Zoo Saddened at Loss of Baby Chimpanzee

LITTLE ROCK (September 7, 2024) – A baby chimpanzee born August 23 at the Little Rock Zoo died earlier this morning. Initial necropsy results did not show a conclusive cause of death.

The baby chimpanzee was born to Kianga, a chimpanzee living at the Little Rock Zoo since 2020. The birth was a breeding recommendation by the Species Survival Plan. The infant was showing strong signs of suckling, and all indications were that Kianga was providing excellent care. Early this morning Zoo staff noticed that the infant was pale and notified veterinary staff for assistance. Kianga laid the infant down and staff were able to separate the infant from Kianga. Zoo veterinary staff then determined the infant had passed.

Necropsy results showed an enlarged heart and head trauma, but it cannot be determined if the head trauma was pre or postmortem. Lab samples have been collected for analysis to further determine a cause of death.  

About the Zoo:

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.

For more information on Little Rock Zoo, visit www.littlerockzoo.com or call 501-661-7200.