As preparations continue for the arrival of infant Chimpanzee Cassie at Monarto Safari Park, keepers are introducing some of the 12 Chimpanzees she will eventually meet and the different roles they could play as she settles into her new home.
Cassie will relocate from Rockhampton Zoo to Monarto Safari Park next month, where the long-term goal is for her to grow up alongside other Chimpanzees and learn the social behaviours that are vital to her development.
Monarto Safari Park Primate Keeper Sarah Washford said the troop included Chimpanzees of all ages and a wide range of personalities, with several individuals showing strong caring and playful behaviours towards younger members.
“Here at the park, there are a troop of 12 Chimpanzees ranging in age from three-and-a-half to almost 48 years old,” Sarah said.
“We have two different family groups within the troop. There is the Z family, led by Zombi, who is mum to three, and the H family, with Hannah, who is mum to two younger Chimpanzees.
“But it isn’t only the mothers that are involved with the youngsters. Our other females are fantastic with our infants and can often be seen taking care of them while mum has a break, playing with them or simply showing them a lot of affection.”
The troop’s males also play an important role in the lives of its younger Chimpanzees.
Even Boyd, the troop’s oldest member at almost 48, regularly joins in games with the youngsters.
“Boyd loves getting involved in a game of chasey or tickles,” Sarah said.
“His son Gombe also really enjoys interacting with the infants and will often try to start games of pulling, tag or hide and seek.”
Eleven-year-old Enzi, currently the largest male in the troop, has also developed close relationships with the younger Chimpanzees.
“Enzi might be a very large male, but he has a really gentle side,” Sarah said.
“He can often be seen giving Happy a reassurance hug or playing with him, and he is also a great big brother to his younger sister Zola.”
While some Chimpanzees may emerge as potential carers or surrogate figures for Cassie, keepers say there is no predetermined individual who will take on that role.
Instead, introductions will progress gradually and be guided by Cassie and the behaviour of the established troop members.
The first stages will allow Cassie to see, hear and interact with the Chimpanzees through protective barriers while keepers closely monitor how each individual responds.
The aim is not simply to identify one surrogate, but to give Cassie the opportunity to develop relationships within a complex social group that includes experienced mothers, younger females, playful adolescents and adult males.
Sarah said each member of the troop could potentially contribute something different to Cassie’s development.
“One of the really valuable things about this troop is that there are so many different relationships and personalities within it,” she said.
“We have experienced mums, females who regularly help care for infants, older Chimpanzees and males who are incredibly playful and gentle with the youngsters.
“We don’t know yet who Cassie will connect with most strongly. That will be something Cassie and the troop show us over time.”
As a conservation charity, Zoos SA has also launched a fundraiser to help support Cassie’s ongoing care, the additional resources needed as she settles into her new environment, and the specialised care involved in her transition and introductions. To support Cassie, visit donate.zoossa.com.au/cassie.
Visitors can begin getting to know Cassie’s future troop now, with the Chimpanzee viewing platform at Monarto Safari Park open daily between 10am and 3pm.
