Baby Chimp Makes Debut At Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE, MD — There's a new tiny attraction at The Maryland Zoo. She weighs a few pounds, is covered in fluffy black hair and does not yet have a name.

The baby chimp entered the world July 5, born to first-time mama chimp Bunny. In the weeks since, she and Bunny have been in a behind-the-scenes area bonding and getting acclimated to their life together.

Zoo officials think the baby, who looks just like her mom, is about 3 pounds; but her weight is not yet known because the zoo staffers have not weighed her. They have been making observations visually without direct contact.

"We want to be as hands off as possible to allow mom and baby plenty of time to develop their relationship," Mammal Collection and Conservation Manager Erin Cantwell said in a statement.

While the first-time mother navigates life with a newborn, she and her baby have been living with a smaller group of chimps.

"As Bunny becomes more confident and the baby becomes stronger, more members of the troop will be introduced to them," Cantwell said.

There are 11 other chimps in the Chimpanzee Forest, and zoo officials say they wanted to keep life simple for Bunny during the learning curve period, since the social life of chimps can be complex.

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While the newborn mostly sleeps and nurses, people may be able to see her as Bunny walks around their habitat.

"Bunny is of course very familiar with all areas of the Chimpanzee Forest," Pam Carter, area manager of the Chimpanzee Forest, said in a statement. "So far we are really pleased with their progress."

Meet And Name The Baby Chimp

The public will help name the baby chimpanzee through a contest. Staff members at the zoo are in the process of coming up with a short list of names for consideration. The contest will likely launch next week, and the public will be invited to vote online.

In recent years, the zoo has also held naming contests for its baby penguin and baby giraffe, among other animals.

The Maryland Zoo is offering a special admission deal in celebration of its new baby chimpanzee.

To celebrate the new chimp's addition to the indoor portion of the habitat, The Maryland Zoo is offering children's prices from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21. Children's ticket prices are $17.99 during the promotion, called Everyone's a Kid Day. It's available at the main gate.

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