Rockhampton Zoo to launch new chimpanzee encounter

From Saturday 26th June, Rockhampton Zoo will be commencing their first ever chimpanzee encounters giving visitors the chance to get closer with the resident chimpanzee troop of seven.

This follows the zoo’s successful meerkat encounters over the past three months.

Rockhampton Regional Councillor for Sports, Parks and Public Spaces, Cherie Rutherford said the encounters will give participants a back-of-house tour of the chimpanzee enclosure, where they will see training sessions, feeding sessions and learn firsthand how the chimps interact with staff and each other.

Rutherford adds “participants will be able to view the chimp den with our primate keepers and see the amazing work the staff carry out daily in helping to keep the troop happy and healthy.

“Whether it’s seeing how sweet Cassius can be, or watching the cheeky antics of little Capri and Gandali, I am certain these encounters will make an unbelievable experience for everyone and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tickets are now on sale from Rockhampton Zoo’s website. https://www.rockhamptonzoo.com.au/Home

Encounters will be available each Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

More on the encounters:

• Four people maximum per encounter

• Minimum age limit is 12 years old

• The encounter runs for up to 25 minutes

• Encounters are held at the chimpanzee night house and back of the chimpanzee enclosure

Fast facts on the chimpanzee troop:

• The troop at Rockhampton Zoo is made up of seven chimpanzees.

• The eldest is Cassius, who is 50 years old this year. The alpha of the troop is Alon, who is the father the babies in the troop – Capri and Gandali.

• The troop includes three mature females – Holly, Samantha and Leakey.