Look! Baby Chimpanzee Born at Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock, AR — Excitement fills the air at the Little Rock Zoo as Kianga, a 17-year-old chimpanzee, welcomed the newest member of the zoo family. The baby chimpanzee was born last night, marking a significant moment for the zoo and its visitors. While the zoo has yet to reveal a name for the newborn, they did release two heartwarming photos of Kianga and her baby, sparking joy among animal lovers.

Photo byKatherine Hopkins/Little Rock Zoo

First-Time Motherhood at Little Rock Zoo

Kianga, who moved to the Little Rock Zoo from the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo in 2020, is experiencing motherhood for the first time. The zoo announced that the chimpanzee habitat would be temporarily closed to the public, allowing Kianga and her baby to adjust and bond in a stress-free environment. This measure, according to a press release, is essential to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

"We're thrilled to welcome this little one into our zoo family," said Katherine Hopkins, a spokesperson for the Little Rock Zoo. "Kianga is already showing strong maternal instincts, and we want to give her and her baby the time and space they need to bond."

A Wave of New Arrivals at Little Rock Zoo

The birth of the baby chimpanzee is just the latest in a series of new arrivals at the Little Rock Zoo. Recently, the zoo introduced two ringtails, Austin and Amethyst, who were acquired from the Oklahoma City Zoo. Additionally, in February, the zoo celebrated the birth of a baby orangutan named Kota, who has already captured the hearts of many visitors.

In the same month, the zoo also welcomed two baby blue-eyed black lemurs, now on display daily from 2-4 p.m. These lemurs were named after famous personalities Daniel Radcliffe and Taylor Swift, further adding to the zoo’s charm.

Farewell to Sophie, the Asian Elephant

While the zoo celebrates new life, it also prepares to say goodbye to one of its oldest residents. Sophie, a 54-year-old Asian elephant, entered hospice care last month. The Arkansas Times provided an in-depth look at Sophie's daily routine, highlighting her contributions to the zoo over the years.

The Little Rock Zoo continues to be a place of joy, education, and connection with nature. With the birth of the new baby chimpanzee, along with other recent arrivals, the zoo remains a vibrant and cherished destination for visitors of all ages. As Kianga and her baby settle into their new lives together, the Little Rock Zoo community eagerly awaits more updates on this growing family.

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