Rockhampton Zoo welcomes birth of baby chimpanzee

Rockhampton Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its chimpanzee clan after a tumultuous year for the animals.

Rockhampton Zoo's newborn chimpanzee resting on mother Leaky's chest. Photo – Blair Chapman

Rockhampton Zoo has welcomed a very special new addition to the clan following a tumultuous year for the chimpanzees.

Chimp-mum Leaky gave birth to a new baby last Wednesday night with keepers yet to announce the sex or name.

Keepers are keeping a close eye on the new chimp, but for now it appears to be doing very well, feeding regularly and becoming quite vocal.

But the new chimps birth comes after horror year for the zoo which included a miscarriage.

The baby chimp resting on mum’s chest. Picture: Blair Chapman

In April, the zoo announced the heartbreaking news that the baby of the chimps Samantha and Alon was delivered as a stillborn.

It was Samantha’s second baby loss after she gave birth to another stillborn in November 2019.

Rockhampton Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the entire community is impacted by the lives of the chimps.

“The chimps are a very important park of our community. They’re much loved,” she said.

Ms Rutherford said when Leaky’s first daughter, Capri, was born in February 2018, it was the talk of the town.

“The first baby, Capri, had an enormous effect on not just our community but also for driving tourism,” she said.

“It’s also great for our keepers to know the hard work is paying off. They’ve got such a strong bond with the chimps.”