her own to climb her favourite tree. Kendi is still in the cherished baby role and receives a lot of attention from Luka, much like Chiku did when she was a juvenile.

I think it's likely that Chiku and Kendi could be the new females that could shift dynamics between the males in the Wellington troop. Wellington seems the most likely future destination for them if the female dispersal pattern is followed. Like you, I think Bakari is the most likely to take over as alpha, unless the females somehow end up showing more support to Kitwe (Akida will still be too young to mount a challenge).

 

[Zoofan15]

This is very true. I don't know the Wellington troop as well as I do the Hamilton chimps, but the defined roles certainly seem to provide harmony in the Hamilton troop. I am very impressed with how the young ones are progressing - Chiku seems to be very adventurous and confident, enjoying being with the adults, playing with her sister or going off on her own to climb her favourite tree. Kendi is still in the cherished baby role and receives a lot of attention from Luka, much like Chiku did when she was a juvenile.

I think it's likely that Chiku and Kendi could be the new females that could shift dynamics between the males in the Wellington troop. Wellington seems the most likely future destination for them if the female dispersal pattern is followed. Like you, I think Bakari is the most likely to take over as alpha, unless the females somehow end up showing more support to Kitwe (Akida will still be too young to mount a challenge).

Bakari (2012) has a lot of advantages. He’s 14 years younger than the alpha male (which will be an asset when he hits his prime); and his only realistic contender beyond that is Kitwe, who’s two years younger. Bakari is the son of the alpha female and ranks higher than Kitwe. His maternal line had featured several chimpanzees with ambition and strong political nous, so combined with his demographic position, it’s really there on a plate for him.

Bringing in two adolescent females would be a positive move for troop dynamics and genetic diversity. They’ll enter the hierarchy low ranking, but have the opportunity to increase over the decades to come as raise their own families - mirroring the natural social order of the species.

Wellington’s female founders (Cara, Samantha and Sally) are all aged 39-43 and I don’t foresee any of them breeding again. With this in mind, the shape of the troop 20-25 years from now will likely be Keza, Malika and their respective offspring; combined with the sons of Sally and any additional females and their families.