Exciting news from the Jungle Pavilion – a baby chimpanzee was born on Saturday afternoon. The birth went smoothly and without complications. Mum Zenta, who herself was born at Hellabrunn 45 years ago, is caring for her newborn with maternal experience and attentiveness. The baby chimp is doing very well, although it is too early to identify its gender.
The birth marks a significant moment for ex-situ conservation efforts, as the father is Jambo, a male chimpanzee who came to Hellabrunn Zoo last year as part of a breeding recommendation by the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Jambo, along with his two female counterparts at Hellabrunn, Zenta and Sophie, belong to the critically endangered subspecies Pan troglodytes troglodytes, commonly known as the central chimpanzee. This subspecies is threatened both in its natural habitat in the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon, as well as in zoos. There are currently only 43 individuals of this subspecies in human care in Europe.
“Our chimpanzee group, which has existed since 2003, was expanded on the recommendation of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme for the central chimpanzee,” said curator Dr Hanspeter Steinmetz. “Following the arrival of Jambo in late 2024, this birth marks an important milestone for us. As a science-led zoo, we have a responsibility for the conservation of endangered species. With the new offspring, we are making a significant contribution to securing a safety-net population for this subspecies.”
Besides their role in the breeding programme, the chimpanzees at Hellabrunn Zoo are important ambassadors for the conservation of their wild counterparts. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, the number of this great ape species in the wild has declined by over 80 percent since the 1950s. Habitat loss, poaching, climate change and deforestation are having a massive impact on their populations.
“The birth of the chimpanzee baby is wonderful news for Munich and a strong sign of Hellabrunn‘s commitment to species conservation. It shows how responsible breeding programmes, scientific research and emotional animal encounters can work together successfully,” said supervisory board member and mayor Verena Dietl. “I am sure that the chimpanzee baby will win the hearts of our many visitors and that animal lovers will be delighted with the newest member of our zoo family.”
“We are convinced that people protect what they know,” said zoo director Rasem Baban. “A young baby, in particular, creates closeness and attracts attention. Anyone who observes the little infant in the Jungle Pavilion, clinging closely to its mum, casting its first curious glances at the group and cautiously exploring its habitat, will experience firsthand how complex and social chimpanzees are. This experience fosters understanding – and understanding is the foundation for effective species conservation."
Jambo, Zenta and their adorable baby can be seen by visitors in the Jungle Pavilion at Hellabrunn Zoo. The family also has the option of retreating to secluded areas at the rear of the enclosure at any time. The zoo attaches great importance to ensuring the animals have sufficient peaceful spaces away from the public eye for resting
In addition to the four central chimpanzees, the chimpanzee group at Hellabrunn Zoo includes two other males, Willi and Walter (Sophie's sons), and two other females, Hannerl and Annemarie. The last baby born at Hellabrunn Zoo was Walter in 2003.