Baby chimpanzee charms city leaders

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker and Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman spent some time with Hamilton Zoo’s latest addition this week — an 11-week-old chimpanzee.

Under keeper supervision, Mayor Hardaker was able to have a part in hand feeding Sanda with her infant.

“It was wonderful to see Sanda and the little baby up so close — she is absolutely gorgeous. I was amazed how gentle mum was in taking her food, and very relaxed and happy for us to be there and see her little baby.

“The baby chimpanzee was so alert and watching what we were doing and responding really well to her mum. It was a neat experience and one I’ll never forget,” said Mayor Hardaker.


Photo courtesy of Hamilton City Council

Cr Chesterman was at Hamilton Zoo when the chimp house was opened in 2004 and says it’s fantastic to see how popular this exhibit has been.

“The keepers do a very professional job, it’s lovely to see the hand gestures between the keepers and chimps, I didn’t realise how sophisticated that was, so it was a real surprise to see that level of communication,” said Cr Chesterman.

Hamilton Zoo is currently holding a naming competition for the infant through their website hamiltonzoo.co.nz and zoo staff are seeking a name that resonates with the natural habitat of chimpanzees in central and western Africa.

View a video of Sanda and her baby