Chattanooga Zoo Has New Chimpanzee Group

  • Tuesday, June 23, 2015

The Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Tuesday announced its donation of seven chimpanzees to the Chattanooga Zoo. This is the research center’s second confirmed donation of chimpanzees. 

This donation was made possible by the collaboration of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and the Chattanooga Zoo. The Species Survival Plan is a population management organization amongst AZA accredited Zoos nationwide. The Chattanooga Zoo currently participates in over 20 SSP programs, including the chimpanzee. 

"The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan is pleased to have worked with the Yerkes National Primate Research Center to find a new home for these seven chimpanzees at Chattanooga Zoo,” says Stephen Ross, PhD, chair of the Chimpanzee SSP. “This collaborative effort and the expertise at Yerkes and the zoo are key components to ensuring the long-term health and well-being of this group of chimpanzees." 

Established in 1930, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center is dedicated to conducting essential basic science and translational research to advance scientific understanding and to improve human health and wellbeing. 

The center provides leadership, training and resources to foster scientific creativity, collaboration and discoveries, and research at the center is grounded in scientific integrity, expert knowledge, respect for colleagues, an open exchange of ideas and compassionate, quality animal care. 

“We are pleased to announce this second donation of chimpanzees, which involved Yerkes, the Chattanooga Zoo and the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan,” says R. Paul Johnson, MD, director of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. The Chattanooga Zoo is one of 34 U.S. zoos that participate in the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan. 

"The interdisciplinary team of Yerkes employees that has been leading our donation efforts has been working with administrators and staff at the Chattanooga Zoo and the leaders of the Chimpanzee SSP since last year to coordinate the many details leading to today’s announcement," said Dr. Johnson.  "We plan to transfer the seven animals this summer and look forward to visiting them at the Chattanooga Zoo given its close proximity to Atlanta. 

In preparation for the arrival of the new chimpanzee group, Chattanooga Zoo staff has made a few necessary adjustments to their current exhibit that will better accommodate the larger group of animals. The Chattanooga Zoo’s chimpanzee exhibit opened in 2001, and was previously home to two chimpanzees. “We are excited to see how dynamic the exhibit will be with the larger group of chimpanzees,” says Dardenelle Long, Chattanooga Zoo president and CEO. “With multiple viewing windows to indoor and outdoor exhibits, guests will be able to observe our new group from many different angles."  

The Chattanooga Zoo will be offering a members only first viewing of the new chimpanzee group on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. This is a Chattanooga Zoo members only event. Zoo members will have the opportunity to be the first to meet the new chimpanzees and observe them in their new home. Membership cards will be required. 

The Chattanooga Zoo will unveil the new chimpanzee group to the public on Saturday and celebrate with a Chimpanzarie Party. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Zoo guests will get to know these individual animals through keeper chats and “Meet & Greet” stations, have the opportunity to learn more about this Great Ape species through educational activities, watch the chimpanzee group enjoy their scheduled enrichment and more. The Chattanooga Zoo’s new chimpanzee group will be on exhibit full time starting on Saturday. 

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