So, although sometimes Zuhura can appear to be rough with Jane, don’t worry! Jane is learning new behaviors from this playtime and if you look closely, you might even see both of them laughing just like human children do. Play bouts also teach young chimpanzees social skills such as dominance, submission, confidence and reconciliation. Play is an important part of a young chimpanzee’s life as they learn important skills for when they reach adulthood, such as running, climbing, wrestling and displaying. When Jane seems to have had enough, Abby disciplines her granddaughter (Zuhura) with a quick grunt and shake of her hand, which tells her to stop.

Still young herself at age 5, Zuhura can be a little rough when she plays with her youngest sister. It’s clear Zuhura cannot wait until Jane gets older and can follow her around the habitat and play. While others admire the little girl without touching, her half-sister Zuhura is overjoyed to have a young playmate. Abby is popular in the troop now that she is carrying a little one on her chest as all of the other chimpanzees want to spend time around Jane. Some of the chimpanzees are gentle with her and will lightly place a hand onto Jane’s back while she sits between the adults or gently, with one finger, touch the top of her head.

Occasionally, with her stumbling walk, Jane will reach out her hand to them to greet them, a chimpanzee communication she has learned from watching her mom and others. Many individuals can be seen sitting near Abby and grooming her, just to get a closer look at their youngest member. The rest of the troop is still enamored with their newest addition. Each day, Jane would venture a little bit higher and test out her strength and balance by letting go of one of her hands.

At first, she held onto Abby for extra support but she soon was ready to reach new heights without mom’s help. It took the little one about a week to be coordinated and confident enough to move her foot to take a step, but after that she was ready to explore! Climbing was her next big feat. Holding on to Abby with one hand for support, she tried to reach forward to grab onto something sturdy to balance herself. Everything in her world is something new to explore and we’ve already started to see Jane’s curious and intelligent nature. As Jane wakes up, laying on her mom Abby’s chest, she stretches out her spindly legs, releases her grip on her mother’s hair and looks around. Now 6 months old, when the baby yawns, she reveals six pearly whites. Animal care staff recently noticed two new white teeth peeking out through the gums of infant chimpanzee Jane.

Baby chimpanzee