The Los Angeles Zoo announced Thursday that its chimpanzee troop has welcomed two healthy baby girls — the first chimps born at the zoo in more than a decade.
The infants and their moms, Yoshi and Vindi, are “doing well and bonding at the Zoo’s Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains habitat,” zoo officials said.
The first baby was born Aug. 20 to 35-year-old Yoshi and 26-year-old Pu’iwa, who shares the same birthday. It marks Yoshi’s third offspring and Pu’iwa’s first. The second infant arrived Sept. 9 to 18-year-old first-time mom Vindi.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the newest members of the troop!” said Candace Sclimenti, curator of mammals at the L.A. Zoo. “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 chimpanzees are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program that helps sustain the endangered species through genetic diversity.
“Having known Yoshi and her family for nearly 30 years, and watching her grow up, it is so lovely to see her as a new mother again,” said Megan Fox, senior animal keeper at the L.A. Zoo. “Yoshi is an experienced mom and this is Vindi’s first baby, but moms and infants are bonding and have been settling into the role of motherhood very well. It’s exciting to have these new additions to the troop, and they are adding a whole new social dynamic to the troop.”
Chimpanzees, native to the forests and grasslands of Africa, are classified as endangered due to threats such as poaching and deforestation. In the wild, they live in large troops led by a dominant male, splitting into smaller groups during the day to forage before reuniting at night.
Guests may be able to spot the baby chimps at the Mahale Mountains habitat, though the zoo notes viewing could be limited in the first few weeks.
For hours, ticketing, and more information, visit lazoo.org.
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