Australasian Common Chimpanzee Population

[Zoofan15]

I had guessed as much, that because of Sanda's genetic value that Hamilton Zoo would get another breeding recommendation for her. Sad as her brother Tsotsi's passing was, I think that event might have had some influence on that decision.

I personally would like to see a third female born to Sanda, but should the infant prove to be a male, he could still prove very valuable, and it would be easier on troop dynamics for Luka to relinquish the alpha position to his son as he ages rather than risking bringing in an outsider male.

My guess is still that Chiku and Kendi will transfer out together, and that their likely destination is still Wellington, given that Wellington Zoo houses three young, genetically valuable and (presumably) unrelated males.

I agree. Tsotsi has one confirmed offspring and at most, will have a total of three offspring (pending paternity results for Zola and Happy). Happy’s breeding chances aren’t great considering Enzi will likely be the alpha male by the time he’s of reproductive age.

Wellington seems a likely designation for Hamilton’s Chiku/Kendi. The other female duos born around that time are Capri/Mzuri and Hope/Zola. Assuming Zola was sired by Tsotsi, I imagine they’d be strong candidates for Taronga’s community; with Capri/Mzuri being strong candidates for Hamilton’s troop.

If Zuri transfers out of Monarto (as predicted), I wonder if they will breed from Zombi for a fourth and final time. Hope/Zola would be a valuable addition to any troop in the region bar Hamilton’s and by breeding Zombi once more, she’d have an adult son and a new infant if Zola left too.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree. Tsotsi has one confirmed offspring and at most, will have a total of three offspring (pending paternity results for Zola and Happy). Happy’s breeding chances aren’t great considering Enzi will likely be the alpha male by the time he’s of reproductive age.

Wellington seems a likely designation for Hamilton’s Chiku/Kendi. The other female duos born around that time are Capri/Mzuri and Hope/Zola. Assuming Zola was sired by Tsotsi, I imagine they’d be strong candidates for Taronga’s community; with Capri/Mzuri being strong candidates for Hamilton’s troop.

If Zuri transfers out of Monarto (as predicted), I wonder if they will breed from Zombi for a fourth and final time. Hope/Zola would be a valuable addition to any troop in the region bar Hamilton’s and by breeding Zombi once more, she’d have an adult son and a new infant if Zola left too.

Yes, absolutely. I think Capri/Mzuri would be a good future fit for Hamilton. It's unlikely that Hope/Zola would end up there - and if they also transfer Zuri out, breeding again from Zombi would be a likely next step. It'd solidify her high rank, meaning Enzi is a shoo-in for future alpha with her support - he seems to be on track for that already!

I think that it will be some years before Chiku is transferred from Hamilton, as they would most likely want to send Kendi with her. Sending lone females to another troop is not desirable, as I'v mentioned before, given the fate of Chima.

I'm pretty certain Zola will turn out to be Tsotsi's offspring, given the family resemblance to the Hamilton youngsters, Chiku in particular. Happy is less certain, but also likely.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, absolutely. I think Capri/Mzuri would be a good future fit for Hamilton. It's unlikely that Hope/Zola would end up there - and if they also transfer Zuri out, breeding again from Zombi would be a likely next step. It'd solidify her high rank, meaning Enzi is a shoo-in for future alpha with her support - he seems to be on track for that already!

I think that it will be some years before Chiku is transferred from Hamilton, as they would most likely want to send Kendi with her. Sending lone females to another troop is not desirable, as I'v mentioned before, given the fate of Chima.

I'm pretty certain Zola will turn out to be Tsotsi's offspring, given the family resemblance to the Hamilton youngsters, Chiku in particular. Happy is less certain, but also likely.

Chiku definitely won’t leave until Kendi is able to transfer out with her.

Historically, females have transferred as part of a cohort into an exisiting troop as young as six/seven years. June (1960) was sent to Melbourne Zoo in 1966 (along with 2.1 chimpanzees from her natal troop); and Sally (1985) was sent to Wellington Zoo in 1992 (along with 0.2 chimpanzees from her natal troop). These days, females aren’t allowed to breed until their mid-teens, so it’s probable females would remain in their natal troop until at least 12 years to maximise their experience of seeing females raise offspring and ensure they’re not size disadvantaged by going into an exisiting troop as adults.

Chima’s death was very unfortunate. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but had Chima had support, it may well have had a successful outcome. Had Keza not had an unplanned pregnancy, sending Chima and Keza together would have been a good move imo. Ceres and Naomi have similarly been a good support for each other in assimilating into Taronga’s community. Hannah came as a lone female and had to transfer out.

 

[Zoofan15]

Candidates for Future Transfers

I’ve compiled a list of females that are are potential candidates for transferring out of their natal facility in the future i.e. any female that isn’t a mother to offspring in her troop; a non-viable breeder (Shona and Kamili); or is otherwise established in her troop with a clear breeding purpose (e.g. Galatea and Lani).

Rockhampton Zoo:

0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

Rockhampton have stated in media releases, the plan is for Capri and Mzuri to transfer out in the future. The offspring of two founders, the region is their oyster, but Hamilton appears the best option considering the other candidates for are all related to Hamilton’s troop either via Tsosti or their shared Taronga ancestry.

Monarto Safari Park:

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

It seems obvious Zuri will transfer out since her options for breeding in her natal troop are her father and brother. Hope/Zola are a genetically valuable pair (especially if both are sired by Tsotsi). Unless Sandali sired Zola, Taronga appears the obvious destination.

Hamilton Zoo:

0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda

At this stage, the plan is for Chiku/Kendi to transfer out together. This plan could be disrupted by the premature deaths of Lucifer/Luka or Sanda’s failure to produce a subsequent infant. Wellington appears the best option.

Taronga Zoo:

0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Sudi x Shiba
0.1 Lemba (23/05/2023) Unknown x Lisa
0.1 Cekiri (29/07/2023) Unknown x Ceres

A number of us are predicting Sembe will go to Rockhampton. Transferring females in cohorts is preferable, but Rockhampton hold a small troop. Potentially Safiri, Lemba and Cekiri could transfer as a cohort, perhaps to Sydney Zoo if they wanted to establish a breeding troop. Otherwise retaining Cekiri in support of Ceres would be a good move imo to grow her family unit.

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha

While technically a candidate, the lack of action in transferring out Malika makes me assume the plan is for Wellington to retain her as one of two breeding females (the other being Keza). Now would be an ideal time for Malika to breed while Alexis is the alpha male. Bakari is his obvious successor and he and Malika are half-siblings.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Candidates for Future Transfers

I’ve compiled a list of females that are are potential candidates for transferring out of their natal facility in the future i.e. any female that isn’t a mother to offspring in her troop; a non-viable breeder (Shona and Kamili); or is otherwise established in her troop with a clear breeding purpose (e.g. Galatea and Lani).

Rockhampton Zoo:

0.1 Capri (11/02/2018) Alon x Leakey
0.1 Mzuri (08/12/2021) Alon x Leakey

Rockhampton have stated in media releases, the plan is for Capri and Mzuri to transfer out in the future. The offspring of two founders, the region is their oyster, but Hamilton appears the best option considering the other candidates for are all related to Hamilton’s troop either via Tsosti or their shared Taronga ancestry.

Monarto Safari Park:

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

It seems obvious Zuri will transfer out since her options for breeding in her natal troop are her father and brother. Hope/Zola are a genetically valuable pair (especially if both are sired by Tsotsi). Unless Sandali sired Zola, Taronga appears the obvious destination.

Hamilton Zoo:

0.1 Chiku (15/02/2016) Luka x Sanda
0.1 Kendi (17/12/2020) Luka x Sanda

At this stage, the plan is for Chiku/Kendi to transfer out together. This plan could be disrupted by the premature deaths of Lucifer/Luka or Sanda’s failure to produce a subsequent infant. Wellington appears the best option.

Taronga Zoo:

0.1 Sembe (27/02/2008) Lubutu x Shiba
0.1 Safiri (16/05/2019) Sudi x Shiba
0.1 Lemba (23/05/2023) Unknown x Lisa
0.1 Cekiri (29/07/2023) Unknown x Ceres

A number of us are predicting Sembe will go to Rockhampton. Transferring females in cohorts is preferable, but Rockhampton hold a small troop. Potentially Safiri, Lemba and Cekiri could transfer as a cohort, perhaps to Sydney Zoo if they wanted to establish a breeding troop. Otherwise retaining Cekiri in support of Ceres would be a good move imo to grow her family unit.

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Malika (27/10/2010) Sam x Samantha

While technically a candidate, the lack of action in transferring out Malika makes me assume the plan is for Wellington to retain her as one of two breeding females (the other being Keza). Now would be an ideal time for Malika to breed while Alexis is the alpha male. Bakari is his obvious successor and he and Malika are half-siblings.

Thanks for this! It's a very thorough and well-thought-out analysis!

Is the breeding age requirement more strictly enforced for female chimpanzees than for orangutans? I know for the orangutans, the recommended breeding age for females is 14 years, but occasionally even these days, we see younger mother orangutans occasionally (the most recent well-known example being Dudley Zoo's Sprout, although she has seemed to have given over the care of her infant son to her mother, Jazz, who is also raising her own infant).

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this! It's a very thorough and well-thought-out analysis!

Is the breeding age requirement more strictly enforced for female chimpanzees than for orangutans? I know for the orangutans, the recommended breeding age for females is 14 years, but occasionally even these days, we see younger mother orangutans occasionally (the most recent well-known example being Dudley Zoo's Sprout, although she has seemed to have given over the care of her infant son to her mother, Jazz, who is also raising her own infant).

Thank you. While it would be fantastic to have additional founders imported into the region, what I’ve outlined would suffice in carrying the respective troops for at least another two or three decades. The numerous female births have certainly been fortuitous.

Globally, it doesn’t look like there’s a huge number of first time chimpanzees mothers breeding prior to their mid-teens. I found an 11 year old female at Sedgewick County Zoo in 2023; but this appears to have been a statistical outlier. Many others are breeding for the first time in their mid-teens or older.

As you know, I’m not a fan of this practice of delaying breeding in chimpanzees. There’s an article about Taronga’s community in 1989 where it details the chimpanzees. Sutu (then aged 15) has two offspring - a six year old and a two year old. She’s described as an ambitious female with aspirations for a high ranking position in the future. Compare this to her niece, Sembe (just turned 16), who has no offspring and next to no standing in Taronga’s community. A female can breed as young as seven years; but 10-12 years would surely be a happy medium.

 

[Jambo]

Compare this to her niece, Sembe (just turned 16), who has no offspring and next to no standing in Taronga’s community.

I do think Sembe's genetic value may have a part into why she hasn't breed yet. She's also related to all of Taronga's males too, so would have to be transferred elsewhere for breeding.

They could be waiting for A) a place for her to transfer to and B) a female for her to transfer with. At the moment, Shona is probably the only realistic candidate, but then again she is a non breeding female aged in her late 30's.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do think Sembe's genetic value may have a part into why she hasn't breed yet. She's also related to all of Taronga's males too, so would have to be transferred elsewhere for breeding.

They could be waiting for A) a place for her to transfer to and B) a female for her to transfer with. At the moment, Shona is probably the only realistic candidate, but then again she is a non breeding female aged in her late 30's.

I was curious to see whether Cebele (2017-2023) was going to go with Sembe somewhere; or remain in Taronga’s community. They seem to be following the female dispersal pattern and indeed there were better matches out there for Cebele than what Taronga could have offered; but since her birth, her father has lost his status and will likely never regain it, meaning she’d have at least had infants sired by her paternal half-uncles (or even more distant).

Cebele also would have been be an invaluable support to Ceres. The lengthy birth interval of six years year was so as not to burden Ceres with two offspring back to back, while she was establishing herself in the community.

It’ll be interesting to see if Naomi assumes the alpha female position in the coming years, whether Ceres benefits from that. Either way, they should have a nice family unit of five following the birth of Naomi’s next infant (hopefully this year or next if she’s coming off contraception this year).

 

[Zoofan15]

Rockhampton Zoo - Chimpanzee Introductions

Alon (2008) and Jerry (1995) have been introduced and so far, their integration has gone well. It’s encouraging to see an adult male (albeit castrated) making steps towards integrating into a troop given the social dynamics of this species.

From socials:

Our primate keepers have been working especially hard recently to ensure that our chimpanzee alpha male, Alon, and our new male, Jerry, are forming a secure bond.

It is vital for a socially healthy chimpanzee troop to have strong bonds between the males, as this is how they would interact in the wild (in a ‘boys club’).

Alon and Jerry have been bonding really well recently, and we are looking forward to introducing Jerry to the rest of the troop soon!

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo Update

I visited Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzee troop yesterday during an enrichment feed. Sweetcorn was sprinkled over the ground by the lower viewing window and up the glass, which brought them right up close. With the exception of Sally, I haven’t seen the troop down at this window for many years since they usually favour the climbing towers.

It’s always nice to see Lucy, who’s now the second eldest chimpanzee in the region and turning 50 next year. She’s a large female and considerably bigger than Sanda. Lucy maintains the alpha female role and Chiku was quick to submit to her when she approached.

No news on whether Sanda has a breeding recommendation, though as mentioned in my previous post, she was assessed as physically well enough to undergo another pregnancy should that be recommended. With Tsotsi’s death, it hard not to image an interest in furthering the genes of Peter and Fimi’s line.

@marmolady noted recently the difference in appearance between Chiku and Kendi and I agree it’s very evident. Chiku is the spitting image of her father, Luka. I can really see Luka in her facial features and she has a stocky build. Kendi by comparison is much more lanky and is clearly going to be a tall female. Apparently it’s not a full gone conclusion that Luka is the sire of Kendi; and indeed a similar variation in height/build is seen in Lucifer/Luka, who are full brothers.

Through previous research, it’s my belief that Lulu was a Western chimpanzee; while Lucy appears to have some Central chimpanzee genes from her paternal side. Her sire was assumed to be Bobby, who died the year she was born. The alternative candidate was Bobby and Fifi’s then 11 year old son, Jojo. Fifi is believed to have been a Central chimpanzee; and it wouldn’t surprise me if Bobby was too given the size of some of his descendants which is otherwise inexplainable from their maternal line.

Hamilton Zoo’s troop (2024):

Spoiler: Hamilton Zoo’s Troop (2024)

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) Unknown x Sanda

Lucy (with Sanda/Kendi in background):

 

[marmolady]

Funny, I think that facially, Chiku resembles Sanda, Tsotsi and Zola, while Kendi has more of the 'long' L-family face.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Funny, I think that facially, Chiku resembles Sanda, Tsotsi and Zola, while Kendi has more of the 'long' L-family face.

@marmolady - I too agree with your assertion that Chiku resembles Tsotsi's family - I was struck by the resemblance to Zola in a recent photo of yours! Kendi certainly does look markedly different to Chiku.

@Zoofan15 - thanks so much for the chimp update! It's always great to hear about the Hamilton chimps as I am very fond of them. Lucy seems to be going strong as always - and I think, given the more submissive nature of Sanda who is next oldest female, Lucy will hang onto the dominant female position by sheer force of personality despite her advanced age!

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 - thanks so much for the chimp update! It's always great to hear about the Hamilton chimps as I am very fond of them. Lucy seems to be going strong as always - and I think, given the more submissive nature of Sanda who is next oldest female, Lucy will hang onto the dominant female position by sheer force of personality despite her advanced age!

I’d agree with that assessment. Fifi at Taronga Zoo maintained the alpha position from her youth until her death in 2007. It was cemented by her then 11 year old son attaining the alpha position in 1975; as well as retaining a second within the community. By 1986, both her sons had transferred out, leaving her with only a juvenile daughter (Kuma’s mother), but through her size, status and respect, she maintained her position.

Lucy will likely maintain her position until her death; with Sanda only rising in ranking in the absence of Lucy or following the recruitment of new females.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I’d agree with that assessment. Fifi at Taronga Zoo maintained the alpha position from her youth until her death in 2007. It was cemented by her then 11 year old son attaining the alpha position in 1975; as well as retaining a second within the community. By 1986, both her sons had transferred out, leaving her with only a juvenile daughter (Kuma’s mother), but through her size, status and respect, she maintained her position.

Lucy will likely maintain her position until her death; with Sanda only rising in ranking in the absence of Lucy or following the recruitment of new females.

I too think Lucy will be alpha female for the rest of her life. Hamilton's troop seem very settled and stable in their hierarchy in general, which is unlikely to change unless new chimps are imported - likely new females - and/or the current males pass on.

 

[Zoofan15]

I too think Lucy will be alpha female for the rest of her life. Hamilton's troop seem very settled and stable in their hierarchy in general, which is unlikely to change unless new chimps are imported - likely new females - and/or the current males pass on.

The keeper I spoke to said introducing new females in the future is a possibility, which was interesting as I wouldn’t have been surprised to see them wait for Lucifer and Luka to pass on before introducing more chimpanzees.

The decision on whether to breed from Sanda again will likely influence these plans. Should she receive a breeding recommendation (and I struggle to see why she shouldn’t), then I imagine any new females will be years off. A third infant in the troop would allow Chiku and Kendi to transfer out as Sanda would he left with one offspring ahead of new females coming in. A son would be retained within the troop and a female could transfer out upon Sanda’s death. Sanda turns 40 next year, so a third infant would likely be a maximum of early to mid-20’s by the time she passes.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The keeper I spoke to said introducing new females in the future is a possibility, which was interesting as I wouldn’t have been surprised to see them wait for Lucifer and Luka to pass on before introducing more chimpanzees.

The decision on whether to breed from Sanda again will likely influence these plans. Should she receive a breeding recommendation (and I struggle to see why she shouldn’t), then I imagine any new females will be years off. A third infant in the troop would allow Chiku and Kendi to transfer out as Sanda would he left with one offspring ahead of new females coming in. A son would be retained within the troop and a female could transfer out upon Sanda’s death. Sanda turns 40 next year, so a third infant would likely be a maximum of early to mid-20’s by the time she passes.

I foresee Hamilton breeding from Sanda again - Tsotsi's death being a major factor in that decision; perhaps if he had survived and sired more offspring, there might not have been further breeding recommendations. It will be interesting to see if and when Hamilton do import, and which zoo will supply the new females.

 

[Zoofan15]

I foresee Hamilton breeding from Sanda again - Tsotsi's death being a major factor in that decision; perhaps if he had survived and sired more offspring, there might not have been further breeding recommendations. It will be interesting to see if and when Hamilton do import, and which zoo will supply the new females.

Definately. I anticipate Capri and Mzuri will be strong contenders as they’re confirmed to be transferring out at adolescence. Tsotsi will have a maximum of three offspring - Hope; and possibly Zola/Happy.

 

[Jambo]

I foresee Hamilton breeding from Sanda again - Tsotsi's death being a major factor in that decision; perhaps if he had survived and sired more offspring, there might not have been further breeding recommendations. It will be interesting to see if and when Hamilton do import, and which zoo will supply the new females.

Can certainly see this being the case. At the moment, the Peter/Fimi has at least four descendants (potentially more when you take into account Monarto's youngest offspring).

It would be worth getting at least another offspring from this line via Sanda, but then again this line could be deemed well represented enough with four females already (who'll likely all breed going forward).

It really comes down to Hamilton's plans as @Zoofan15 states.

In regards to potential candidates that would be hard to say. If we are to assume Luka and Lucifer are still alive, the only theoretical options would be either Rockhampton's young girls or Monarto's young girls (cousins of Hamilton's).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Can certainly see this being the case. At the moment, the Peter/Fimi has at least four descendants (potentially more when you take into account Monarto's youngest offspring).

It would be worth getting at least another offspring from this line via Sanda, but then again this line could be deemed well represented enough with four females already (who'll likely all breed going forward).

It really comes down to Hamilton's plans as @Zoofan15 states.

In regards to potential candidates that would be hard to say. If we are to assume Luka and Lucifer are still alive, the only theoretical options would be either Rockhampton's young girls or Monarto's young girls (cousins of Hamilton's).

I would predict Rockhampton's young females would be the more likely choice. Especially if Lucifer and Luka are still alive and if Sanda's third offspring is a male, they would go for unrelated females.

 

[Zoofan15]

Can certainly see this being the case. At the moment, the Peter/Fimi has at least four descendants (potentially more when you take into account Monarto's youngest offspring).

It would be worth getting at least another offspring from this line via Sanda, but then again this line could be deemed well represented enough with four females already (who'll likely all breed going forward).

It really comes down to Hamilton's plans as @Zoofan15 states.

In regards to potential candidates that would be hard to say. If we are to assume Luka and Lucifer are still alive, the only theoretical options would be either Rockhampton's young girls or Monarto's young girls (cousins of Hamilton's).

I would predict Rockhampton's young females would be the more likely choice. Especially if Lucifer and Luka are still alive and if Sanda's third offspring is a male, they would go for unrelated females.

The other point to consider is the value of Luka/Lucifer as descendants of Mary. They (and in turn Chiku/Kendi) are the only living descendants of Mary on the region bar Shabani. Not only would this add weight to breeding from Sanda again, but potentially importing new females for breeding to Luka and Lucifer.