We’re excited to share some lovely news from the chimp house – two new chimpanzees have joined the troop here at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
Karolina (33) and her three-year-old daughter Karsa arrived earlier this year from Gdańsk Zoo. After travelling by land and sea through six different countries, they reached the park safely on the 5th of February and have been settling in behind the scenes while they get used to their new surroundings.
Their move was coordinated through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), run by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The programme brings accredited zoos together to help maintain healthy, genetically diverse and socially stable populations of endangered species in human care.
Since arriving, Karolina and Karsa have been gradually introduced to the park’s resident chimpanzees – Chippie (38), Gill (55) and Peter (33). Introducing new chimps to an established group is a careful process. Like us, chimpanzees form strong social bonds, so our keepers take introductions slowly, closely monitoring behaviour and adjusting each stage to suit the individuals involved.
Our purpose-built chimp house allows the team to mix and separate the chimps as needed, gradually building familiarity while making sure everyone remains comfortable and confident. Over the past few weeks, Karolina and Karsa have been meeting each member of the troop, with encouraging early signs including relaxed body language, chimps resting near one another and plenty of curiosity from both sides.
Karsa is still very much like an infant in both size and behaviour, and she’s already bringing plenty of playful energy to the group. As she grows more confident, visitors can look forward to watching her antics as new friendships begin to form.
Chimps Team Leader Ailsa McCormick said:
“It’s been incredibly rewarding for the team to watch Karolina and Karsa find their feet here at Blair Drummond. Those first interactions with Chippie, Gill and Peter were really special to witness – they mark the start of new relationships that may last a lifetime.
Welcoming Karsa feels particularly significant for us. She’s the first infant chimp we’ve had here since Chippie was young. Young chimps bring curiosity, energy and playfulness, and that can have a positive ripple effect throughout the group. We’re very much looking forward to watching her grow up here alongside Karolina, Chippie, Gill and Peter.”
There’s also a brand-new way for visitors to see the chimps! We’ve recently installed a reinforced glass viewing window inside the chimp house, allowing guests to watch the chimps indoors for the very first time in the park’s history.
From enrichment activities and nest-building to health care training sessions with the keepers, it offers a fascinating glimpse into daily chimp life behind the scenes.
The chimp house viewing window opens to visitors on the 14th of March, giving guests the chance to see Karolina and Karsa, alongside Chippie, Gill and Peter, as the troop begins an exciting new chapter together.