Taronga Zoo Sydney Celebrates Birth of 'Miracle' Chimp Infant

Taronga Zoo Sydney Celebrates Birth of ‘Miracle’ Chimp Infant

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 11, 2020 12:04 am

The chimpanzee infant is carried by its mother Naomi.

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo has welcomed the birth of a chimpanzee infant with keepers describing the event as a ‘miracle.’ Mother Naomi gave birth to her baby girl on Wednesday October 7th at 11am as guests watched on.

Naomi has given birth twice previously since arriving at Taronga Zoo Sydney with her sister Ceres from Givskud Zoo in Denmark in 2015. Unfortunately both of these infants were stillborn.

Keepers report that this time both mum and baby are doing well. Naomi is proving to be extremely protective of her infant which she keeps close to her chest.

The chimpanzee infant is carried by its mother Naomi.

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Zoo Sydney

“We’ve been on such a journey with Naomi and her past pregnancies, so to see her deliver a healthy baby and watch as those natural instincts kick in really is a miracle,” said Taronga Zoo Senior Primate Keeper Katie Hooker. “Naomi is extremely maternal and has displayed great care with sister Ceres’ baby Cebele. It’s really heart-warming to see her experience that for herself.

“Given her history, we were naturally cautious around this pregnancy, however we were able to work with Naomi and our vets to conduct an ultrasound and see that this pregnancy was going well and also to determine an approximate due date.

To ensure success with this pregnancy Naomi was given specialist treatment by vets at the Taronga Zoo Wildlife Hospital. A human obstetrician and sonographer were also brought in to help with tests to investigate the previous stillbirths.

The chimpanzee infant is carried by its mother Naomi.

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Zoo Sydney

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Observant guests and keepers have been able to catch a glimpse of the infant.

“While mum Naomi is being really protective, guests have been able to catch some fantastic glimpses of the new baby as mum moves her around. As the days pass there will be more chances to spot the youngster as mum and bub become more comfortable,” finished Katie.

Taronga Zoo Sydney’s chimpanzee family now numbers 21 individuals. Naomi and her sister Ceres are important members of the troop introducing a new genetic line.