Little Rock Zoo welcomes baby chimpanzee

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock Zoo has welcomed a new baby chimpanzee.

Little Rock Zoo officials announced Friday that first time mother Kianga gave birth overnight and that both she and the infant chimp are doing well.

Kianga is 17 years old and has lived at the Little Rock Zoo since being transferred on a breeding recommendation from the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo in New Mexico in 2020.

Zoo officials said even though Kianga is showing good maternal behaviors there is still an increased risk for complications with the birth due to her being a first-time mother.

The public viewing area of the chimpanzee yard will be blocked-off to allow Kianga and the baby chimp time to bond, officials said.

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