Maryland Zoo Launches Virtual Baby Chimp Encounter

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 19, 2020 8:38 pm

Maisie the chimpanzee is being hand-reared at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

Fans of the adorable baby chimpanzee which is currently being hand-reared at The Maryland Zoo can now interact with her in a virtual encounter being run on Wednesday and Thursday for the next few weeks.

The new encounter will see members of the Chimpanzee Forest Animal Care team introduce fans to how they care for Maisie and what their goals are for introducing her to a surrogate mother. You will also learn about conservation for this species and most importantly see Maisie in action.

Maisie the chimpanzee is being hand-reared at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

“The Virtual Maisie Encounter is a unique opportunity for people to connect on a personal level with Maisie and some of the animal care professionals who are raising her for now,” said Kirby Fowler, president & CEO of The Maryland Zoo.

Maisie the chimpanzee is being hand-reared at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

Staff at the Maryland Zoo are currently working in three shifts around the clock to provide constant care to the infant.

“Taking care of Maisie is more time intensive than raising a human baby. A chimp mom carries her baby everywhere, which is why we wear a shirt or blanket that has fringe material sewn on so Maisie has to grip and stay attached to us,” stated Erin Grimm, mammal collection and conservation manager. “Chimps learn everything they need to know from the troop, so our team has to teach her how to be a little chimp until she is with her surrogate mom Abby, a proven surrogate mother who has helped raise several other baby chimps.”

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In the future Maisie will become part of a troop with 15 other chimpanzees. This includes two other infants who will be Maisie’s future playmates.

“Once Maisie is integrated into the troop she will have two companions to play with, which is also essential to her development,” continued Grimm. “We are happy to open up these Virtual Maisie Encounters so people can learn what we are doing to help this little one become a solid part of the troop.”