by Maeve McKenna
Lucy was born on 17 March to mother, Lizzie, and father, Andy.
The arrival now means that Belfast Zoo cares for seven chimpanzees in total; Lizzie, Andy, Kim, Lewis, Sophie, Phoebe and Lucy.
Zoo curator, Julie Mansell, is delighted with the latest arrival.
She said: “We had been looking forward to celebrating Lizzie’s 40th birthday this summer and it was a wonderful surprise, for the whole zoo team, when we discovered her pregnancy.
She has been a wonderful mother in the past and this time is no exception.”
This programme is managed by a studbook keeper who provides breeding recommendations based on a number of factors, including genetics.
Belfast Zoo was given a recommendation not to breed for a number of years so Lucy’s arrival is extra special!
Zoo manager, Mark Challis, said “Almost all apes are either endangered or critically endangered and some professionals have even predicted that all species of ape will be extinct within 30 years, showing the fragility of animal life in the modern world!
“With the help of Belfast Zoo visitors, we raised almost £20,000 for conservation projects in the wild. However, it is incredible that as a zoo we have also been able to play an active role in this species with the arrival of little Lucy!”
You can support the care of Belfast Zoo’s chimpanzees by taking part in the animal adoption scheme. Find out more about the animal adoption schemeat www.belfastzoo.co.uk/adoption
No comments:
Post a Comment