Abandoned Baby Chimp Paired With Surrogate Mum
Recently a baby chimp that is just 2 months old undertook a very exciting journey, travelling to the Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa from the Maryland Zoo. She will meet her new surrogate mum which is thrilling because Keeva who was born in March was abandoned by her biological mother after birth.
“The birth seemed to be without complication and the baby appeared to be healthy. However, it soon became apparent that Carole was not adapting to motherhood appropriately and we made the difficult decision to remove and hand-rear the baby while searching for a suitable home with a nurturing surrogate.” said Maryland Zoo general curator Mike McClure.
Important to be raised by a chimp
For the first few weeks of her life, Keeva was hand reared in the zoo’s “Chimpanzee Forest”. However if she is to grow up to be a functioning adult, it is vital that Keeva be raised by a member of her own species. This meant searching for an appropriate surrogate chimp mum. Fortunately, the zoo was able to match Keeva with a surrogate mum named Abby that has a proven track record at Lowry Park Zoo.
An animal rescue flight flew little Keeva to her new home in Florida where she has been receiving round the clock care since she arrived. Once Keeva reaches between 4 to 6 months of age, she will be able to meet her surrogate mum.
“From the first moment they laid eyes on her, our chimps have been keenly interested in baby Keeva. We know from experience that safe social interactions with each member of the chimp troop will be key to her eventual introduction.” said Lowry Park’s primate animal care manager Angela Belcher.