All images by Geoff Brooks
Beloved primatologist and chimpanzee expert, Dr. Jane Goodall will visit Monarto Zoo today.
The newest addition to the troop, the three-month-old baby has been named Hope by Jane Goodall but that’s not all the exciting news. Her visit also brings light to another exciting addition to Monarto’s chimpanzee family.
Zombi the chimp is pregnant!
Today, Dr. Goodall will visit Monarto Zoo to see the 11 chimps, meet Hope for the very first time and deliver Zombi’s exciting pregnancy news.
Monarto Zoo Senior Primate Keeper Laura Hanley said it was an honour to have Dr. Goodall visit the troop and unveil Zombi’s news.
“We are all very excited to welcome Dr. Goodall back to Monarto, it’s wonderful to have such an influential chimpanzee advocate involved with our beautiful troop,” Laura said.
“The name Hope is perfect for our little one, she is absolutely a representation of the many positive changes we can still make towards saving wildlife and conserving species.
“And now it’s very special to have Dr. Goodall also announce Zombi’s pregnancy news, this baby on the way is another exceptional achievement for chimp conservation.”
This pregnancy marks Zombi’s third baby, with the 26-year-old mothering young siblings Zuri and Enzi.
Expected to arrive in spring, the new baby will mark another important milestone in chimp conservation.
“Over the past 20 years, it’s thought wild chimp populations have decreased by 90 per cent, which is why captive breeding programs are so important,” Laura said
“But as Dr. Goodall says, while the clock is ticking for the earth, all is not lost and we can’t lose hope about wildlife.
“Little Hope and the new baby on the way are reminders that we can still make positive change for the future.
As a conservation charity, Zoos SA works to help save chimps from extinction through involvement in international breeding programs, by supporting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.
Visitors can make a difference to chimpanzees simply by donating old phones to Monarto Zoo.
The funds generated through their refurbishment and recycling directly supports the on-ground work at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone.
Visit www.zoossa.com.au/conservation/theyre-calling-on-you/ for more information.
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