Chimpanzees
Hunting and deforestation is taking its toll on the wild Chimpanzee population. Only 50 years ago, over one million chimps lived in Africa – that number has dropped dramatically to between 170,000 and 300,000, the species now having an ‘endangered’ status.
Our closest living animal relative, humans share almost 99% of their DNA with Chimpanzees with only a 1.2% variance!
IUCN Listing: Endangered
At risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Western and Central Africa
Natural Habitat
Tropical Forests
Diet
Insects, eggs, leaves, fruit
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 30 – 40 years
In zoos: 50 – 60 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
8 months. 1 – 2 infants
Group Name
Troop
Active Hours
During the day
Threats
Poaching, habitat loss, diseases
Fun Fact
Chimps make some noisy neighbours. Their vocalisations can be heard up to a mile away!
The Welsh Mountain Zoo supports the…
Wild Chimpanzee Foundation
The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation’s mission is to enhance the survival of the remaining wild chimpanzee populations and their habitat, thereby participating in saving the behavioural diversity of this fascinating species. The philosophy of the WCF is threefold: Implement projects of Education, Conservation, and Research for and by the African people.
WCF implements conservation projects in Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; concentrating activities in regions where wild chimpanzees are still abundant to ensure their future survival.
