The complicated protocol with which the animal conservation park team saved the life of the chimpanzee born in February is progressing well, maintaining caution. After completing the breeding phases under human care and bonding with his mother, sister, and aunts, a crucial step was taken when Moreno affectionately hugged Ekon. The group is part of the international program for the scientific preservation of the critically endangered subspecies Pan troglodytes verus.
Just a few days ago we were mourning the enormous loss of Jane Goodall, a mentor to those of us who, with complete conviction, believe that a better future for our planet is possible. This extraordinary woman taught us everything about chimpanzees and, most importantly, that only by knowing them can we love and protect them. The BIOPARC Valencia team was able to hear her “Reasons for hope” on his visit to the park in 2012 and since then he has faced very difficult situations in which the most important thing is the animal welfare.
In February of this year Eva gave birth to a beautiful baby in the chimpanzee group at the animal park, but various complications resulted in her being born The specialized primatology staff will activate a complicated protocol to save his life.During these months, he was initially bottle-fed, avoiding human imprinting and maintaining maternal and family contact. After the shortest possible time, he returned to his mother and, little by little, has been reunited with his sister and aunts. These were essential stages, but every decision involved a risk. Now a "huge" step has been taken when the long-awaited reunion with her father Moreno, the imposing male, has taken place.The warm welcome followed by the fraternal embrace and displays of affection has filled BIOPARC with enthusiasm.
Video: This is how the Ekon chimpanzee calf is evolving.
Once again it is worth remembering that the BIOPARCs of Fuengirola and Valencia They are home to the largest group of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), inside of the international conservation program under scientific criteria of this species, one of the most endangered on the planet, listed in Critically Endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
BIOPARCs and conservation Pan troglodytes verus.
This whole process is taking place in the indoor facilities perfectly adapted to facilitate these unions while maintaining the usual procedure of the entire group. Ekon (meaning strength) He has already acquired behaviors appropriate for his age, such as vocalization, crying, and whining. Thanks to the use of special elements and structures to stimulate his movements and exercises, we have observed how he is beginning to skillfully use his tiny fingers and toes, which he uses to climb nimbly and develop these innate behaviors.
The worrying situation of chimpanzees.
Between 1990 and 2014 the wild population was reduced by around 80%, an alarming trend that, if not reversed, could lead to its total disappearance in Africa by 2060Faced with this extreme situation, coordinated breeding programs in conservation parks and zoos play an essential role. Therefore, chimpanzees like Ekon symbolize the future of their species and the hope that we still have time to prevent their extinction.
