A chimpanzee has been euthanised at Wellington Zoo after he was critically injured during a fight among the troop.
In a Facebook post, the zoo said 11-year-old Kitwe was put down yesterday "due to the extent of his injuries".
It said fights and displays of aggression were common behaviours among chimpanzee troops.
"This is a natural part of chimp life, whether they’re living in the forest or in human care.
"Understanding this is part of chimpanzees’ nature does not make the loss of Kitwe any easier on our team, and we are all feeling this loss, especially the primate team who care for the chimps every day."
Zookeepers will be monitoring the troop to see how they settle over the next couple of weeks.
Kwite was born at the zoo in 2014, and named by the late primate conservationist Jane Goodall.
He was described as being "extremely sweet-natured" and loved playing with a younger chimp in the troop.
"His favourite meal of the day was dinner but generally he loved food no matter what it was – he made the best excited food noises and always had to let everyone else in the troop know when there was food around.
"He was the sweetest boy with the goofiest smile, and he will be greatly missed by everyone at the Zoo and across our community of visitors."
SHARE ME