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.
I think that bringing in Chiku and Kendi in the future would be one of the best options. Less likely would be one of the young Monarto females, as all except Zuri would be too young even at that stage, and considering what happened to Wellington's Chima, receiving a lone female would not be ideal should Monarto choose to disperse Zuri (although I think you said that they have requested to retain her?)
Monarto requested to retain Zuri when Tsotsi was still alive, but now I think it's more likely they hold onto Hope and Zola (presuming Tsots sired her). I would not be surprised if Zuri ends up at Rockhampton, as they are down to only the one breeding female after the sad loss of Holly.
Monarto requested to retain Zuri when Tsotsi was still alive, but now I think it's more likely they hold onto Hope and Zola (presuming Tsots sired her). I would not be surprised if Zuri ends up at Rockhampton, as they are down to only the one breeding female after the sad loss of Holly.
This seems a more likely prospect since the sad passing of Tsotsi - there was speculation that Chiku might be sent to Rockhampton in the future, but I personally think Wellington would be a better destination and if she goes there, she should be sent with Kendi when both are old enough.
I am willing to bet money at this stage that Zola was sired by Tsotsi. The resemblance to a younger Chiku is too strong to be denied at this stage!
Monarto requested to retain Zuri when Tsotsi was still alive, but now I think it's more likely they hold onto Hope and Zola (presuming Tsots sired her). I would not be surprised if Zuri ends up at Rockhampton, as they are down to only the one breeding female after the sad loss of Holly.
Zuri’s a nice choice for Rockhampton especially as she’ll likely be transferred by herself if so. Integrating her solely into a large community like Taronga or Wellington wouldn’t be the best option for her.
Hamilton could be an option following the passing of their males, especially if Chiku/Kendi move on but that could still be a while away.
I think that bringing in Chiku and Kendi in the future would be one of the best options. Less likely would be one of the young Monarto females, as all except Zuri would be too young even at that stage, and considering what happened to Wellington's Chima, receiving a lone female would not be ideal should Monarto choose to disperse Zuri (although I think you said that they have requested to retain her?)
Monarto requested to retain Zuri when Tsotsi was still alive, but now I think it's more likely they hold onto Hope and Zola (presuming Tsots sired her). I would not be surprised if Zuri ends up at Rockhampton, as they are down to only the one breeding female after the sad loss of Holly.
Zuri’s a nice choice for Rockhampton especially as she’ll likely be transferred by herself if so. Integrating her solely into a large community like Taronga or Wellington wouldn’t be the best option for her.
Hamilton could be an option following the passing of their males, especially if Chiku/Kendi move on but that could still be a while away.
I think transferring Zuri out is the best way to go considering her only available mates for the foreseeable are her father and (full) brother. She’s of high genetic value to the region and this potential would be wasted should she remain in her natal troop.
Rockhampton plan to expand their exhibit, so sending Sembe and Zuri there could work out well. They could integrate them as a pair, so they’d have each other for support when meeting Rockhampton’s troop; but alternatively, they could transfer as individuals, with the rationale they’d both be on an even footing.
Like Zuri, Sembe has little application breeding wise at Taronga; yet due to being the grandaughter of a founder, is relatively valuable genetically. Shiba’s sons have sired one surviving descendant between them (Liwali) and little prospect of siring more; so representation through Sembe may be desirable.
I think transferring Zuri out is the best way to go considering her only available mates for the foreseeable are her father and (full) brother. She’s of high genetic value to the region and this potential would be wasted should she remain in her natal troop.
Rockhampton plan to expand their exhibit, so sending Sembe and Zuri there could work out well. They could integrate them as a pair, so they’d have each other for support when meeting Rockhampton’s troop; but alternatively, they could transfer as individuals, with the rationale they’d both be on an even footing.
Like Zuri, Sembe has little application breeding wise at Taronga; yet due to being the grandaughter of a founder, is relatively valuable genetically. Shiba’s sons have sired one surviving descendant between them (Liwali) and little prospect of siring more; so representation through Sembe may be desirable.
I agree, transferring out Zuri and retaining Hope and/or Zola might be a better way to go. And integrating her with Sembe as a pair seems like an amazing idea, alleviating the concerns of sending in a lone female.
Zuri is obviously beloved by Monarto zoo staff and visitors but exporting her seems to be a more practical option now than retaining her. Just like with the orangutans at Auckland Zoo - I would love to see them retain Bahmi, but if Melur and Daya were both to breed and produce daughters, I'd reluctantly say that exporting him would be the best choice in that situation.
I agree, transferring out Zuri and retaining Hope and/or Zola might be a better way to go. And integrating her with Sembe as a pair seems like an amazing idea, alleviating the concerns of sending in a lone female.
Zuri is obviously beloved by Monarto zoo staff and visitors but exporting her seems to be a more practical option now than retaining her. Just like with the orangutans at Auckland Zoo - I would love to see them retain Bahmi, but if Melur and Daya were both to breed and produce daughters, I'd reluctantly say that exporting him would be the best choice in that situation.
Looking to the long term future of Monarto’s troop:
Enzi and Hope are an unrelated pair and considering Enzi will almost certainly be the alpha male once Hope is of a breeding age, it makes sense to retain her.
Happy and Zola could potentially have different sires, making them unrelated. Only if they both shared Sandali as a sire (unlikely), would there be a strong argument for transferring Zola out - as her options would be her father, her full brother or her half brother.
If Zuri is transferred out, they’ll be a delay of a decade before Hope and Zola reach the recommended breeding age (mid-teens). Breeding from Hannah a third time is an obvious move and potentially Zombi for a fourth and final time if Galatea fails to produce an infant in the coming years.
Lani’s infant is due circa April 2024 and could well be followed by a second infant around 10-12 years from now in line with her low genetic value.
Looking to the long term future of Monarto’s troop:
Enzi and Hope are an unrelated pair and considering Enzi will almost certainly be the alpha male once Hope is of a breeding age, it makes sense to retain her.
Happy and Zola could potentially have different sires, making them unrelated. Only if they both shared Sandali as a sire (unlikely), would there be a strong argument for transferring Zola out - as her options would be her father, her full brother or her half brother.
If Zuri is transferred out, they’ll be a delay of a decade before Hope and Zola reach the recommended breeding age (mid-teens). Breeding from Hannah a third time is an obvious move and potentially Zombi for a fourth and final time if Galatea fails to produce an infant in the coming years.
Lani’s infant is due circa April 2024 and could well be followed by a second infant around 10-12 years from now in line with her low genetic value.
It does make sense to retain Hope, since in addition to being unrelated to Enzi, she's of high genetic value. I foresee Zola being confirmed as Tsotsi's daughter - everybody I've spoken to has remarked upon the strong resemblance to his line - but as you've said whether she's retained or exported in the future will depend on her paternity.
I'm assuming the sire of Lani's infant is likely to be Sandali? I know Gombe is currently alpha, but I think I heard somewhere that he (possibly Boyd also?) had been vasectomized. Enzi is a possibility too, but due to his youth, a very slim one.
I'm assuming the sire of Lani's infant is likely to be Sandali? I know Gombe is currently alpha, but I think I heard somewhere that he (possibly Boyd also?) had been vasectomized. Enzi is a possibility too, but due to his youth, a very slim one.
I'm assuming the sire of Lani's infant is likely to be Sandali? I know Gombe is currently alpha, but I think I heard somewhere that he (possibly Boyd also?) had been vasectomized. Enzi is a possibility too, but due to his youth, a very slim one.
That’s correct. Boyd (1978) and Gombe (1993) were vasectomised at Wellington Zoo prior to their export to Australia; as was Marty (1987). This was to increase the chance of Sam (1977) siring offspring. He only had two surviving offspring at that time and as the only surviving offspring of a founder female, was a genetically valuable animal. He sired a further three offspring prior to his death.
The possible candidates for siring Lani’s infant are therefore Sandali and Enzi. @marmolady reported Enzi closely following Lani when she was last cycling, with the adult males paying more attention to higher ranking females. Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise me if Enzi got lucky.
There is no clear alpha male at Monarto at present. Zombi continues to play a peace-keeper role, and part of me would not be surprised if this state of affairs continues until Enzi matures sufficiently to play an active role on the male hierarchy. As others have said, Sandali is the most likely candidate for the sire of Lani's infant, but as the older males have allowed Enzi to court Lani while their focus is on Galatea, he's in the running as well.
That’s correct. Boyd (1978) and Gombe (1993) were vasectomised at Wellington Zoo prior to their export to Australia; as was Marty (1987). This was to increase the chance of Sam (1977) siring offspring. He only had two surviving offspring at that time and as the only surviving offspring of a founder female, was a genetically valuable animal. He sired a further three offspring prior to his death.
The possible candidates for siring Lani’s infant are therefore Sandali and Enzi. @marmolady reported Enzi closely following Lani when she was last cycling, with the adult males paying more attention to higher ranking females. Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise me if Enzi got lucky.
There is no clear alpha male at Monarto at present. Zombi continues to play a peace-keeper role, and part of me would not be surprised if this state of affairs continues until Enzi matures sufficiently to play an active role on the male hierarchy. As others have said, Sandali is the most likely candidate for the sire of Lani's infant, but as the older males have allowed Enzi to court Lani while their focus is on Galatea, he's in the running as well.
Thanks @marmolady for the update - I thought I read the alpha was Gombe but may have been mistaken.
I do hope that Galatea will breed, given her high genetic value. And it was fascinating to find out that Lani is the niece of our Lucy, so there are more connections between the Monarto and Hamilton chimps!
Considering Enzi was born 19 October 2015 and Lani’s infant is due approx April, it’d be close between him and Lubutu regarding the title of the youngest sire in the region (if Enzi did indeed sire this infant).
Lubutu (born June 1993) sired Samaki (born November 2001) at the age of eight years, five months and 22 days; so Lani’s infant would gave to be born April 9 or before (and sired by Enzi) to qualify!
Gombe's name has been thrown around, and Sandali's as well, but generally when I've asked keepers they've said there's nothing clear yet. Poor old Sandali's been nursing a broken arm, but still Gombe and Boyd do not appear to have taken the opportunity. Things seem to have been very calm all things considered, no doubt due to Zombi's influence.
There is no clear alpha male at Monarto at present. Zombi continues to play a peace-keeper role, and part of me would not be surprised if this state of affairs continues until Enzi matures sufficiently to play an active role on the male hierarchy. As others have said, Sandali is the most likely candidate for the sire of Lani's infant, but as the older males have allowed Enzi to court Lani while their focus is on Galatea, he's in the running as well.
Gombe's name has been thrown around, and Sandali's as well, but generally when I've asked keepers they've said there's nothing clear yet. Poor old Sandali's been nursing a broken arm, but still Gombe and Boyd do not appear to have taken the opportunity. Things seem to have been very calm all things considered, no doubt due to Zombi's influence.
It’s interesting how first Taronga went through an extended period of having no alpha and now Monarto are going through the same. The transition from one alpha to another has been far more seamless in other troops (past and present) in the region.
Since females play a part in choosing the alpha, I can only assume overwhelming female support is not there for either male. My impression has always been that Gombe is the more ambitious of the two; but Sandali has more support (especially from Zombi, the highest ranking female).
On a side note, it’s only now that I’ve thought how interesting it would have been to see the integration of Sandali (1996) and Lani (2002). She was six years old when he left Taronga’s community, but she surely had some memory of him from that time. There was a lot of conflict between their two family lines at Taronga (leading to Sandali’s removal), so tbf it may not have been a positive memory.
It’s interesting how first Taronga went through an extended period of having no alpha and now Monarto are going through the same. The transition from one alpha to another has been far more seamless in other troops (past and present) in the region.
Since females play a part in choosing the alpha, I can only assume overwhelming female support is not there for either male. My impression has always been that Gombe is the more ambitious of the two; but Sandali has more support (especially from Zombi, the highest ranking female).
On a side note, it’s only now that I’ve thought how interesting it would have been to see the integration of Sandali (1996) and Lani (2002). She was six years old when he left Taronga’s community, but she surely had some memory of him from that time. There was a lot of conflict between their two family lines at Taronga (leading to Sandali’s removal), so tbf it may not have been a positive memory.
It will interesting to see how the whole situation plays out and who will end up being alpha as there is no clear number one candidate. And it's a good thing, as @marmolady mentioned, that Zombi is there to keep things relatively calm.
1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Bobby 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
I visited the zoo on 31/01/2024 and spent some time watching their chimpanzee troop, who were inside the night house for most of my visit.
Twice, Kendi went over and antagonised Lucy by banging the rails near her or grabbing at her. The first time she did this, Lucy swiped at her and Kendi screamed; which caused Sanda to rush over and pick her up. The lack of reaction from the males (and Sanda’s reaction being only to remove her daughter from the situation) indicates Lucy is still firmly in place as the alpha female. After this altercation, there was a grooming session between Lucifer, Lucy and Sanda. Lucifer and Lucy are very close and on all of my recent visits, have been seen sitting together.
Luka wasn’t involved in any interactions that I observed (though he’s close to Sanda and his offspring). Chiku similarly kept to herself. She turns eight years old this month and has grown a lot over the past year or two.
Sanda had a small swelling. Kendi turned three in December, so she’ll no doubt be cycling again regularly soon (if she isn’t already). Next time I see a keeper, I’ll ask if she’s on contraception.
1.0 Lucifer (16/06/1988) Mike x Lucy
1.0 Luka (28/02/1993) Mike x Lucy
0.1 Lucy (24/11/1975) Bobby 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
I visited the zoo on 31/01/2024 and spent some time watching their chimpanzee troop, who were inside the night house for most of my visit.
Twice, Kendi went over and antagonised Lucy by banging the rails near her or grabbing at her. The first time she did this, Lucy swiped at her and Kendi screamed; which caused Sanda to rush over and pick her up. The lack of reaction from the males (and Sanda’s reaction being only to remove her daughter from the situation) indicates Lucy is still firmly in place as the alpha female. After this altercation, there was a grooming session between Lucifer, Lucy and Sanda. Lucifer and Lucy are very close and on all of my recent visits, have been seen sitting together.
Luka wasn’t involved in any interactions that I observed (though he’s close to Sanda and his offspring). Chiku similarly kept to herself. She turns eight years old this month and has grown a lot over the past year or two.
Sanda had a small swelling. Kendi turned three in December, so she’ll no doubt be cycling again regularly soon (if she isn’t already). Next time I see a keeper, I’ll ask if she’s on contraception.
Thanks for the update! It doesn't surprise me that Lucy is still firmly the dominant female, and she is very likely to hold that position for the foreseeable future. Sanda seems to have a more mild and submissive nature though that may change if Lucy should pass away.
When I visited the zoo in December it was pretty much like you've described here, with Lucy spending much of her time in Lucifer's company, mostly grooming. Chiku was mostly climbing independently up her favorite tree, although she did come down to play with Kendi for a while and spend time with Sanda and Luka; Chiku certainly has grown a lot and she seems very confident and self-assured, happy to either be by herself or interacting with the others.
Thanks for the update! It doesn't surprise me that Lucy is still firmly the dominant female, and she is very likely to hold that position for the foreseeable future. Sanda seems to have a more mild and submissive nature though that may change if Lucy should pass away.
When I visited the zoo in December it was pretty much like you've described here, with Lucy spending much of her time in Lucifer's company, mostly grooming. Chiku was mostly climbing independently up her favorite tree, although she did come down to play with Kendi for a while and spend time with Sanda and Luka; Chiku certainly has grown a lot and she seems very confident and self-assured, happy to either be by herself or interacting with the others.
Born at Adelaide Zoo, Sanda lived for many years as the lowest ranking female of their troop. Her mother was the highest ranking female; and then the other two adult females (until their deaths). Her brother Tsotsi would have outranked all of them by adolescence/young adulthood. It was therefore easy for Sanda to make the adjustment to Hamilton’s troop; unlike Fimi, who struggled.
It’s amazing to think there’s only 10 years between Lucy and Sanda. Their lives have both taken very different trajectories. Though she was only 10 years old upon her import by Auckland Zoo in 1985, Lucy was socially savy and would have effortlessly rose above Suzie and Sally in ranking - possibly even before she had Lucifer and Luka, which cemented her position as alpha female. For them, she would have provided a welcome diversion of Mike’s attention. They were a close pair by all accounts despite his temper and the incident with Loanda (which could be expected from any male).
