Adorable moment chimp rushes to hug surrogate mum in zoo after brush with death

Incredible footage has revealed the moment a chimpanzee rushed to its surrogate mother.

Gandali had a close brush with death after it was bitten by a snake at Rockhampton Zoo.

The three-year-old received urgent medical care by a veterinarian and was observed overnight.

Parks, Sport and Public Places Portfolio Councillor Cherie Rutherford said in a statement: "Gandali returned to the Rockhampton Zoo this morning where he is slowly being reintroduced to the troop.

"He has already been reunited with his surrogate mother, Samantha, with both of them running into each other’s arms, which was just beautiful.

“This reintegration process will see Gandali have one on one introductions with the chimpanzees to allow for the troop dynamic to readjust, which is an important process when a chimp has left the troop and returned, even for a short period of time.

“The Rockhampton Zookeepers will be closely monitoring Gandali and the troop during this time.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Rockhampton Zoo team and our local vet team for their swift response and expert care, and also the overwhelming concern and support from our community who has Gandali in their thoughts.”

The zoo hasn't elaborated on how a snake managed to get into the chimp enclosure and bite Gandali.

Gendali was orphaned in November last year after his mother, Holly, died unexpectedly.

Authorities said the mother chimp became 'suddenly and unexpectedly ill' and vets couldn't save her.

Zookeepers worked hard to get Gandali to bond with Samantha and it seems like they were a perfect match.

The footage of their recent reunion has been posted on social media and it didn't take long for peoples' hearts to melt.

One viewer said: "Happy tears are flowing. Look at how he just leaps for that hug. So precious. Glad he is better. Well done everyone."

Another added: "Thank you both vets and all you caring people around the chimpanzees. One is so happy to see Gandali well and back. What a lovely reunion between surrogate mother and Gandali."

A third wrote: "Absolutely heartwarming! Thanks for posting such a lovely reunion. I am so pleased he is ok. Thanks for all the care you provided."

Topics: Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie