Detroit Zoo Celebrates Birth Of Baby Chimpanzee

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Detroit Zoo is celebrating its newest addition, a baby chimpanzee who was born Friday to first-time mom, Tanya.

Zoo officials said 31-year-old Tanya and her newborn son are doing well and enjoying some much-needed rest and bonding time.

"Tanya is an attentive mother, taking excellent care of her baby," officials said.

Zoo officials said they're not surprised by Tanya's easy transition into motherhood, because she has provided care for the zoo's other young chimpanzees for many years, including 3-year-old Zane, who was born in 2020.

Officials said the new family will first introduce themselves to the rest of the troop when Tanya feels comfortable enough to do so, before making their way into habitats that can be viewed by the public.

So, the public may not be able to see Tanya and her new baby for periods of time, but officials said more photos and videos will be posted to the zoo's social media pages.

The Great Apes of Harambee, the Detroit Zoo's chimpanzee exhibit, is now home to 13 chimpanzees, with the new baby being born. They share a 4-acre exhibit with western lowland gorillas, which offers multiple viewing areas.