Zoo's baby chimpanzee to be sent elsewhere after mother's rejection
Zookeepers had to hand-rear baby Cassie after the chimpanzee was dropped by its mother hours after birth, breaking its leg. After failed reunion attempts the zoo said it's in the primate's best interest to send it elsewhere.
A baby chimpanzee named Cassie will soon be sent to a new facility following her mother's rejection. At Rockhampton Zoo in June, Sile gave birth to Cassie, but the baby was dropped hours after birth, breaking its leg. Zookeepers had to care for Cassie, mimicking all interactions as closely as possible to typical chimpanzee behavior.
After she healed, attempts to reunite Cassie with her mother and another female adult in the troop resulted in aggression from both females. Primate team leader Jo Thrower stated that for Cassie's best interest, it is crucial for her to grow up among other chimps. While the community loves Cassie and would like to see her grow up locally, the zoo's primary concern is her welfare.
She emphasized that staying in human care would cause bigger issues in the long run. The final decision about where Cassie will be sent is still being worked out, but the zoo is committed to ensuring her development proceeds smoothly.
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