A chimpanzee born at Chester Zoo in the UK has offered hope for the survival of the world’s rarest subspecies. The infant, a Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee, is the first to be born at the zoo in more than 20 years and is also the first of its subspecies to be born in a UK zoo in more than a decade.
Picture: Unsplash
The subspecies, also known as the Cross River chimpanzee, is found only in a small region on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon and is considered the most endangered of all chimpanzees, with an estimated population of fewer than 300 individuals. It is also the most distinct from other chimpanzees, with unique physical and behavioural characteristics.
Chester Zoo’s director of animals, Tim Rowlands, said to The Guardian: ‘This is an incredibly important birth for the ongoing conservation of this critically endangered subspecies. It’s a real privilege to be able to play a part in helping to secure the future of these amazing animals.’
The birth of the infant, whose sex has not yet been determined, was described as “smooth and straightforward” by the zoo’s primate team. The baby is being cared for by its mother and is said to be doing well.
The zoo has been working with the Jane Goodall Institute and the Wildlife Conservation Society to support conservation efforts for the subspecies, including the protection of their habitat and the reduction of hunting.
The birth of the infant is also significant as it is the result of a successful breeding program at the zoo, which aims to establish a genetically diverse and self-sustaining population of the subspecies.
The Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee is the most endangered of all chimpanzees with an estimated population of fewer than 300 individuals, it is also the most distinct from other chimpanzees, with unique physical and behavioural characteristics.
ALSO READ: Chimpanzees in jeopardy after militants take over Mali’s Bafing Reserve
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
