Critically Endangered Chimpanzee Born At UK Zoo

A rare Western Chimpanzee has been born to its mother at Chester Zoo.

With just 18,000 of them left in Africa today, the exciting news represents a big step forward for the species.

Incredible footage has been shared by staff at the zoo showing the newborn chimp being nursed by its mother, Mandy.

Speaking about the birth, Andy Lenihan, Team Manager of the Primates section at Chester Zoo, said it was an incredible moment.

He said: "Mandy is a wonderful mum. She's bonded instantly with her new baby and can be seen protectively cradling it in her left arm at all times.

"It's a little too soon to tell if her new arrival is male or female as a newborn chimpanzee will remain in the arms of mum for several months until they develop the confidence to start exploring independently.

"Most importantly though, it's bright-eyed, alert and getting stronger by the day.

"A new arrival always creates a lot of excitement - it's a real extended-family affair as many of the females in the group often want to help to take care of the newcomer while, for some of the juveniles, seeing a mum with a new baby is a completely new experience.

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"It's great to see the other youngsters watching Mandy closely and learning from such a natural mother."

These sentiments were echoed by Mike Jordan, Animal and Plant Director at the zoo, who said it was vital to the future of the Western Chimpanzee that more were being born in captivity.

He said: "We're incredibly proud to see a precious new baby in the group - it's a hugely significant addition and a big boost for this species.

"The chimpanzees here at Chester are a key part of the international efforts working to ensure there's a viable safety-net population of these critically endangered animals.

"In the wild, the Western chimpanzee is under huge threat from hunting, the illegal bush meat trade and extensive habitat loss - all a result of human activity.

"Western chimpanzee populations have declined extremely quickly and continue to do so - with little or no prospect of this decline halting.

"It makes the conservation populations in zoos extremely important for the future."

Reacting to the news on social media, people have shared their congratulations with Mandy and all at the zoo.

Commenting on the post from Chester Zoo's official account, one person said: "Congratulations to Mandy and all the team."

While another added: "Oh this beautiful! New baby chimpanzee in the world."

Topics: Environment, Inspirational

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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