Sedgwick County Zoo welcomes new member to chimpanzee family

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Sedgwick County Zoo announced on Facebook Monday that they have welcomed a new member to its chimpanzee family.

Twelve-year-old Ebi came from the North Carolina Zoo after the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan recommended it so she could be bred.

“The long-term plan for her is to breed her at SCZ, so we are really hoping to take her off birth control at some point when we are ready. We want to get her through introductions and kind of get Alizeti through her introduction process to the group before we proceed with that,” said Zoo Keeper Alicia Thomas.

The Zoo says Ebi is smart and has already become a beloved member of the troop.

“Her new favorite companions are Sukari and our alpha male, Moshi. Sukari has taken Ebi under her wing, showing her the ropes here at SCZ, while Moshi and Ebi are often seen playing and laughing together,” said the SCZ.

The SCZ says Ebi is super social and loves to have fun, as she has come from a big family.

“She enjoys enrichment activities, training sessions, and, of course, grooming time with her friends,” said the SCZ. “Her playful spirit is contagious, and she’s already encouraging her new companions to join in the fun.”

“She is just the perfect little girl; she is sweet and silly, and she’s been getting along with everybody that we’ve introduced her to,” said Thomas.

According to the zoo, Ebi is still adjusting to her new home but is doing well.

“We’re so excited to have her as part of our family, and we know you’ll love her just as much as we do!” said the SCZ.

You can now visit Ebi at the KOCH Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat at the SCZ, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.

“She is the smallest one, and she is on our outdoor exhibit almost every single day, pending weather. If it gets too hot, we tend to bring them in early,” said Thomas.

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