Saint Louis Zoo Welcomes New Chimpanzee To Its Troop

ST. LOUIS, MO — Just in time for World Chimpanzee Day on July 14 and National Zookeeper Week, July 15 to 21, Kijana (pronounced kih-JAH-nah), a 26-year-old male chimpanzee, is making his public debut at the Saint Louis Zoo. Kijana moved to St. Louis from the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas in April to join the family, or troop, of eight (two other males and six females) at the Donn & Marilyn Lipton Fragile Forest at the Saint Louis Zoo.

The move was based on a recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program to manage a genetically healthy chimpanzee population. Chimpanzees are critically endangered in their native habitats. Populations are perilously low due to several factors, including deforestation, disease and the bushmeat crisis (illegally sold meat from wild animals), zoo officials say.

Kijana is the father of Jumoke, a male born in 2015 at Little Rock Zoo.

“Kijana’s arrival at the Zoo and integration into our chimpanzee family is the result of tremendous teamwork between zoos, our dedicated animal care staff, and the animals,” said Heidi Hellmuth, the zoo's primates curator.

Over the past few months, the chimpanzees have been getting acquainted under the observation of the animal care staff. Chimpanzees are very social and live in groups with both males and females, zoo officials say.

“Alliances and relationships among members of a chimpanzee community are very important and are carefully considered when planning introductions,” said Helen Boostrom, primate unit zoological manager at the zoo. “Kijana was first introduced to Hugo, 25, the dominant male, and the two were given the opportunity to bond. Hugo is highly respected by the chimpanzee group and his acceptance and support of Kijana was important for Kijana’s integration into the group.”

Next, Jimiyu, 26, was introduced to form a male group and the three were given a chance to bond for several weeks. During this time, the animal care staff observed closely and saw positive social interactions among the three males — playing chase and wrestling as well as foraging or grooming together. Once Hugo and Jimiyu formed strong bonds with Kijana, then the animal care staff started integrating the six females into the group.

With each chimpanzee introduction, officials say, current alliances, group dynamics and personalities, as well as keeper observations, were carefully considered and discussed by the team before moving to the next introduction.

“Kijana is very socially savvy,” said Kim Emerson, a great ape keeper at the zoo. “He’s often spending time near Hugo, playing with Jimiyu or several of the females in the group. We couldn’t be happier about the way this chimpanzee family has come together.”

The chimpanzee family can be seen this summer at Fragile Forest, the zoo says, weather permitting.

The Saint Louis Zoo contributed this report.

Photo Robin Winkelman/Saint Louis Zoo