Chimps back in Pta zoo
Pretoria zoo ecstatic over arrival of two new chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees are back at the Pretoria zoo after an absence of more than three years.
The zoo will once again feature a pair of human’s closest animal relative for visitors to admire and study.
The two special chimpanzees were given an honorary welcome by the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) of SA at OR Tambo airport on Thursday morning.
Abshalom and Moti, the two male chimpanzees from the Ramat Gan Zoo in Tel Aviv and Tisch Family Zoo in Israel arrived at the OR Tambo airport from Tel Aviv on Thursday morning.
They were collected by staff of the NZG and taken to their new homes at the zoo.
Craig Allenby, spokesperson for the NZG, said the chimps were placed with the zoo by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Eaza).
“The chimps form part of Eaza’s studbook and were listed as surplus by the respective zoos,” said Allenby.
“The national zoo has been in negotiations with the international zoo community in attempts to obtain chimps for its zoo. The zoo has not had chimps for a number of years and has heeded requests from its visitors to once again home these charismatic primates.”
Michael Freeman, Israeli deputy ambassador to South Africa said he was delighted that the chimps had been brought to South Africa.
“This is the third in a series of partnerships between Israeli and South African zoos. We have brought gorillas over in the past and we sent a rhinoceros from here to Israel,” said Freeman.
“Even though it is quite hot at the moment, it was equally hot in Israel this summer. I believe they will fit in well here.”
Freeman pointed out that one of the chimps, Moti, was from a Biblically-themed zoo in Israel.
“The zoo features all the animals mentioned in the Bible,” said Freeman.
The two chimps would spend more than a month in quarantine at the NZG before being put into their night enclosures.
Tracy Rehse, the NZG’s manager of animal collections and conservation, said because the two chimps had never met, the introduction process was vital.
Rehse said the chimp enclosures had to be revamped and remodelled to accommodate the introduction. They featured swings, hammocks and an assortment of items to help stave off boredom.
“After the two chimps are put in their night enclosures they will be able to see each other through a metal gate. They will then have ‘timeshare’ of the outside area,” said Rehse.
“Once they have gotten to know each other and are friendly, we will let them meet outside.”
Cameras will also be installed to let visitors see the chimps in their night enclosures during the introduction period.
Allenby expressed his eagerness for the chimps to be introduced to visitors.
“Visitors will really enjoy this as one of our top attractions. We are very excited about it.”
Video: Kristian Meijer
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