Critically Endangered Chimpanzee Born on Exhibit

On April 17, a baby Western Chimpanzee entered the world, in front of excited visitors, at BIOPARC Valencia.

Guests watched as the mother and baby, with umbilical cord still attached, were attended to by the other females of the troupe.

The birth was an exciting and much anticipated event for keepers, as well. The baby’s parents had arrived at the park only three years ago, in 2015. New dad, Moreno, made his way from Parco Natura Viva in Bussolengo, Italy. The new mother, Natalia, came from BIOPARC Fuengirola.

The infant is the first offspring for both parents, and their excellent characters have proven beneficial for the new parenting roles. Natalia has the particular advantage of having helped raise her sister. The interactive roles of the other females in the park’s family of Chimps are also a positive influence for the new baby and mother.

The Chimp family of BIOPARC Valencia consists of 30-year-old Moreno and five females: Natalia (15), and sisters Eva and Noelia (aged 23 and 11). Malin (28) and Py (15) came from Boras Djurpark in Sweden.

Photo Credits: BIOPARC Valencia

This birth is a source of great joy for the team of caregivers at the park and is essential to ensure the viability and genetic diversity of Chimpanzees and, in particular, this subspecies.

The Western Chimpanzee, or West African Chimpanzee, (Pan troglodytes verus) is a subspecies of the common chimpanzee. It is native to western Africa, mainly Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, but with populations in surrounding countries, too.

The IUCN currently classifies the Western Chimpanzee as a “Critically Endangered”. The primary threats are habitat loss and killing for bush meat.