Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
Thank god! Great news
. It was so long after the due date I assumed Hannah had a miscarriage or stillbirth and the zoo hadn't reported it for some reason. Another male is actually good as Monarto has an aging group of males, with Enzi really being the only candidate for future leadership succession unless new males were introduced (which is fraught with danger).
Thank god! Great news
Hannah’s previous birth went well, so I was confident she’d be successful again this time. At 29 years of age, Hannah’s still young and this age bracket (25-30 years) has the lowest mortality rate of infants in relation to maternal age.
Enzi remains a sure bet for alpha, being 19 years younger than the next male up and the son of the alpha female, but another male is good for succession - especially since the majority of their female infants will be transferred out upon reaching adolescence.
Link to the birth announcement is here: Dr Jane Goodall sends happy message of hope to announce chimp birth
Wonderful news to see Hannah successfully delivering. Being a founder, her genetics are very valuable. A male’s also very good news as he’ll definitely help her status down the line. Fingers crossed this male is sired by Tsotsi!
Happy’s not the most inspired name, but none other than Jane Goodall christened the young male with his name! I’m rather glad she’s naming the offspring too as she uses the naming convention of naming the offspring with their mother’s initial. It seems Monarto have only been using that convention for the daughters of the female (eg. Zombi and her daughters, Zuri and Zola). But it could just be Enzi’s the exception.
Wonderful news to see Hannah successfully delivering. Being a founder, her genetics are very valuable. A male’s also very good news as he’ll definitely help her status down the line. Fingers crossed this male is sired by Tsotsi!
Happy’s not the most inspired name, but none other than Jane Goodall christened the young male with his name! I’m rather glad she’s naming the offspring too as she uses the naming convention of naming the offspring with their mother’s initial. It seems Monarto have only been using that convention for the daughters of the female (eg. Zombi and her daughters, Zuri and Zola). But it could just be Enzi’s the exception.
It would be advantageous if Tsotsi is the sire of this infant as it’ll provide an unrelated male for Zuri to breed with in years to come.
Hopefully Tsotsi will be around to sire her first infant, but given their 23 year age gap, he won’t be around for her entire reproductive life.
I was greatly disappointed Monarto didn’t give Enzi a Z name (especially since he’ll remain in the troop). They also named Soona’s infant Boon. Luckily Jane has now named two infants in the troop to assist keeping the initials tradition alive.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I have heard keepers and volunteers call him just 'Zi' a couple of times so that may explain the differing name?
I honestly get the impression the staff weren’t that devoted to the initials concept initially and that even Zuri just received a Z name through coincidence. She was the first infant as opposed to “another one.” Z names are common in Swahili after all.
As the troops grown (with multiple females breeding) - and with Jane’s input, they’ve perhaps seen the logic in what is first and foremost a pragmatic way to track lineages.
The public did name Enzi too which may explain the fact he dosen’t fit the naming convention.
Monarto’s since named Zombi’s next infant Zola which hopefully means they’ve seen the sense in the naming convention, which was made famous by both Melbourne and Taronga with their great apes.
Also what’s the plan with Zombi? I’m assuming she’ll still be on contraception with three successful offspring already. The focus should be on Galatea now that Hannah has conceived for a second time. Getting a baby out of Galatea is essential as she’s a founder; but of course only if she can (health wise).
Zola was actually named via public vote. The contenders were Khari, Zenzile, Esi, Ziggi and Zola - so it was simply luck the majority favoured a Z name.
Zombi is currently on contraception after three back to back infants. Like you say, the priority is for Galatea to breed. The plan was for Galatea and Hannah to have infants and then consider allowing Lani to breed for social reasons.
The region currently favours breeding females for the first time in their mid teens, so possibly Zombi may have a fourth infant five or six years from now to align with Zuri giving birth to her first infant.
Chimpanzee Population - 2022/2023 Summary
2022 Summary:
The highlight of the year was undoubtably the region’s only successful birth - a male infant named Happy born at Monarto Zoo to Hannah in December. Hannah has assimilated well into the Monarto troop, with this being her second offspring.
Galatea sadly delivered a non surviving infant at the start of the year. It was a tragic end to a much anticipated and long awaited pregnancy. She remains off contraception and will hopefully conceive again soon (if she hasn’t already).
Spitter (1960) passed away at Taronga Zoo in March this year. She was 61 years and 7 months and set the regional record for longevity. Spitter was a well known individual within the troop and the only remaining adult to have made the move to the open air exhibit in 1980, where she delivered the community’s first infant in the new exhibit. Spitter was well known for her alloparenting and is herself survived by multiple descendants.
Taronga Zoo has had an eventful year within the community, with Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008) assuming the alpha role with the support of the community. Their youth and popularity will hopefully ensure long term stability.
Rockhampton sadly announced the passing of one of their adult females, Holly in December. Holly left behind a juvenile son, who remains with the troop - supplemented with milk feeds.
2023 Summary:
I’m hopeful for a string of births at Taronga Zoo with multiple females (Lisa, Ceres, Kuma and Kamili) off contraception. Due to her age, Lisa may not be a viable option, but they want to give her the opportunity to expand her family, which has been reduced to her and her eight year old son.
As mentioned above, Galatea at Monarto may conceive again in 2023 if she hasn’t already; while their other females remain on contraception.
Due to the demographics of their troop, I’m not expecting infants at Hamilton, Wellington and Rockhampton in 2023.
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Please note: This summary will be followed next month by a full population list update.
2022 Summary:
The highlight of the year was undoubtably the region’s only successful birth - a male infant named Happy born at Monarto Zoo to Hannah in December. Hannah has assimilated well into the Monarto troop, with this being her second offspring.
Galatea sadly delivered a non surviving infant at the start of the year. It was a tragic end to a much anticipated and long awaited pregnancy. She remains off contraception and will hopefully conceive again soon (if she hasn’t already).
Spitter (1960) passed away at Taronga Zoo in March this year. She was 61 years and 7 months and set the regional record for longevity. Spitter was a well known individual within the troop and the only remaining adult to have made the move to the open air exhibit in 1980, where she delivered the community’s first infant in the new exhibit. Spitter was well known for her alloparenting and is herself survived by multiple descendants.
Taronga Zoo has had an eventful year within the community, with Shikamoo (2003) and Sule (2008) assuming the alpha role with the support of the community. Their youth and popularity will hopefully ensure long term stability.
Rockhampton sadly announced the passing of one of their adult females, Holly in December. Holly left behind a juvenile son, who remains with the troop - supplemented with milk feeds.
2023 Summary:
I’m hopeful for a string of births at Taronga Zoo with multiple females (Lisa, Ceres, Kuma and Kamili) off contraception. Due to her age, Lisa may not be a viable option, but they want to give her the opportunity to expand her family, which has been reduced to her and her eight year old son.
As mentioned above, Galatea at Monarto may conceive again in 2023 if she hasn’t already; while their other females remain on contraception.
Due to the demographics of their troop, I’m not expecting infants at Hamilton, Wellington and Rockhampton in 2023.
————————————
Please note: This summary will be followed next month by a full population list update.
Wasn’t Lulu 62 when she died?
Lisa’s still a chance imo; she’s 43 and females at Taronga have conceived as far as 42 in the past.
The decision would’ve been made purely based on social purposes - her line is well represented through Lubutu and her many grandchildren- including the current alpha and beta males (Shikamoo and Sule).
Hopefully Kamili can successfully conceive. Even if she rejects it, im hopeful one of the other females may possibly take the infant on. An infant from her would be awesome genetic wise, especially if it’s sired by her close buddy Shabani (who’s the only remaining representative of the M line).
Leading up to her death in 2014, Taronga reported that Lulu was born in 1952; but I’ve since uncovered evidence to the contrary via this photo taken of her upon her arrival in 1964:
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/123944257/
I estimated her to be around four years old (1960) in this photo and found out Taronga initially recorded her DOB as April 1960 in their records. This is further supported by the fact she gave birth to her first offspring at the age of nine years in 1969 (not 17).
That’s true, but an analysis of 50 years of breeding at Taronga detail mortality rates of infants based on maternal age. The highest survivorship is between 25-30 years (combination of the mother’s youth and experience); and report no infant has survived to a mother over the age of 35 years old.
It should be noted in the almost two decades since this study was undertaken in 2005, husbandry has improved and we’ve since seen two infants survive to mothers aged 35 and over - Lisa gave birth to Liwali (surviving) at 35 years of age; and Shiba gave birth to Safiri (surviving) at 38 years of age. Nonetheless, I feel like 43 years is pushing it.
It’d be good for Kamili to produce a surviving infant as Koko will otherwise become an unrepresented founder once Kamili passes. It’d be even better if Kamili can raise it, to give her support in her later years; but I too hope another female would raise it if the infant is rejected.
Kamili’s closest relationship at the moment is with Kuma, so with Kuma breeding as well around the same time, I’d assess her as the most likely to offer assistance if needed.
Shabani is the only descendant of the M line at Taronga; but it survives in the region via Hamilton Zoo’s troop. Lucifer and Luka are the sons of Mike, who was born 1973 at Taronga Zoo; and Luka is in turn the sire of Chiku (2016) and Kendi (2020).
Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population 2023
New Zealand
Hamilton Zoo:
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
Wellington Zoo:
1.0 Alexis (20/08/1998) Boyd x Cara
1.0 Bakari (11/06/2012) Sam x Sally
1.0 Kitwe (15/11/2014) Sam x Keza
1.0 Akida (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally
0.1 Jessie (10/07/1978) Tom x Yoka
0.1 Cara (10/09/1981) Jojo x Chiki
0.1 Samantha (25/12/1983) Jojo x Sutu
0.1 Sally (13/01/1985) Jojo x Spitter
0.1 Keza (06/07/1998) Marty x Samantha
0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha
Australia
Taronga Zoo:
1.0 Shabani (14/09/1994) Monte x Shiba
1.0 Samaki (27/11/2001) Lubutu x Shiba
1.0 Furahi (28/02/2003) Lubutu x Kuma
1.0 Shikamoo (25/07/2003) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Sule (04/04/2008) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Fumo (16/10/2013) Shikamoo x Kuma
1.0 Sudi (09/08/2014) Shikamoo x Kuma
1.0 Liwali (22/09/2014) Samaki x Lisa
1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Unknown x Naomi
0.1 Lisa (23/08/1979) Jojo x Lulu
0.1 Sacha (11/06/1980) Jojo x Spitter
0.1 Shiba (22/05/1981) Jojo x Susie
0.1 Shona (09/10/1987) Danny x Sutu
0.1 Ceres (19/09/1990) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015
0.1 Kuma (06/12/1991) Snowy x Ficha
0.1 Kamili (02/09/1995) Snowy x Koko
0.1 Naomi (25/01/2001) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015
0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba
0.1 Cebele (14/11/2017) Samaki x Ceres
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Unknown x Shiba
Sydney Zoo:
1.0 Fritz (26/03/1982) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
1.0 Maike (18/05/1990) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
1.0 Timmy (09/11/1991) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019
1.0 Charli (29/04/1994) Tommy x Cindy; Imported 2019
1.0 Jerry (04/12/1995) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019
1.0 Mani (04/06/2000) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019
0.1 Babsi (10/09/1984) Tommy x Chita; Imported 2019
0.1 Julchen (14/04/1985) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Mary (18/12/2002) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019
0.1 Sile (03/07/2006) Unknown x Julchen; Imported 2019
Monarto Safari Park:
1.0 Boyd (29/10/1978) Tom x Bebe
1.0 Tsotsi (25/06/1989) Peter x Fimi
1.0 Gombe (04/02/1993) Boyd x Jodie
1.0 Sandali (26/02/1996) Snowy x Sacha
1.0 Enzi (19/10/2015) Sandali x Zombi
1.0 Happy (21/12/2022) Unknown x Hannah
0.1 Zombi (15/03/1993) Ayo x Zola; Imported 2010
0.1 Hannah (28/11/1993) Andy x Annie; Imported 2015
0.1 Galatea (24/02/1999) Fons x Gaby; Imported 2010
0.1 Lani (26/05/2002) Lubutu x Lisa
0.1 Zuri (21/08/2012) Sandali x Zombi
0.1 Hope (19/02/2019) Tsotsi x Hannah
0.1 Zola (08/09/2019) Unknown x Zombi
Rockhampton Zoo:
1.0 Cassius (18/10/1971) Chiko x Mary
1.0 Alon (29/01/2008) Abshalom x Avigail; Imported 2015
1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly
0.1 Samantha (01/11/1983) Charlie x Coco
0.1 Leakey (30/12/1994) Chuck x Lilli; Imported 2015
0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey
Total regional population: 30.36
Note: Year of import is year imported into the region.
New Zealand
Hamilton Zoo:
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
Wellington Zoo:
1.0 Alexis (20/08/1998) Boyd x Cara
1.0 Bakari (11/06/2012) Sam x Sally
1.0 Kitwe (15/11/2014) Sam x Keza
1.0 Akida (01/11/2021) Alexis x Sally
0.1 Jessie (10/07/1978) Tom x Yoka
0.1 Cara (10/09/1981) Jojo x Chiki
0.1 Samantha (25/12/1983) Jojo x Sutu
0.1 Sally (13/01/1985) Jojo x Spitter
0.1 Keza (06/07/1998) Marty x Samantha
0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha
Australia
Taronga Zoo:
1.0 Shabani (14/09/1994) Monte x Shiba
1.0 Samaki (27/11/2001) Lubutu x Shiba
1.0 Furahi (28/02/2003) Lubutu x Kuma
1.0 Shikamoo (25/07/2003) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Sule (04/04/2008) Lubutu x Sacha
1.0 Fumo (16/10/2013) Shikamoo x Kuma
1.0 Sudi (09/08/2014) Shikamoo x Kuma
1.0 Liwali (22/09/2014) Samaki x Lisa
1.0 Niambi (07/10/2020) Unknown x Naomi
0.1 Lisa (23/08/1979) Jojo x Lulu
0.1 Sacha (11/06/1980) Jojo x Spitter
0.1 Shiba (22/05/1981) Jojo x Susie
0.1 Shona (09/10/1987) Danny x Sutu
0.1 Ceres (19/09/1990) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015
0.1 Kuma (06/12/1991) Snowy x Ficha
0.1 Kamili (02/09/1995) Snowy x Koko
0.1 Naomi (25/01/2001) Toto x Jenny; Imported 2015
0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba
0.1 Cebele (14/11/2017) Samaki x Ceres
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Unknown x Shiba
Sydney Zoo:
1.0 Fritz (26/03/1982) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
1.0 Maike (18/05/1990) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
1.0 Timmy (09/11/1991) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019
1.0 Charli (29/04/1994) Tommy x Cindy; Imported 2019
1.0 Jerry (04/12/1995) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019
1.0 Mani (04/06/2000) Unknown x Cindy; Imported 2019
0.1 Babsi (10/09/1984) Tommy x Chita; Imported 2019
0.1 Julchen (14/04/1985) Unknown x Unknown; Imported 2019
0.1 Mary (18/12/2002) Unknown x Mzde; Imported 2019
0.1 Sile (03/07/2006) Unknown x Julchen; Imported 2019
Monarto Safari Park:
1.0 Boyd (29/10/1978) Tom x Bebe
1.0 Tsotsi (25/06/1989) Peter x Fimi
1.0 Gombe (04/02/1993) Boyd x Jodie
1.0 Sandali (26/02/1996) Snowy x Sacha
1.0 Enzi (19/10/2015) Sandali x Zombi
1.0 Happy (21/12/2022) Unknown x Hannah
0.1 Zombi (15/03/1993) Ayo x Zola; Imported 2010
0.1 Hannah (28/11/1993) Andy x Annie; Imported 2015
0.1 Galatea (24/02/1999) Fons x Gaby; Imported 2010
0.1 Lani (26/05/2002) Lubutu x Lisa
0.1 Zuri (21/08/2012) Sandali x Zombi
0.1 Hope (19/02/2019) Tsotsi x Hannah
0.1 Zola (08/09/2019) Unknown x Zombi
Rockhampton Zoo:
1.0 Cassius (18/10/1971) Chiko x Mary
1.0 Alon (29/01/2008) Abshalom x Avigail; Imported 2015
1.0 Gandali (03/02/2020) Alon x Holly
0.1 Samantha (01/11/1983) Charlie x Coco
0.1 Leakey (30/12/1994) Chuck x Lilli; Imported 2015
0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey
Total regional population: 30.36
Note: Year of import is year imported into the region.
Wellington Zoo - Chimpanzee Troop Update
The most exciting news is that Keza is off contraception! All going well, Wellington Zoo may have a new infant this year. Alexis and Keza are cousins, which isn’t ideal, but the infant will be important for troop dynamics - and a playmate for Akida, who is currently the youngest by seven years.
Alexis is proving an excellent alpha male. He’s well respected by the whole troop and is a firm, but fair leader. As the only adult male, there’s no threat to his leadership at present.
Akida is 14 months old and beginning to explore the exhibit. Sally is a highly protective mother and doesn’t let him get too far; and consequently, staff note he’s not as advanced in his skills as previous infants.
Malika and Bakari are the lowest ranked members of the troop. These adolescents have lost their white tufts and the protection of their mothers and Alexis is quick to discipline them when required. As a male, Bakari will rise in status as he matures into adulthood.
Cara enjoys a high ranking position in the troop as mother of the alpha male. She joins Alexis at the front of the exhibit (base of the rock) at feeding time - which is reserved for the highest ranking chimpanzees in the troop.
The most exciting news is that Keza is off contraception! All going well, Wellington Zoo may have a new infant this year. Alexis and Keza are cousins, which isn’t ideal, but the infant will be important for troop dynamics - and a playmate for Akida, who is currently the youngest by seven years.
Alexis is proving an excellent alpha male. He’s well respected by the whole troop and is a firm, but fair leader. As the only adult male, there’s no threat to his leadership at present.
Akida is 14 months old and beginning to explore the exhibit. Sally is a highly protective mother and doesn’t let him get too far; and consequently, staff note he’s not as advanced in his skills as previous infants.
Malika and Bakari are the lowest ranked members of the troop. These adolescents have lost their white tufts and the protection of their mothers and Alexis is quick to discipline them when required. As a male, Bakari will rise in status as he matures into adulthood.
Cara enjoys a high ranking position in the troop as mother of the alpha male. She joins Alexis at the front of the exhibit (base of the rock) at feeding time - which is reserved for the highest ranking chimpanzees in the troop.
Rockhampton Zoo - Holly’s Death
Following Holly’s death in December, Rockhampton Zoo have released the post mortem results:
https://www.miragenews.com/rockhampton-zoo-receives-post-mortem-results-939763/
At the time of Holly’s passing she was being treated for a wound to her finger. She was being closely monitored by both keepers and vets, and was on antibiotics to fight infection.
Despite the care she was receiving, the results of her post-mortem show that she developed septicaemia. She passed away on the 7th of December 2022 at age 34, with Zoo staff by her side.
Holly had been part of our chimpanzee troop at the Zoo for almost 11 years, and her sudden loss was absolutely heartbreaking. It has been bittersweet to watch the rest of the troop step in to take care of Holly’s young son Gandali.
Following Holly’s death in December, Rockhampton Zoo have released the post mortem results:
https://www.miragenews.com/rockhampton-zoo-receives-post-mortem-results-939763/
At the time of Holly’s passing she was being treated for a wound to her finger. She was being closely monitored by both keepers and vets, and was on antibiotics to fight infection.
Despite the care she was receiving, the results of her post-mortem show that she developed septicaemia. She passed away on the 7th of December 2022 at age 34, with Zoo staff by her side.
Holly had been part of our chimpanzee troop at the Zoo for almost 11 years, and her sudden loss was absolutely heartbreaking. It has been bittersweet to watch the rest of the troop step in to take care of Holly’s young son Gandali.
Gandali is a Descendant of Molly (1953-1981)
Something I discovered after looking back on my chimpanzee notes is that Holly was a descendant of Molly (Wellington Zoo) via her maternal line. Her maternal grandfather was Bobo, who was born in 1962 at Wellington Zoo to Tom and Molly.
Molly gave birth to two offspring at Wellington Zoo - Patrick in 1960; and Bobo in 1962. She gave birth to a further four offspring at Melbourne Zoo - of which only one survived to adulthood - Ernie, born 1969. Patrick accompanied Molly to Melbourne Zoo in 1966 and was exported to Ragunan Zoo in 1976.
The significance of this information is that Gandali is now the only living descendant of this wild born founder; and that Ernie, who was euthansied at Melbourne Zoo in 1993 wasn’t Molly’s only living descendant at the time of his death.
Combined with Gandali’s sire being Alon (a founder), he’s a genetically valuable chimpanzee - though I don’t anticipate he’ll be breeding for a long time. The the plan is for him to remain in the troop, where his young father will surely have a long tenure as alpha.
Something I discovered after looking back on my chimpanzee notes is that Holly was a descendant of Molly (Wellington Zoo) via her maternal line. Her maternal grandfather was Bobo, who was born in 1962 at Wellington Zoo to Tom and Molly.
Molly gave birth to two offspring at Wellington Zoo - Patrick in 1960; and Bobo in 1962. She gave birth to a further four offspring at Melbourne Zoo - of which only one survived to adulthood - Ernie, born 1969. Patrick accompanied Molly to Melbourne Zoo in 1966 and was exported to Ragunan Zoo in 1976.
The significance of this information is that Gandali is now the only living descendant of this wild born founder; and that Ernie, who was euthansied at Melbourne Zoo in 1993 wasn’t Molly’s only living descendant at the time of his death.
Combined with Gandali’s sire being Alon (a founder), he’s a genetically valuable chimpanzee - though I don’t anticipate he’ll be breeding for a long time. The the plan is for him to remain in the troop, where his young father will surely have a long tenure as alpha.
Taronga Zoo - Paternity Results
My friend visited Taronga Zoo this week and asked about paternity results for their two youngest chimpanzees.
Potential sires were:
1.0 Shabani (1994)
1.0 Samaki (2001)
1.0 Furahi (2003)
1.0 Shikamoo (2003)
1.0 Sule (2008)
Paternity results are as follows:
0.1 Safiri (born 16/05/2019 to Shiba) was sired by:
1.0 Niambi (born 07/10/2020 to Naomi) was sired by:
Discussion:
My friend visited Taronga Zoo this week and asked about paternity results for their two youngest chimpanzees.
Potential sires were:
1.0 Shabani (1994)
1.0 Samaki (2001)
1.0 Furahi (2003)
1.0 Shikamoo (2003)
1.0 Sule (2008)
Paternity results are as follows:
0.1 Safiri (born 16/05/2019 to Shiba) was sired by:
Sule
1.0 Niambi (born 07/10/2020 to Naomi) was sired by:
Sule
Discussion:
It was a big surprise to me that Sule sired both infants as Samaki was the highest ranking of the five candidates when these two infants were conceived; closely followed by Furahi and Shikamoo.
Males strive to sire infants to high ranking females, so Shiba would have been especially desirable to the males. Females tend to avoid conceiving to their sons if other males are available, so Shikamoo was my guess for Safiri’s sire.
Apparently neither Shiba or Naomi had obvious swellings when they conceived, so it’s believed Sule succeeded in impregnating them due to the higher ranking males being unaware of their fertile status. High ranking males tolerate low ranking males (including juveniles and adolescents) mating with a female if they believe the female isn’t cycling.
With Lisa, Ceres, Kuma and Kamili all off contraception, it’ll be interesting to see paternity results for future infants as Fumo, Sudi and Liwali join the five adult males as potential sires. The obvious candidates are the alpha alliance of Shikamoo and Sudi; but Kamili has an obsession with Shabani and as these results show, status is no guarantee to reproductive success!
Males strive to sire infants to high ranking females, so Shiba would have been especially desirable to the males. Females tend to avoid conceiving to their sons if other males are available, so Shikamoo was my guess for Safiri’s sire.
Apparently neither Shiba or Naomi had obvious swellings when they conceived, so it’s believed Sule succeeded in impregnating them due to the higher ranking males being unaware of their fertile status. High ranking males tolerate low ranking males (including juveniles and adolescents) mating with a female if they believe the female isn’t cycling.
With Lisa, Ceres, Kuma and Kamili all off contraception, it’ll be interesting to see paternity results for future infants as Fumo, Sudi and Liwali join the five adult males as potential sires. The obvious candidates are the alpha alliance of Shikamoo and Sudi; but Kamili has an obsession with Shabani and as these results show, status is no guarantee to reproductive success!
Pregnancy Announcement - Taronga Zoo
Ceres (1990) is pregnant!
This will be Ceres’ third infant. She previously gave birth to a male at Givskud Zoo in 1998; and a female named Cebele at Taronga Zoo in 2017. Ceres in an excellent mother and still relatively young, which gives her infant a good chance of survival.
The decision to delay the birth of her second infant within the Taronga community (there will be a six year gap between her offspring) was made so as not to overwhelm her with two infants close together, while she was still establishing her position in the community.
Ceres is a middle to low ranking female and has had a difficult road to integrating into the community. Six years old this year, her daughter Cebele will hopefully be more of a help than a hindrance in the raising of her new infant.
Potential sires are: Shabani (1994), Samaki (2001), Furahi (2003), Shikamoo (2003), Sule (2008), Fumo (2013), Sudi (2014) and Liwali (2014).
Pregnancy reported from friend’s visit (09/04/2023).
Ceres (1990) is pregnant!
This will be Ceres’ third infant. She previously gave birth to a male at Givskud Zoo in 1998; and a female named Cebele at Taronga Zoo in 2017. Ceres in an excellent mother and still relatively young, which gives her infant a good chance of survival.
The decision to delay the birth of her second infant within the Taronga community (there will be a six year gap between her offspring) was made so as not to overwhelm her with two infants close together, while she was still establishing her position in the community.
Ceres is a middle to low ranking female and has had a difficult road to integrating into the community. Six years old this year, her daughter Cebele will hopefully be more of a help than a hindrance in the raising of her new infant.
Potential sires are: Shabani (1994), Samaki (2001), Furahi (2003), Shikamoo (2003), Sule (2008), Fumo (2013), Sudi (2014) and Liwali (2014).
Pregnancy reported from friend’s visit (09/04/2023).
Taronga Zoo - Hierarchy Update
Shikamoo and Sule are proving to be an effective leadership team. Sule is very much the power behind the throne. Shikamoo, while popular, lacks Sule’s political nous and otherwise wouldn’t have made it to the alpha position alone. Their relationship suffered during Samaki’s reign, but they’ve made amends and have a strong bond.
Shikamoo and Sule are relatively young males - aged 15 and 20 years old, so there’s a reasonable chance of them holding power for the next decade - leading to long awaited period of stability within the community. This will surely be welcomed following the uncertainty and turmoil following Lubutu’s death in 2019.
Samaki has lost a lot of respect within the community. Since males rank higher than females and Shabani is the lowest ranking of the adult males, he still ranks fourth highest: 1) Shikamoo, 2) Sule, 3) Furahi, 4) Samaki, 5) Shabani. The ranking of the adolescent males is: 1) Fumo, 2) Sudi, 3) Liwali. The size difference between Fumo and the other two is very noticeable, with Fumo almost at adult size.
Cebeli has entered the troublemaker phase, where young chimpanzees become a pain to everyone around them. Sudi and Liwali (especially Sudi) were the most recent to go through it and were often disciplined by Fumo.
Even though none of her sons hold the highest ranking positions, Shiba maintains a high ranking position in the community. The next cohort of infants may change this, but for now she remains the highest ranking female. Fifi similarly remained high ranking even following the export of her sons, right up until her death; so I’m confident Shiba will maintain a high ranking position for life - especially with five offspring in the community.
Shikamoo and Sule are proving to be an effective leadership team. Sule is very much the power behind the throne. Shikamoo, while popular, lacks Sule’s political nous and otherwise wouldn’t have made it to the alpha position alone. Their relationship suffered during Samaki’s reign, but they’ve made amends and have a strong bond.
Shikamoo and Sule are relatively young males - aged 15 and 20 years old, so there’s a reasonable chance of them holding power for the next decade - leading to long awaited period of stability within the community. This will surely be welcomed following the uncertainty and turmoil following Lubutu’s death in 2019.
Samaki has lost a lot of respect within the community. Since males rank higher than females and Shabani is the lowest ranking of the adult males, he still ranks fourth highest: 1) Shikamoo, 2) Sule, 3) Furahi, 4) Samaki, 5) Shabani. The ranking of the adolescent males is: 1) Fumo, 2) Sudi, 3) Liwali. The size difference between Fumo and the other two is very noticeable, with Fumo almost at adult size.
Cebeli has entered the troublemaker phase, where young chimpanzees become a pain to everyone around them. Sudi and Liwali (especially Sudi) were the most recent to go through it and were often disciplined by Fumo.
Even though none of her sons hold the highest ranking positions, Shiba maintains a high ranking position in the community. The next cohort of infants may change this, but for now she remains the highest ranking female. Fifi similarly remained high ranking even following the export of her sons, right up until her death; so I’m confident Shiba will maintain a high ranking position for life - especially with five offspring in the community.
I visited Monarto today, and both Galatea and Lani have recently been in oestrus, and are presently off contraceptives. I have everything crossed for a happy outcome, especially after the sad loss of their respective first infants. Galatea is wonderful with infants, and has been very affectionate towards little Happy, and Hannah allows the interaction between them.