Meet Maisie: Chimp at Maryland Zoo Gets Her Name

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 7, 2020 2:58 pm

Maisie during her weigh-in at the zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

With over 9,500 votes cast the latest chimpanzee arrival at Maryland Zoo now has a name. The troops newest addition has been named ‘Maisie.’

Maisie was selected in a vote which closed at midnight on Thursday. Other options in the vote were Asha, Olivia, Nyota and Tulia. These names had been selected by the keepers which are currently providing round the clock care to the chimp infant.

The chimpanzee infant at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

“We’re so happy she officially has a name,” said Pam Carter, Chimpanzee Forest area manager. “Animal care staff use individual names, especially during training sessions. The chimpanzees all recognize their own names as well as each other’s and being able to call her Maisie will help us make the important introductions to the troop when she is ready.”

“Another reason we give recognizable names to animals in our care is that it helps create a unique bond between the animal and our visitors,” said Margaret Rose-Innes, assistant general curator. “We hope that if they learn to care for the individual, they will also care about what we are doing to save that species, which is so important not just for our future generations, but also for the future of Maisie’s wild cousins.”

The chimpanzee infant at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

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Maisie came to the zoo during September after her mum was unable to care for her. She was born at the Oklahoma City Zoo. You can read our article on the arrival here – Maryland Zoo Provides Surrogate Mother for Orphaned Chimpanzee

“Maisie drinks baby formula every three hours, sleeps, and has some playtime every day to help strengthen her muscles,” continued Carter. “We also wear a shirt and blanket that have fringe material sewn on that helps her learn to grip.” Maisie can now rollover by herself and she can also pull herself up into a sitting position.