Taronga’s Chimpanzee community can trace its history back through eight decades. In 1947, when Australia’s entire population was equal to the current NSW population the first of the Chimpanzees in our family tree was born.

Explore the information and image gallery below to find out what makes Taronga’s Chimpanzee Community so unique and precious.  

Lubutu (the Alpha Male)

Date of Birth 05.06.93
Has a close rapport with a few favourite staff. Good natured and excitable. Quick to show fear in response to unusual circumstances. Shows great tolerance of and interacts well with infants. Is the alpha male of the group. 

Shabani (one of the beta males pushing for the alpha role)

Date of Birth 14.09.94
Has begun to support his younger brother Samaki when in conflict with females, still very cautious to instigate conflict with Lubutu however will redirect aggression to females.

Lulu  

Date of Birth 1952
High social status is hampered by lack of mobility (left arm) so can be a target for harassment. The most people-orientated of the adults, she can be affectionate with favourite staff. Has definite mood swings but is mellowing.

 

Lisa    

Date of Birth 23.08.79
Powerful and confident in herself. Rarely starts altercations but quick to come to the aid of her son Lubutu or daughter Lani, and then happy to see altercation through to the end.

Spitter   

Date of Birth 01.06.60
Excellent maternal behaviour, very family-focused. Once an active political player, she suffered due to intimidation of grandson, Sandali. Sometimes spits accurately at keepers if frustrated. Will stand up for herself against younger males.

Sasha  

Date of Birth 11.06.80
Nervous and fearful when the subject of male dominance, suffers from campaign of intimidation from Lubutu and as a result is a target for the younger males. Often becoming hysterical in response. Stays close to mother Spitter for protection.

 

Shiba 

Date of Birth 22.05.81
Independent, tough. On the outside of the main political power but respectful due to her strength of character. A loner. Rarely seeks out the company save her family. Very attentive to Sembi and comes to her aid immediately, putting herself in harms way.
 

Koko   

Date of Birth 06.05.79
Outside the political power, but always seeking advancement and ways to dominate others. Often starts altercations for this reason. Generally intolerant of the infants. Often bites off more than she can chew then desperately solicits help. Very supportive of daughter Kamili.

Kuma   

Date of Birth 06.12.91
Adventurous, clever and confident in her abilities. Had a difficult time raising her son Furahi due to lack of family support. Her rivals for social status are Koko and Kamili and most of the conflicts Kuma is involved in concern these two. Very supportive of her son Furahi, leading him away if conflict arises.

Kamili   

Date of Birth 02.09.95
Clever and ambitious, shows real political nous. While generally intolerant of the infants, protects and interacts with Shikamoo. She is a trouble-maker and starts most of the conflicts that her mother eventually pays for.

Shona  

Date of Birth 09.10.87
Lowest ranking adult. Avoids altercations. Spends a lot of time alone. Occasionally receives family support from Shiba. Took on the role of surrogate for Chimbuka after Chiki died. Has a good relationship with Lubutu. Is often a target for younger males.

Samaki   

Date of Birth 27.11.01
Very confident with his size when confronting females, however not confident against males. Appears to be playing both sides, supporting Lubutu and instigating play whilst still supporting his family when needed.

Lani   

Date of Birth 26.05.02
Personality
Only female infant. Confident individual. Enjoys high status due to family. A bit aloof from the other juveniles.

Furahi   

Date of Birth 28.02.03
Beginning to bulk up and starting to push bounderies, harassing females and on occassion joining in when males are displaying, usually targeting Shona or Sacha. Has a close bond with his mother. Still quite playful with babies and Lubutu

Shikamoo   

Date of Birth 25.07.03
Inquisitive and mischievious. Beginning to bulk up and is starting to push bounderies, harassing females and has on occassion joined in when males are displaying. Still quite playful and enjoys wrestling with Sule.

Sembe 

Date of Birth 27.02.08
Very family orientated chimp, often stays close to mum. Shows the same strong personality characteristics represented by her family. Often seen interacting with Sule in a dominating manner.

Sule 

Date of Birth 04.04.08
Good natured, very playful and is often the first to provide comfort and reconciliation to others in the group. Sule likes interacting with keepers and getting involved when males are displaying, often seen displaying himself. Enjoys his own company. Is the best looking chimp baby we have ever had in the group.