Peach, Chimpanzee at Tama Zoo, gave birth to a female calf on August 25, 2019. The baby was named Plum, after the fruit, in honor of its mother, Peach.

Related article: "Chimpanzee has been born!" (September 12, 2019)

This is Peach's second litter. The first time she gave birth, she didn't raise her cub, so animal keeper had to raise it for a while. There was a possibility that she might abandon this litter as well, so we have taken several measures to address that.

Fortunately, Momoko gave birth in April of that year, and we were able to capture the moment of birth on video. So, we showed Peach the video of Momoko giving birth, and repeatedly arranged for Peach to meet Momoko and her pups through an acrylic panel, trying to get Peach interested in childbirth and childcare.


Learn about Peach by watching videos
In fact, Peach was very interested in Momoko and her child and observed them closely. Also, once August arrived, when she was in her final month of pregnancy, we had her spend the whole day with Nana, a female Chimpanzee with whom she was usually close, to prepare an environment that would help Peach stay calm if she panicked during childbirth.

On the day of delivery, contrary to expectations, Peach gave birth without panicking and held her baby. However, for the first few days, she didn't seem to know how to hold the baby securely, and would lift her with one arm or hold her between her legs. Also, she didn't seem to know how to breastfeed, and at first, she couldn't bring Plum close to her breast properly.


Peach is nursing Plum.
We were watching anxiously, but on the second day, we observed her nursing for the first time. As time went on, she began to hold the baby more securely on her stomach, and nursing became more regular.

Currently, we are carefully repeating the process of gradually introducing Peach to the herd while observing her reactions. Peach is a dominant individual in the herd, so the preparations are progressing smoothly, and she is already visible to visitors.

Related article: "Plum, the baby Chimpanzee, will be on public display from October 10th! (October 8, 2019)"

It is said that Chimpanzee may abandon their first offspring but then raise their second. Peach may be one such example, but after her previous birth, she has likely grown in her own way by observing how other individuals raise their young and by interacting with the other Chimpanzee in the group. Please keep an eye on how Peach's behavior changes as she grows and becomes a mother.

Related article (The growth and integration into the herd of "Jin," who was also raised by hand)
"The growth of Chimpanzee 'Jin'" (May 7, 2010)
"Jin, Chimpanzee raised by hand, successfully joins the group with his foster mother!" (August 12, 2010)
"animal keeper 's observation of Chimpanzee 'Jin' joining the group" (August 13, 2010)
"Ten years after his birth, Chimpanzee 'Jin' is now" (July 6, 2018)

[Sumire Sato, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, North Tama Zoo]

(October 25, 2019)