Gladys Porter Zoo introduces two new chimps

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Gladys Porter Zoo has two new members, and they are not monkeying around.

Kumi a 45-year-old chimpanzee and her 34-year-old son are moving into the Gladys Porter Zoo.

Kumi and Kibale arrived from Honolulu Zoo in September. After completing the mandatory quarantine period, primate keepers began working on introducing the pair to the resident chimps at the zoo.

Before their arrival, the zoo's troop consisted of Rusty, a 52-year-old female and matriarch of the group. The other troop members include Camille, JK and the male of the group, Sancho, all in their 40s.

"We are happy to report that Kumi and Kibale have been adjusting well to their new home and roommates," states Walter DuPree, Curator of Mammals at the Gladys Porter Zoo. "They're learning where they fit in with their new group. Watching their relationships develop has been rewarding and fascinating. The team that works with the chimps were careful to monitor positive signs between our original group and the two new animals. This couldn't have been accomplished without their knowledge and care. We are thrilled to see the two new chimps being adopted by the others. It is a good day."