Seven-month-old Chimpanzee Zuri, born
at Australia’s Monarto Zoo
on August 21, is growing up healthy and developing her personality. And on a recent morning, she practiced making
funny faces for the camera!
Facial expressions are an important method
of communication within Chimpanzee troops, and Zuri appears to be preparing for
her role within the troop. For example, “grinning”
Chimpanzees are actually expressing fear.
Bared teeth, pursed lips, kisses, and other gestures express aggression,
submission, and affection.
Photo credits: Dave Mattner for
Monarto Zoo
Zuri was born to first-time mother
Zombi and her baby pictures were shared on ZooBorns here.
Infant Chimpanzees spend the first several
months of life clinging to mom, then begin to cautiously explore their
surroundings. The birth of a baby is a
significant event within the life of a Chimpanzee troop, enriching the lives of
all members. Though Zombi will care for
Zuri for about five years, other females within the troop will gain mothering
experience by helping care for the little one.
Wild Chimpanzee populations in
equatorial Africa have declined by about 90% in the last two decades due to
large-scale habitat loss and poaching for bushmeat and the pet trade. Zoo births are important to the future of the
species because they preserve the genetic diversity of the captive population.
Related articles
Leave a Reply