It was double the celebration and double the fun at Monarto Safari Park this week as the chimpanzee troop unwrapped festive treats for their annual Chimpmas party, with extra cheer in the air for the youngest member, Happy, who just turned three.

The special enrichment event, held in the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Habitat, saw the troop enjoying enrichment designed to encourage natural behaviours such as foraging, problem-solving and nesting. Keepers, with the help of our dedicated volunteers from BEEZA (Behavioural Environmental Enrichment for Zoo Animals), transformed the space into a colourful, festive wonderland.

“This is one of our favourite events of the year, and I think it’s safe to say the chimps love it just as much as we do,” said Primate Keeper Sarah Washford.

“There were parcels filled with blankets for nesting, pine cones smeared with scents, walnuts hidden in barrels and even a little bubble bath for some sensory fun. We also coloured the wood wool with animal-safe dye, which they really enjoyed as part of their nesting.”

This year’s Chimpmas was particularly meaningful, as it was the first since the passing of Dr Jane Goodall, the beloved primatologist and conservationist and the namesake of the chimpanzee habitat and it was Dr Goodall who named young Happy.

Earlier in the week, the team also celebrated Happy’s third birthday with even more enrichment and party fun.

“Happy is growing into his name – he’s playful and full of energy. It’s been such a joy watching him learn from the older chimps and really come into his own. Birthdays are a great time to reflect on how far he’s come, and how strong the social bonds are in our troop.”

Chimpanzees are listed as endangered, with habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade among the biggest threats to their survival. Zoos SA supports vital conservation programs through the They’re Calling You mobile phone recycling campaign, helping divert phones from landfill while supporting chimpanzees in the wild.

The funds generated through recycling phones and electronic devices go directly towards on-ground work with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.

Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the troop’s festivities or enjoy their own summer safari adventure are encouraged to pre-book these school holidays.

Chimpmas is always popular, and so are the holidays, Sarah added. We recommend booking online to avoid missing out.

Visit monartosafari.com.au to book your tickets or learn more about Zoos SA’s conservation work, or to find out how to donate your old phone and help protect chimpanzees.