We have some BIG news to share! Binti, a 37-year-old chimpanzee, gave birth on Friday, April 22, to a healthy female. Binti experienced some complications with the birth and needed medical intervention to address a retained placenta. Thanks to the quick action of her caretakers and the veterinary team from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Binti is recovering well. While she is getting her strength back, the infant is being cared for round-the-clock by the Great Apes team and is healthy and thriving.
Chimpanzees are an endangered species, and being driven to extinction by habitat loss, disease and their biggest threat, illegal poaching. Zoo Knoxville is working in partnership with 32 other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure a healthy population remains as hope for the future.
We’ll be updating on their progress, including when the new infant may be on view to the public, frequently over the next few weeks so please check back for the latest news.
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Tina Rolen is director of marketing and communications at Zoo Knoxville.