Males weigh from 126-176 pounds, while females weigh from 100-150 pounds. Baldness is common and more extensive in females. The hair of these tree-dwelling animals is long and coarse, usually dark brown or black. Chimpanzees, and their cousins the bonobos, are more closely related genetically to us – sharing 98.4% of our DNA – than they are to gorillas!.They will also create leaf “sponges” for getting water out of tree-boles and crevices. These adaptable animals are known for making and using simple tools, such as twigs for eating termites and rocks for cracking nuts.Beloved senior male “Cobby” passed away at 63 in 2021 as the oldest male chimpanzee in a North American zoo. The Zoo’s chimpanzee group is comprised of two males (“Gombus” and “Michael”), and four females (“Maggie,” “Minnie,” “Beth” and “Connie”). Inside they can warm up, take a break, participate in training or interact with their keepers, or engage in specialty enrichment activities like painting. While our chimps enjoy climbing and relaxing in their outdoor yards, they are also given access to their inside rooms because of their ‘senior’ status.

The opening of a spacious, expanded habitat, Great Ape Passage, has also offered stimulation, excitement and a new way of life for the chimpanzees with options of indoor and outdoor respites, climbing structures that include elevated platforms, hanging fire hoses, steps and ladders and even a climbable mesh. Our Wellness Initiatives contribute greatly to their longevity, which includes preventative and individualized care and meeting the unique needs of senior animals through enrichment and adjustments to their environment. Median life expectancy for chimpanzees in the wild is forties to fifties in zoos, chimpanzees often live well beyond average life expectancy thanks to advanced animal and veterinary care. All new members are adults, and have joined together with our senior group. In 2019, we introduced four new chimpanzees (two males and two females) transferred from other zoos to be a part of our existing and long-time chimpanzee group as recommended by the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP) Management Group, which oversees chimpanzees living in AZA accredited zoological parks.

Chimpanzee height male