A Hamilton Zoo chimp has died following an attack. The 20-year-old female chimpanzee named Chima, was recently moved to Hamilton Zoo as part of a regional breeding programme and died on Saturday April 4 after being introduced to dominant male, Luka.
Chima was attacked and badly bitten. Zoo staff worked around the clock to try and save Chima, with several staff members sleeping next to her enclosure after the attack.
The attack lasted only two minutes and the chimpanzees were separated by keepers. Chima had severe bite wounds to her neck, legs and bottom and these were stitched under general anaesthetic.
The introduction followed a plan based on general chimp behaviour as well as the behaviour of the individuals involved.
Zoo Director Stephen Standley said a plan for integrating Chima with the other chimpanzees had been prepared well in advance of her arrival.