Antwerp Zoo is eagerly awaiting a significant milestone as it prepares for its first chimpanzee birth in over three decades. Marit, an 18-year-old female chimpanzee, is expecting a baby, marking the zoo’s first successful breeding of the species since 1992.
The arrival of this new addition is eagerly anticipated by both zoo staff and visitors alike. The Flemish zoo’s chimpanzee population has not seen a birth in over 30 years due to a deliberate breeding pause. For years, the zoo’s female chimpanzees, including Marit, were on birth control to manage their population.
However, in 2022, the zoo received permission from the European Herd-Book of the species to resume breeding efforts. This decision came as part of a broader conservation and genetic diversity strategy aimed at bolstering the population of chimpanzees in European zoos.
Following the approval, Marit and Mia, another female chimpanzee, were allowed to reproduce naturally.
The results were swift, with both females quickly resuming their reproductive cycles. Marit is now expecting, with her baby due to be born between December and January, following a typical gestation period of around eight and a half months.
The identity of the baby’s father remains uncertain at this stage. The last two male chimpanzees born at Antwerp Zoo, Tambuzi and Tuma, were both potential mates for Marit.
To determine the exact father, a DNA test will be conducted after the birth. This will provide clarity on which male contributed to the conception, a crucial step in managing genetic diversity within the zoo’s chimpanzee population.
Chimpanzees are known for their complex social structures and close familial bonds, making the impending birth a notable event for the zoo’s primate group. The new arrival is expected to bring renewed interest and excitement to the zoo, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the early stages of chimpanzee development and behavior.
The zoo’s staff has been preparing for the birth with heightened attention to Marit’s health and well-being. Specialized care and monitoring are in place to ensure a safe and smooth delivery.
The arrival of the baby chimpanzee will also be a key moment for educational outreach, providing an opportunity for the public to learn more about chimpanzee conservation and the efforts being made to support these primates in captivity.
The Antwerp Zoo has a long history of contributing to the conservation of endangered species, and this new development is a testament to their ongoing commitment. As the due date approaches, both the staff and visitors are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new member of the chimpanzee family, celebrating a momentous occasion in the zoo’s history.
