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New arrival at Wellington Zoo
New arrival at Wellington Zoo
A baby
Chimpanzee was born on Saturday morning at Wellington Zoo to
first-time mother, Keza.
“We knew Keza was pregnant, and due anytime up until March, so we’ve been keeping a close eye on her—it was still a wonderful surprise when we found the new baby with mum this morning,” said Senior Primate Keeper, Harmony Wallace.
“The whole Chimp group is very excited and has been especially playful today. They’ve been grooming Keza—who is understandably looking a little tired—and watching over her and the new arrival. Sally, who is also a mother, to Beni (7) and Bakari (2), has been especially attentive to the first-time mother,” she adds.
Some lucky visitors have already had a first glimpse of the tiny chimp, as Keza has been in the playroom with her newborn.
“Chimpanzees develop at a similar rate to
humans, so visitors will see the new infant being cared for
by Keza over the next few years while it learns the
ropes,” said Primate Keeper, Jacqui Hooper who was the
first to see the newborn when she arrived at work that
morning.
“Chimpanzees breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, before moving onto solids. The breastfeeding will continue for up to four years, as a comfort and bonding mechanism. While the baby is young, visitors will be able to see Keza with her newborn nestled closely to her chest.”
“We should know the sex of the baby soon, and in the meantime we’re happy to report that both mum and baby are doing well,” Ms Hooper adds.
Visitors can hear more about Wellington Zoo’s Chimpanzee troop at the daily 12.30pm Chimp talk.
About Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is New Zealand's first zoo, established in 1906, and is Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation. Home to over 500 native and exotic animals, Wellington Zoo became a charitable trust in 2003.
Wellington Zoo became the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo in May 2013.
Wellington Zoo is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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