Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

If Capri and Mzuri transfer out, I would very much like to see them come to Hamilton to build up that troop, but a lot will depend on which males they decide are more desirable to breed from at the time.

Bakari (2012) and Kitwe (2014) at Wellington come from well represented maternal lines; but are the sons of Sam. He was the only surviving offspring of a founder and in turn has only one other surviving offspring (Malika). Along with the existing alpha male (Alexis), who is from the poorly represented Bessie line and Wellington will surely be a focal point of the breeding programme over the next couple of decades. They’re currently in the most need of females, so I’m of the opinion either Chiku/Kendi or Capri/Mzuri will be sent there around the age of dispersal. Which combination would surely be influenced by the lifespan of Lucifer and Luka.

In the meantime, Wellington will hopefully allow Malika (2010) to breed in the next couple of years. Alexis is a far more preferable option than her half-brothers (Bakari and Kitwe), who currently stand little to no chance of siring her infant. Give it another decade and Bakari will likely be in power. Give it another decade from there, and this honour could well have passed to Akida, who could cover her last decade of reproduction.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Bakari (2012) and Kitwe (2014) at Wellington come from well represented maternal lines; but are the sons of Sam. He was the only surviving offspring of a founder and in turn has only one other surviving offspring (Malika). Along with the existing alpha male (Alexis), who is from the poorly represented Bessie line and Wellington will surely be a focal point of the breeding programme over the next couple of decades. They’re currently in the most need of females, so I’m of the opinion either Chiku/Kendi or Capri/Mzuri will be sent there around the age of dispersal. Which combination would surely be influenced by the lifespan of Lucifer and Luka.

In the meantime, Wellington will hopefully allow Malika (2010) to breed in the next couple of years. Alexis is a far more preferable option than her half-brothers (Bakari and Kitwe), who currently stand little to no chance of siring her infant. Give it another decade and Bakari will likely be in power. Give it another decade from there, and this honour could well have passed to Akida, who could cover her last decade of reproduction.

So, it looks likely that Wellington looks to become NZ's chimpanzee breeding hub, although I do hope that Hamilton's troop will be given a chance to grow and flourish.

 

[Zoofan15]

So, it looks likely that Wellington looks to become NZ's chimpanzee breeding hub, although I do hope that Hamilton's troop will be given a chance to grow and flourish.

Looking at the demographics of Wellington’s troop, I imagine breeding of the three Taronga females is now complete. Cara and Samantha due to age; and Sally due to extensive and continuing representation through her nephews at Taronga/Monarto. Keza is off contraception and will hopefully welcome an infant this year; while Malika should really be breeding soon as well as per my previous post.

The arrival of new females could well be a decade away - allowing time for the younger half of the Chiku/Kendi or Capri/Mzuri duos to mature. This likely suits Wellington’s plans, who could breed 2-3 infants from Keza and Malika over that timeframe.

I’ll ask about Hamilton’s breeding plans on my next visit, but it makes sense to cease breeding from Sanda imo to allow the import of new males when Luka/Lucifer pass.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Looking at the demographics of Wellington’s troop, I imagine breeding of the three Taronga females is now complete. Cara and Samantha due to age; and Sally due to extensive and continuing representation through her nephews at Taronga/Monarto. Keza is off contraception and will hopefully welcome an infant this year; while Malika should really be breeding soon as well as per my previous post.

The arrival of new females could well be a decade away - allowing time for the younger half of the Chiku/Kendi or Capri/Mzuri duos to mature. This likely suits Wellington’s plans, who could breed 2-3 infants from Keza and Malika over that timeframe.

I’ll ask about Hamilton’s breeding plans on my next visit, but it makes sense to cease breeding from Sanda imo to allow the import of new males when Luka/Lucifer pass.

It would make sense to stop breeding from Sanda as you've said, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Sanda was recommended to have one more infant due to Fimi's line being underrepresented and Tsotsi's unfortunate passing. A third female infant could potentially be of great value.

 

[Zoofan15]

It would make sense to stop breeding from Sanda as you've said, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Sanda was recommended to have one more infant due to Fimi's line being underrepresented and Tsotsi's unfortunate passing. A third female infant could potentially be of great value.

Peter and Fimi have three confirmed grandaughters (Chiku, Kendi and Hope). In the event Zola and Happy are confirmed to be Tsotsi’s as well, then five grandchildren (four of which are female) may be considered sufficient representation of this line going forward, with the expectation of those grandchildren breeding.

The social benefits of this species being housed in a large multigenerational troop are clear, so I hope Hamilton Zoo consider increasing the size of their troop long term. Luka and Sanda producing a son would not only hinder the chances of bringing in additional males, it would limit female numbers as a single male outnumbered by a large number of females isn’t ideal either. The structure of the troop would be much healthier if they aimed for 3-4 adult males overseeing a troop in the double figures.

 

[Jambo]

Update on Gandali who recently turned four:

It also appears he's being foster mothered by Samantha.

ABC Brisbane on Instagram: "What could be better than a bubble party for your fourth birthday? Chimpanzee Gandali celebrated his birthday in style at the Rockhampton Zoo. But, it was only a few months ago that the he nearly died after being bitten by an eastern brown snake. Supplied: Rockhampton Regional Council. Via Scout Wallen for ABC Capricornia. Read more via our stories or the ABC News website. #ABCNews #Queensland"

 

[Zoofan15]

Update on Gandali who recently turned four:

It also appears he's being foster mothered by Samantha.

ABC Brisbane on Instagram: "What could be better than a bubble party for your fourth birthday? Chimpanzee Gandali celebrated his birthday in style at the Rockhampton Zoo. But, it was only a few months ago that the he nearly died after being bitten by an eastern brown snake. Supplied: Rockhampton Regional Council. Via Scout Wallen for ABC Capricornia. Read more via our stories or the ABC News website. #ABCNews #Queensland"

That’s correct. Following his reintroduction to the troop following a snake bite last year, it was mentioned Samantha is acting as a surrogate mother to him. There’s a video of their reunion here:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-06/-chimp-reunited-surrogate-mum-snake-bite/102821848

Following the loss of her own infants, it’s nice to see Samantha has an option to practice her maternal skills; no doubt benefiting them both immensely.

 

[Zoofan15]

Samantha (1983-2024)

Some sad news from Rockhampton Zoo today. Samantha has passed away, aged 40. It’s been a difficult time for their troop, following the passing of Holly in December 2022.

Samantha had two offspring at Rockhampton Zoo (sadly non-surviving); but her most valuable role was that of a surrogate mother to Gandali, who was orphaned following Holly’s death. Samantha was a genetically valuable female and the last living descendant of her parents, Charlie and Coco.

From socials:

Spoiler

It is with much sadness that Rockhampton Regional Council announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Rockhampton Zoo’s female chimpanzee, Samantha, which occurred yesterday afternoon.

Samantha was seen to be enjoying her dinner and acting normally in the night house in the late afternoon and was found unresponsive 20 minutes later.

In 2020, a heart specialist identified that Samantha had early stage heart disease, and due to the suddenness of her passing, it is suspected that Samantha’s cause of death was from a heart attack.

An autopsy has been conducted and the cause of death will be known once these results are received.
In late 2022, Samantha took on the surrogate mother role for Gandali, who lost his mother, Holly. Now four years old, Gandali shares a very close bond with his father Alon who will no doubt provide guidance and comfort to Gandali.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Peter and Fimi have three confirmed grandaughters (Chiku, Kendi and Hope). In the event Zola and Happy are confirmed to be Tsotsi’s as well, then five grandchildren (four of which are female) may be considered sufficient representation of this line going forward, with the expectation of those grandchildren breeding.

The social benefits of this species being housed in a large multigenerational troop are clear, so I hope Hamilton Zoo consider increasing the size of their troop long term. Luka and Sanda producing a son would not only hinder the chances of bringing in additional males, it would limit female numbers as a single male outnumbered by a large number of females isn’t ideal either. The structure of the troop would be much healthier if they aimed for 3-4 adult males overseeing a troop in the double figures.

This will make a lot of sense if Zola and Happy are confirmed to be Tsotsi's offspring, and the odds are in favour of Zola being confirmed as such. I too would like to see the Hamilton troop increase, although how that progresses will be dependent on the breeding programme.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Samantha (1983-2024)

Some sad news from Rockhampton Zoo today. Samantha has passed away, aged 40. It’s been a difficult time for their troop, following the passing of Holly in December 2022.

Samantha had two offspring at Rockhampton Zoo (sadly non-surviving); but her most valuable role was that of a surrogate mother to Gandali, who was orphaned following Holly’s death. Samantha was a genetically valuable female and the last living descendant of her parents, Charlie and Coco.

From socials:

Spoiler

It is with much sadness that Rockhampton Regional Council announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Rockhampton Zoo’s female chimpanzee, Samantha, which occurred yesterday afternoon.

Samantha was seen to be enjoying her dinner and acting normally in the night house in the late afternoon and was found unresponsive 20 minutes later.

In 2020, a heart specialist identified that Samantha had early stage heart disease, and due to the suddenness of her passing, it is suspected that Samantha’s cause of death was from a heart attack.

An autopsy has been conducted and the cause of death will be known once these results are received.
In late 2022, Samantha took on the surrogate mother role for Gandali, who lost his mother, Holly. Now four years old, Gandali shares a very close bond with his father Alon who will no doubt provide guidance and comfort to Gandali.

That is very sad news. I do hope that Gandali will still get the care he needs from Alon and other troop members.

 

[Zoofan15]

This will make a lot of sense if Zola and Happy are confirmed to be Tsotsi's offspring, and the odds are in favour of Zola being confirmed as such. I too would like to see the Hamilton troop increase, although how that progresses will be dependent on the breeding programme.

It’s good news that Monarto are at least open to transferring Zuri out as per the latest reports. Female dispersal follows the natural social order and in anycase, retaining Hope instead means they will have an unrelated pair in Enzi (Sandali x Zuri) and Hope (Tsotsi x Hannah).

Optimistically, Happy and Zola could be an unrelated pair depending on their sires, though there’s less certainty around Happy siring offspring going forward versus Enzi (future alpha male).

That is very sad news. I do hope that Gandali will still get the care he needs from Alon and other troop members.

It sounds like Alon and Gandali share a close bond, so I’m sure his companionship will stand him in good stead going forward. Between losing his mother, adoptive mother and getting bitten by a snake, Gandali hasn’t had an easy start to life!

 

[Jambo]

Samantha (1983-2024)

Some sad news from Rockhampton Zoo today. Samantha has passed away, aged 40. It’s been a difficult time for their troop, following the passing of Holly in December 2022.

Samantha had two offspring at Rockhampton Zoo (sadly non-surviving); but her most valuable role was that of a surrogate mother to Gandali, who was orphaned following Holly’s death. Samantha was a genetically valuable female and the last living descendant of her parents, Charlie and Coco.

From socials:

Spoiler

It is with much sadness that Rockhampton Regional Council announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Rockhampton Zoo’s female chimpanzee, Samantha, which occurred yesterday afternoon.

Samantha was seen to be enjoying her dinner and acting normally in the night house in the late afternoon and was found unresponsive 20 minutes later.

In 2020, a heart specialist identified that Samantha had early stage heart disease, and due to the suddenness of her passing, it is suspected that Samantha’s cause of death was from a heart attack.

An autopsy has been conducted and the cause of death will be known once these results are received.
In late 2022, Samantha took on the surrogate mother role for Gandali, who lost his mother, Holly. Now four years old, Gandali shares a very close bond with his father Alon who will no doubt provide guidance and comfort to Gandali.

Very sad news to hear, especially following the death of Holly just fourteen months ago. I'm hopeful the rest of the troop is doing well at this time, and Gandali is receiving the support and care he needs.

Rockhampton's troop is now of course reduced to the seven individuals (four males, three females) and with Leakey being the only remaining adult female I'd imagine there'd be a recommendation for them to receive another adult female or two very soon.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very sad news to hear, especially following the death of Holly just fourteen months ago. I'm hopeful the rest of the troop is doing well at this time, and Gandali is receiving the support and care he needs.

Rockhampton's troop is now of course reduced to the seven individuals (four males, three females) and with Leakey being the only remaining adult female I'd imagine there'd be a recommendation for them to receive another adult female or two very soon.

Rockhampton’s troop would definitely benefit from receiving some additional females as Cassius is elderly and Tim was brought over on the rationale Cassius won’t be around much longer. Long term, they plan to transfer out Capri and Mzuri too, which would otherwise leave them with 3.1 chimpanzees.

Sembe and Zuri are the strongest candidates. Considering Rockhampton is a small troop, they might consider bringing both (especially since as newcomers, they’d have each other for companionship). Alternatively, Sembe could come with Shona or Kamili (neither of which receive family support in Taronga’s community). I suppose it depends what size troop Monarto is aiming for. Two breeding females (Leakey and Sembe) may be sufficient, with a non-breeder like Shona there to boost female numbers.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’s good news that Monarto are at least open to transferring Zuri out as per the latest reports. Female dispersal follows the natural social order and in anycase, retaining Hope instead means they will have an unrelated pair in Enzi (Sandali x Zuri) and Hope (Tsotsi x Hannah).

Optimistically, Happy and Zola could be an unrelated pair depending on their sires, though there’s less certainty around Happy siring offspring going forward versus Enzi (future alpha male).


It sounds like Alon and Gandali share a close bond, so I’m sure his companionship will stand him in good stead going forward. Between losing his mother, adoptive mother and getting bitten by a snake, Gandali hasn’t had an easy start to life!

I will be extremely surprised if Zola is found not to be Tsotsi's daughter. Her visual resemblance to a young Chiku is very striking. And it does seem encouraging that Monarto would consider transferring out Zuri - perhaps Rockhampton could be a possible destination for her?

It's good that Alon and Gandali are close, as bonds with other males are vital for young male chimps going forward and can determine future rank and standing in the troop. I hope there are better things in Gandali's future going forward, considering all he's been through!

 

[Zoofan15]

I will be extremely surprised if Zola is found not to be Tsotsi's daughter. Her visual resemblance to a young Chiku is very striking. And it does seem encouraging that Monarto would consider transferring out Zuri - perhaps Rockhampton could be a possible destination for her?

It's good that Alon and Gandali are close, as bonds with other males are vital for young male chimps going forward and can determine future rank and standing in the troop. I hope there are better things in Gandali's future going forward, considering all he's been through!

The more I think about it, I think it makes more sense to send Shona and Sembe. Shona acted as a surrogate for Chimbuka, following his mother’s death and showed similar protective behaviour of Shikamoo, who had an unattached mother. She gets bullied by each cohort of young males that comes through (Sudi is currently the worst) and as a non-breeding female in Taronga’s large community, has had a difficult time. She would fare much better at Rockhampton imo (as well as enhancing the culture of their troop); accompanying her niece, Sembe, who through her maternal line is the granddaughter of a founder.

Sembe’s mother won’t be breeding again and her brothers are unlikely to sire any infants going forward. It would be good for Sembe to breed (socially and genetically) and her options at Taronga are very limited.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The more I think about it, I think it makes more sense to send Shona and Sembe. Shona acted as a surrogate for Chimbuka, following his mother’s death and showed similar protective behaviour of Shikamoo, who had an unattached mother. She gets bullied by each cohort of young males that comes through (Sudi is currently the worst) and as a non-breeding female in Taronga’s large community, has had a difficult time. She would fare much better at Rockhampton imo (as well as enhancing the culture of their troop); accompanying her niece, Sembe, who through her maternal line is the granddaughter of a founder.

Sembe’s mother won’t be breeding again and her brothers are unlikely to sire any infants going forward. It would be good for Sembe to breed (socially and genetically) and her options at Taronga are very limited.

That would make a lot of sense, yes, as having the support of an older female will be good for Sembe, and in the long run it would benefit Shona, too. Perhaps it is still too early for Zuri to disperse yet?

 

[Zoofan15]

That would make a lot of sense, yes, as having the support of an older female will be good for Sembe, and in the long run it would benefit Shona, too. Perhaps it is still too early for Zuri to disperse yet?

Shona would be an ideal chaperone for Sembe. She’s a low-ranking mild mannered female that would be unlikely to disrupt Rockhampton’s troop; but provide support to Sembe, who will otherwise by facing off against Leakey, who’s well established with two daughters in the troop and has a strong bond with the alpha male.

Zuri is 11 years old, so she’s the ideal age for dispersal (adolescence); but since the region abides by the no female chimp bred before mid-teens rule, she might as well sit at Monarto for a bit longer (learning maternal skills). She could then transfer out with her sister, Zola, when the latter enters adolescence in three years time; so that they have each other’s support in joining a new troop.

 

[Zoofan15]

Monarto Safari Park - Lani’s Infant

Thank you to @marmolady for the sad update that Lani’s infant has sadly died. The infant was a male and was Lani’s second infant, following the loss of a daughter at Taronga Zoo in 2017.

From socials:

Many of our amazing supporters will have witnessed Lani walking across the exhibit with Hope's arm draped across her back or, observed them snuggling on a platform together. For this and many other reasons, we were so excited for Lani to become a mum and have her own infant to dote over.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, Lani gave birth to a male infant who sadly did not survive. Having watched the camera footage, we can determine that Lani comfortably gave birth and nurtured her infant (a male).

Once Lani and the troop were ready, keepers were able to retrieve the infant for veterinary examination. Despite her loss, Lani appears healthy and we are keeping a very close eye on her and the rest of the Monarto troop.

Any loss is always difficult and the primate team really appreciates all the support that has been and will be shown. We will, of course, continue to support the Chimpanzee troop.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Monarto Safari Park - Lani’s Infant

Thank you to @marmolady for the sad update that Lani’s infant has sadly died. The infant was a male and was Lani’s second infant, following the loss of a daughter at Taronga Zoo in 2017.

From socials:

Many of our amazing supporters will have witnessed Lani walking across the exhibit with Hope's arm draped across her back or, observed them snuggling on a platform together. For this and many other reasons, we were so excited for Lani to become a mum and have her own infant to dote over.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, Lani gave birth to a male infant who sadly did not survive. Having watched the camera footage, we can determine that Lani comfortably gave birth and nurtured her infant (a male).

Once Lani and the troop were ready, keepers were able to retrieve the infant for veterinary examination. Despite her loss, Lani appears healthy and we are keeping a very close eye on her and the rest of the Monarto troop.

Any loss is always difficult and the primate team really appreciates all the support that has been and will be shown. We will, of course, continue to support the Chimpanzee troop.

I am so sorry to hear this, as the little one would have been beneficial to Lani's standing in the troop.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am so sorry to hear this, as the little one would have been beneficial to Lani's standing in the troop.

Though this is a sad turn of events, it’s encouraging to hear of Lani’s maternal instincts towards this infant. When she gave birth for the first time at Taronga Zoo in 2017, she rejected her infant. At the time, she was housed seperately from her mother (Taronga Zoo had split their troop to facilitate the introduction of the new females), which may have influenced the outcome.

Seven years later, Lani put into practice the maternal skills she’s learnt along the way, including observing Zombi and and Hannah with their offspring.

At 22 years old, Lani is still young and will have the opportunity to breed again. Hopefully things will go better for her next time; but in the meantime, my thoughts are with Monarto’s team.