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LA Zoo announces the birth of two chimpanzees, a first in over a decade
The L.A. Zoo on Thursday announced the births of two chimpanzees born weeks apart.
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Zach Rich
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Courtesy of the L.A. Zoo
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Topline:
The L.A. Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two female chimpanzees born over the last several weeks. Their births mark the first chimpanzees born at the zoo in over a decade and guests may catch a glimpse of them.
When were they born? The first unnamed infant was born Aug. 20 to female Yoshi and male Pu’iwa, according to the zoo. The second unnamed infant was born a few weeks later on Sept. 9 to first-time mother Vindi. Both sets of mom and baby are doing well and bonding.
Why is this a big deal? The pair are the zoo’s first chimpanzees born at the L.A. Zoo in 11 years. “These are significant births for the zoo and both are welcome additions to the dynamic, multi-male, mixed-age troop which closely mirrors the species’ natural social structure in the wild,” the zoo’s mammal curator, Candace Sclimenti, said.
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Can you see them now? Maybe. The zoo told LAist that the babies are with their mothers in the Chimp Penhouse, located above their exhibit, where they can continue to bond. Guests may see them up there, but viewing angles can be difficult. They’re working to have them in the exhibit as early as next week. To test your luck, find ticket info here.
Things to know: Chimpanzees are great apes along with gorillas and orangutans. They’re native to east, central and west Africa ranging from Senegal to Tanzania. Chimps in the wild can live up to 60 years and are classified as endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
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