The ABQ BioPark is excited to announce that their chimpanzee, Zoe, is expecting her first baby. The news was shared by BioPark veterinarians who have been closely monitoring Zoe's health since her pregnancy was confirmed last fall.
Zoe's pregnancy was detected using a human home pregnancy test, and she has since been receiving regular prenatal care and ultrasounds. According to Amber Alink, curator of elephants and primates at ABQ BioPark, all indications suggest that Zoe's baby is healthy and on track to arrive within a month. Alink also highlighted the support Zoe will receive from other experienced females in the troop during her journey into motherhood.
Tina Cloutier Barbour, Ph.D., coordinator of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), expressed her excitement about Zoe's pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of every chimpanzee infant due to their endangered status in the wild. Barbour noted that chimpanzees in accredited zoos play a crucial role in raising awareness about the threats of extinction and fostering empathy for the natural world.
Zoe, who arrived at ABQ BioPark from Oklahoma City Zoo in 2021 as part of the chimpanzee Species Survival Plan, will be joined by her companion, Siri, and six other chimpanzees in welcoming the new addition. The troop, which includes Elaine, Alf, Rainey, Babbett, and twins Rio and Desi, is expected to support Zoe in her role as a new mom.
The announcement of Zoe's pregnancy comes just before Great Ape-ril, a month dedicated to celebrating our closest relatives in the animal kingdom at ABQ BioPark. Visitors can look forward to special activities and educational opportunities focused on great apes, including tours led by primate care staff on select Sundays.
For those eager to stay updated on Zoe's pregnancy progress, ABQ BioPark will be providing regular updates on social media.
