Chimp Family Chronicles

You can eat this yellow snow

2010-02-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

The chimps have been inside a lot this winter due to the cold weather. Since they can't go out in the snow, the keepers brought it into them. Gatorade powder (yellow) was added to the treat.

We Are Expecting!

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Knoxville Zoo is eagerly awaiting a new addition to the chimpanzee troupe this
spring. Jackie, a 35-year-old female chimpanzee, is expecting and zoo staff anticipates she will give birth
in March or April of the new year.
Jackie came to Knoxville Zoo in March of 2008 from the Cleveland
Zoo. Upon her arrival, she was reunited with Jimbo, a male
chimpanzee who was her long-time companion in Cleveland before his
move to Knoxville in 2006. Jimbo and Jackie received a breeding
recommendation from the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which
manages the placement and reproduction of endangered chimpanzees
in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
in the U.S. Nature took its course, and keepers estimate Jackie to be
between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant. The gestation period for
chimpanzees is typically 34 weeks.
“So far, Jackie has had a very healthy pregnancy,” says Lisa New,
director of animal collections for Knoxville Zoo. “She’s started
showing belly weight gain and is definitely more interested in food.
We’ve also noticed she is resting a bit more frequently. Her keepers
are monitoring her closely, and we’re optimistic that we’ll welcome a
healthy baby in the spring.”
Jackie and Jimbo share their Chimp Ridge home with seven other chimpanzees, including George, the
zoo’s year-and-a-half old baby who was the first chimpanzee born at Knoxville Zoo in 20 years. George
was also sired by Jimbo on a breeding recommendation with his mother, Daisy.

Julie Chimp Leaving

2010-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Julie, a 23-year-old member of Knoxville Zoo’s chimpanzee troupe, will be relocating to the
Rio Grande Zoo, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, early in 2010.
The move is a recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), the
program that manages the placement of chimpanzees in zoos accredited by
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Julie will be joining two
males and six females in Albuquerque as part of a social management plan.
The move also reflects the normal social changes that would occur in
chimpanzee groups in the wild, where it is common for female chimps to
move to new social groups as they reach maturity.
A deciding factor in the decision to relocate Julie to the Rio Grande Zoo
was her disruptive relationship with the alpha male in Knoxville’s
chimpanzee troupe, Jimbo. Jimbo came to Knoxville in 2006 as part of an
SSP breeding recommendation; in 2008, he fathered the zoo’s one-year-old
chimp George, who lives at Knoxville Zoo with his mother Daisy. The zoo
also hopes he will father offspring with two other females, Debbie and
Jackie.
“Unfortunately, Julie never would accept the presence of Jimbo as the
alpha male, which disrupted the balance of the entire group,” says Lisa New, director of animal collections at
Knoxville Zoo. “Although we hate to see Julie go, it’s the right thing for her, the right thing for the rest of the
group, and what would be a natural occurrence in the wild.”
New expects Julie to adjust well to her new group; several of the chimps she will meet in Albuquerque are young,
which should suit Julie well. “Julie loves youngsters, and she’s smart and socially savvy,” says New. “We want
what’s best for Julie, and have every expectation that she will thrive in her new surroundings. But if it doesn’t
work out for any reason, she will always have a home here in Knoxville.”

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2009-12-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

Knoxville had it's first snow last week and George, mom Daisy and Aunt Debbie went out briefly in the afternoon once it warmed up. Most of the snow was melted by then. Daisy and Debbie made their own snow balls and ate them.

Auntie Debbie and Dad Jimbo Playing

2009-12-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

George Playing

2009-12-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

Another Cute Family Moment

2009-09-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jimbo and Daisy spending time outside with George

Playing inside on a rainy day

2009-09-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Family

2009-09-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a recent picture of the family, Jimbo, Daisy and George.

Go George Go

2009-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here's George at 14 months old.

Chimp Play

2009-08-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of George, Jimbo, and Daisy playing. At the end of the segment ‘Auntie’ Debbie is also playing with George and Jimbo.

Hanging out with Dad

2009-07-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

After several months of being
separated, George was able to
spend time with his dad, Jimbo.

Happy Birthday

2009-07-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

George celebrated his first birthday over the weekend with his mom, Daisy and Aunt Debbie.

Almost A Year - Time to Celebrate!

2009-07-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

George recently helped his "Auntie" Julie celebrate her birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed the presents and wrappings. Check out these fun pictures of him playing with the presents. We can't wait to see him enjoy his own birthday celebration this Saturday, July 18th. See the zoo website at http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/ for more information about his birthday celebration and schedule of events.

Reunited and it feels so good

2009-05-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing six adult female chimpanzees does not happen quickly. This introduction began with the two alpha females, Debbie and Jackie, then adding other members of each group gradually over one week. Daisy and George were added last as a precaution. Up until now, Bo and Binti had never encountered an infant.

Shortly before Daisy and George were introduced to the group, Debbie was reunited with them both. This was done for Daisy in order to alleviate some of the stress before meeting the Cleveland girls for the first time.

In this video, you can see that George and his Aunt Debbie have a special bond. Even after a week of seperation, George recognized, greeted, and played with Debbie immediately.

Knoxville and Cleveland Unite

2009-05-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Currently, all six female chimpanzees and George are together. Once this group is stabilized, Jimbo and Lu will be added.

Introductions Begin

2009-05-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Animal introductions are usually a gradual process, especially with six female chimpanzees. Debbie and Jackie (both dominant females from their groups) were introduced first. They became instant companions evident by lots of hugging, mouth greetings, and genital inspection (much like how dogs greet one another).

In the following video, Debbie and Jackie had been together for a day and Julie was added to the duo. You can see how Jackie and Julie greet each other for the very first time. The girls bonded quickly by grooming and playing with each other.

Brrrrr, it's cold

2009-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

George had his first popsicle in April. In the warmer months, many animals at the zoo recieve frozen treats.

Swingin' Good Time

2009-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Girl Power!

2009-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Almost a year to the day that the Cleveland girls arrived, we introduced all 6 girls + George into one group. Though they have visually seen each other over the past several months, this is the first time all of the Knoxville and Cleveland girls have been together. With the exception of a few
"getting to know you" scuffles all have been getting along fine.

Jackie, Debbie and Julie

Bo, Jackie, Debbie and Julie

George, Jackie and Daisy

George on the Move

2009-04-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

George is 9 months old.

Jimbo and Debbie

2009-04-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dad Jimbo (on right) and Auntie Debbie playing.

George is 8 months old!

2009-03-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Family Time

2009-02-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

Jimbo took advantage of a grooming session with Daisy to be close to George. George is interested in Jimbo but also with his stuffed toy.

Warm Weather

2009-02-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

The chimps have been enjoying the warm weather and spending some time together outside.

Daisy and George

Julie and Debbie eating oranges

Jimbo grooming Lu

Jimbo lounging in the sun

Meeting the Boys

2009-02-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

George has definitely grown over the last months and has formed a strong bond with his mom, Daisy and her group - Julie and Debbie. Recently he has had a chance to meet the male chimpanzees at Knoxville Zoo - his Dad, Jimbo and Lu a younger male.

In this clip, Lu shows his youth by trying to first impress (by playing with paper upside down) then lure (by wiggling his hand/fingers) George into becoming friends.

In this clip, Jimbo is first introduced to his son. He has a different approach as compared to Lu - he plays it very cool whenever George is around. Though George ran up to him and seemed ready to play.

Peek-A-Boo with Auntie Debbie

2009-02-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

This game never gets old. In this clip, Debbie tries to entice George into playing peek-a-boo by hiding under a blanket.

Chow Time...Eating like a Big Boy!

2009-02-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

By the end of January George began to tackle another feat - eating with his hands. Here you can see him eating a piece of celery and then sitting with his Aunties enjoying some chow (nutritionally balanced pellets for chimpanzees- similar in function to the kibble you give your dog/cat at home).

Definitely Play Time....

2009-02-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Not only Daisy is beginning to enjoy playing with George, his Auntie Debbie and Julie and getting in on the fun.

In the clip below, Julie plays peek-a-boo with George

as he moves through Debbie's legs (while she looks on upside down).

Debbie is not the only one that tries to get George to play.

In the following clip, you can see Julie greet (mouth) George as he joins his Aunt Julie and Mom Daisy in some rope games and tummy tickling.

Nap Time or Play Time?

2009-02-06T13:00:00.001-08:00

Not only did George try new foods in January, he became more active and playful. Like any toddler he is beginning to resist naps and learn to play with toys. George is also getting more teeth. Notice how he 'feels' his new teeth with his lip/mouth and 'chews' on the pallet while Daisy trys to bed down for a nap.

George Trying out More Foods

2009-02-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

January was a busy month for George, mid-January he tried out some celery. He is also getting around pretty well and if you listen closely you can hear him vocalize as he walks.

George finally meets The Boys

2009-01-30T05:21:00.000-08:00

George finally got to meet Lu and his father Jimbo this week. Both boys were very cautious around the baby. Daisy and his "aunties" were very protective. Video will soon follow showing his first interactions with both Lu and Jimbo.

Lu and Jimbo

George is 6 months old today!

2009-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

And growing bigger everyday. George is walking, climbing and hanging all over the place. Since the weather has been cold he spends most of his time inside playing with mom Daisy and his two "aunties" Debbie and Julie. He has been eating some solid foods and sometimes you will find him with a green bean or piece of celery in his mouth (though he doesn't seem to know what to do with food that big yet). While he is still very dependent on Daisy, George will venture away from mom and explore his surroundings, playing with his toys and stuffed animals. George is developmentally right on track and we look forward to watching him become a part of Knoxville Zoo chimp family.

George laughing while Daisy tickles his belly

Beans, Beans...

2009-01-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

In the new year, George is trying new foods. He still enjoys cheerios and applesauce but doesn't quite know what to do with this green bean.

Exploring

2009-01-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

George is very curious about everything including the lixit (water source) in the dens.

Hang Time

2009-01-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Not only is George toddling, but he is climbing and enjoys hanging. This video shows George hanging around and ends with Daisy playing with dangling George.

Relaxing Family Time

2009-01-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

George is full of play but like any toddler he needs his down time. This video shows George up close and relaxing with his family. Daisy and Julie can be seen behind him grooming each other and Debbie is beside him.

Paper Play

2009-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Not only is George toddling around but he is beginning to explore - everything. Check out this video of George playing with some paper. Too cute!

Playing Together

2009-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Though George is getting around very well and beginning to play with his mom Daisy as well as Julie and Debbie - the adults can play too. Check out this video of Daisy and Julie playing while George hangs out and watches nearby.

Teething and Walking Over the Holidays

2009-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

What did George do over the holidays? He has been teething and getting better and better at moving around. See the video below of George teething and toddling.

Happy Holidays!

2009-01-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

The "Cleveland Girls" received a package from one of their loyal visitors in Cleveland who obviously misses them very much. They received new blankets, bandannas and books which they thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks Sharmaine!

Jackie opening her present.

Binti sitting on a book.

Bo looking
at a book.

Jackie with her bandanna
and Jimbo.

Applesauce

2008-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Every morning the chimps receive their multivitamin and medications (if needed) in either applesauce or yogurt. The keepers have started offering George applesauce during this daily routine. Aunt Debbie enjoys trying to have a taste of George's applesauce and he is still learning how to eat from a spoon. Here is some video of George getting his morning applesauce..

Peek - A - Boo Debbie

2008-11-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

New video of George - and his Auntie Debbie in her attempts to play peek-a-boo with him. Pay close attention and you may see a few of his new teeth as well. Enjoy

New George Video

2008-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

New Pictures

2008-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Daisy and George hanging out with "Aunt Julie". Both Debbie and Julie like to play with George when Daisy will let them.

Even though George likes to explore (he can crawl on all fours now) he stays very close to mom.

A lot of George's teeth have come in. He likes to teethe on the lixit (where the chimps drink water) and suck his thumb.

New Milestones

2008-10-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

George is starting to crawl all over the place. He is also teething and vocalizing a lot. His white tail tuft is now very apparent. This is a visual indicator that the youngster requires protection and care. As George gets older the tail tuft will turn black, signaling the end of his dependent status. Mom Daisy and Aunties Debbie and Julie are having fun playing with George.

New George Video

2008-10-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here is some more footage of George trying to crawl. Enjoy!

Almost on the Move!

2008-09-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

In September, Daisy has still been a very relaxed and casual mom. Because of this George has been able to try crawling. Daisy allows him to crawl a little away from her, but then scoops him up. She can still be seen holding him upside down. "Auntie" Debbie has also been able to interact with George a little more this month. This video clip shows George a few weeks ago starting to crawl, Daisy holding him upside down last week, and the first time "Auntie" Debbie tried to play with the new baby.

Casual Mom

2008-09-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

George is starting to cling better to mom Daisy. She doesn't have to hold him and support him as much when she is on the move. George is starting to sit up on his own and possibly teething (he is sucking and chewing on his fingers). Daisy has been putting baby George down a lot. This is unusual for chimp moms, but not for Daisy. At the Little Rock Zoo, she was known to do this with her previous son. We are monitoring their health and behavior continuously. Daisy makes sure to place George on a blanket or a nest of hay and never leaves him for long periods of time. Visitors to Knoxville Zoo may also see her carrying him upside down. This is her own unique mothering style.

Growing Up!

2008-08-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Baby George is accomplishing all the milestones for a 2-3 week old. Daisy will pick George up, his hands in her hands or feet, holding him up in front of her. Daisy is getting his muscles ready to support himself while clinging to her. Daisy has also started putting baby George down in front of her and watching him. She will sit him up in front of her and support his back for a moment. Then, she will let go and allow him to attempt the maneuver himself. So far, he hasn't mastered the sitting skill yet. But that's alright, Daisy is doing everything that a good mother chimpanzee should be doing to prep her baby to meet each milestone that lays ahead for him. Who knows what next week will bring!

Meet the Rest of the Chimp Family

2008-08-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Julie and Debbie are two of Daisy's closest companions. They were with her when she gave birth to George. Both Julie and Debbie are very curious about the baby but also very respectful, only getting as close to the baby as Daisy allows.

Lu is Jimbo's closest buddy. Lu was with Jimbo when he got to see baby George for the first time. Unlike Jimbo, who was very excited about the baby, Lu preferred his lunch over the new arrival.

Referred to as the "Cleveland girls", Jackie (left), Bo (right top) and Binti (bottom) came from Cleveland Zoo in April of 2008. Jimbo came from Cleveland as well, so he is well acquainted with these three. Jackie, the alpha female, is Jimbo's favorite. Bo is the largest in size and personality! She can often be seen in close proximity to Binti, the smallest of the Cleveland crew. Binti loves food and is the most subordinate chimp.

George's First Day Out

2008-07-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Daisy took George out in Chimp Ridge for the first time today. Daisy explored the whole exhibit, scaling the climbing structures and eating a snack, while George held onto mom. Daisy and George enjoyed the fresh air and went back inside before it started to rain.

George's First Week

2008-07-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

As you can see George's favorite things to do are sleep, nurse, cuddle mom and being cute.

Music courtesy of www.sleeplullabies.com

A Great Birthday Present

2008-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

As I drove to work on July 19^th, my birthday, I never realized that I would get the greatest birthday present a zookeeper could get: a new baby! As I drove up to the Great Ape building, I could see that Daisy and Debbie were nesting together in a usual spot. As I climbed out of my vehicle and approached the outdoor enclosure, I realized that Daisy had moved to an indoor area. This was very unusual for her, since she always greets us first thing each morning. I walked over to the indoor enclosure and peeked through the glass. Daisy was standing bipedal and greeting me as usual, but this time, in her arms she was carrying her new baby! For a moment, it all seemed surreal. I came to realize that the event we had been waiting for since the first of the year had finally arrived, and on my birthday!

The baby was wide-eyed and appeared like a rag doll in Daisy’s arms. A baby chimpanzee is born completely dependent on his Mother; he can’t even cling to her hair yet, she must support him at all times. Debbie and Julie, two of Daisy’s closest companions, were with Daisy and both seemed to be doing really well. They were protective of the new mom and baby, but also keeping their distance from the pair, allowing mom and baby to bond. The new baby, named George, is the third offspring for Daisy, so her attentive mothering skills came very natural for her.

Since the 19^th, George has already reached some milestones. On the 22^nd of July, his ears, which had been pressed snuggly to his head from delivery, “popped out”. Also, on this day, he was introduced, through mesh, to his father, Jimbo. Daisy head- bobbed and crouched towards Jimbo, a very positive and submissive chimp gesture. Jimbo, in return, seemed very excited, and then fearful- perhaps anxious- as he too took a submissive posture towards mom and baby. On July 24^th, George and mom had their first public debut. Keepers saw him sucking his toe at one point, another milestone. And then, on the 26^th of this month, we saw George cling independently for brief periods of time while Daisy foraged for food. Of course, all Great Ape staff assumes George is advanced, to be reaching such milestones so quickly! We are a little biased, however.

As told by Great Ape Keeper, Lee-Ann

Meet the parents!

2008-07-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Daisy (left) was born in March 1976. She came to Knoxville Zoo in November 2005 from Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas.

Jimbo (right) was born in January of 1979. He came to Knoxville Zoo in May 2006 from Cleveland Zoo in Ohio on a breeding recommendation with Daisy.

Meet George

2008-07-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

Baby chimp George has arrived! Born on Saturday, July 19 to mom Daisy and dad Jimbo at Knoxville Zoo. Keepers found baby George clean and healthy when they arrived at the zoo that morning. Daisy has been a very attentive mom and George has been observed nursing regularly.