Monarto Zoo has announced that their expecting the birth of a chimpanzee duo in October with both Soona and Zombi pregnant.
As the girls entered their second trimester this week the mums to be were given their favourite treats hidden inside gifts by keepers to help ease their cravings.
Laura Hanley, Senior Primate Keeper at Monarto Zoo said, “We can’t wait for the prospect of two little chimp infants joining our troop. Both Soona and Zombi suit pregnancy and are taking it in their stride. While Zombi has strong food cravings for vegetables like onion and capsicum, Soona is using her pregnancy as a time to get some extra relaxation and is taking it very easy.”
Keepers have been taking time to consider how Zuri, a little chimp born at Monarto three years ago will take the arrival of a new kid on the block. “We’re all intrigued to how the new arrivals will affect Zuri, who will no longer be an only child.”
“Just like a human child, she will have to adjust to the troop focusing a lot of their attention on the new infants. It will provide an excellent opportunity for her to watch her mother and aunt with the new youngsters, which will help develop the skills needed to one day be a mum herself,” added Laura.
Keepers are confident that both chimps will be great mothers based on their performance as aunts to Zuri explained Laura, “Having been off her contraception for three years, we are thrilled Soona has fallen pregnant. She has played an important role as aunty to Zuri and we have every confidence that she will be a fantastic mother. Zombi has already proven herself to be a great mum, with Zuri growing up to be an independent youngster with an outgoing, confident personality.”
Chimpanzee numbers in the wilds of Africa have fallen by 90% over the past 20 years meaning these little babies will be important additions to the world chimp population.
Photo Credit: Top and bottom ©Zoos SA
