Chimp Island
Meet Chippie, Gill, Peter, Karolina and Karsa
Follow the path by the river and you’ll find our chimpanzee troop on their private island home. Here, they spend their days exploring, foraging, resting in the sunshine and showing off just how social and intelligent chimps really are.
Our group is made up of Chippie, Gill, Peter, Karolina and her young daughter Karsa. Chippie, our dominant male, was born here at the park and turned 38 last year. Gill, our 55-year-old female, has been part of the troop for a decade and brings a steady presence to the group. Peter, aged 33, is one of the newer additions and has settled in well since arriving a couple of years ago.
More recently, Karolina (33) joined us from Gdańsk Zoo with her three-year-old daughter Karsa as part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. After a carefully managed introduction process, they’re now fully part of the troop and continuing to build strong bonds with the others. Karsa, still very young, has quickly become a bright spark in the group – full of curiosity, playfulness and energy as she begins to explore her new world.
Each chimp brings something different to the group, and visitors often spot those relationships in action – from relaxed grooming sessions to bursts of play.
It’s a fascinating time for the troop, with new friendships forming and a young chimp helping to shape the next chapter of life on the island.
Can you spot them?
If they’re feeling sociable, you can view our chimps from the platform on the riverbank. You might spot some typical chimp behaviours, such as grooming, hunting for food or talking to each other with a series of lip smacks, teeth chattering, grunts or screeches.
Why do the chimps live on the island?
Chimpanzees can be quite territorial. Having their own space means they’re more relaxed and can live naturally, roaming for food, playing and snoozing when they wish.
Natural chimpanzee behaviours
Our keepers try to limit the amount of contact the chimps have with humans and feed them in a number of different ways that encourage natural behaviour. You might spot food being catapulting onto the island from near the viewing platform! We also hang various enrichments from trees and hide things around the island for the chimps to forage.
Time for bed?
At night our chimps will decide where they want to sleep. The keepers will leave materials for them to build a new bed each night – so it’s up to them whether they want to stay cosy in the house or build their bed out under the stars.
