The difficult integration of baby chimpanzee Ekon into his group continues successfully, and, along with his mother, in this new phase he now lives with his one-year-old sister Cala and his aunt Noelia. Their displays of affection and constant play are essential for the little one's optimal development, both physically and socially. The technical team at the Valencian park provides the utmost care to the entire group and remains cautious in the delicate situation of continuing the bottle-feeding protocol. The BIOPARCs in Fuengirola and Valencia and the Foundation actively contribute to the preservation of the western chimpanzee, which is listed as critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
BIOPARC Valencia The integration of the five-month-old baby chimpanzee, Ekon, continues to progress successfully., who had to be separated from her group to save her life feeding her with a bottleThe team specializing in primatology studies each step and, although logic and theory clearly show the path to follow, caution is absolute and if just a month ago the emotional reunion with his mother Eva took place, the next move is equally full of tenderness, because Now he lives with his sister Cala, who is just over a year old, and his aunt Noelia. The natural attachment between family groups of this species, combined with the enormous interest, curiosity, and displays of affection for the little one, provide touching images that the park wants to share.
Evolution of the development and socialization process of Ekon.
The subgroup formed by the Two sisters and their offspring are fundamental in the development and socialization process of Ekon And these first few days, insisting as always on caution, the results have been optimal. As he joins the group as a whole, the stages are being met, and the objectives in this phase are clear, as it is vital to stimulate the little one, and for this, Cala's role is a priority. Given the difficulty in moving due to his young age, the best incentive is being instinctively follow her sister in their constant games, jumps, and pirouettes. This physical exercise allows them to strengthen their muscles and activate their abilities.
At the same time, this social contact is essential and represents progress in their interaction with other individuals, both adults and juveniles. As this situation consolidates, progress will be made in joining other members of the "family", always ensuring maximum well-being and cohesion: six-year-old Djibril who shows great interest, the male Moreno and the other three females, Malin, Py and Natalia (sister of Eva and Noelia).
Commitment to chimpanzee conservation.
It is worth emphasizing the difficulty of the challenge that this delicate decision implies which was taken from the park, as it was still for a while ekon will continue to be fed with bottles offered by the professional staff.
The commitment of the BIOPARC, both from Valencia and Fuengirola and from the Foundation with the western chimpanzee conservation (Pan troglodytes verus) is total and this little one represents the hope for this unique primateIt is estimated that it could become extinct in about 35 years and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as critically endangered, so it must be address their protection urgently and comprehensively.
Video: Heartwarming moments of the hand-raised chimpanzee at BIOPARC Valencia with his sister and aunt.
On the one hand, the BIOPARCs host the largest group in Spain and contribute with success in scientifically controlled breeding within the international program (EEP) trying to ensure its survival. On the other hand, in Kédougou (Senegal), the BIOPARC Foundation Partially finances part of the reforestation and sustainability program Agroforestry in the habitat of this subspecies carried out by the Jane Goodall Institute.
