ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Detroit Zoo has introduced its newest and cutest addition — a baby chimpanzee born to first-time mom, Tanya.
The newborn chimp was born Friday, May 26th, to the delight of zoo officials in Royal Oak.
"Both mother and son are doing well and enjoying some much-needed rest and bonding time," the zoo said on its Facebook page on Tuesday, stating that “Tanya is an attentive mother, taking excellent care of her baby.”
The zoo said they aren't surprised that 31-year-old Tanya is taking to motherhood with ease. She has been central to caring for the zoo's other young chimpanzees for many years, including 3-year old Zane, who was born in 2020.
Tanya and her infant son now join 11 other chimpanzees in the zoo's Great Apes of Harambee habitat. Officials said the new family will making their introductions to the rest of the troop and make their way into habitats that can be viewed by the public when Tanya feels comfortable enough to do so.
"As a result, Tanya and her new baby may not be visible to the public for periods of time," officials added, but more photos and videos will be posted to the zoo's social media pages.
The Great Apes of Harambee is a 4-acre habitat that also houses the critically endangered western lowland gorilla. According to the zoo's website, the primates spend most of their days "foraging, grooming and playing, just as they would in their native African environment."
In Michigan's chiller winter months, the chimpanzees can be viewed in their habitat’s indoor viewing area.