Los Feliz News
Infant Chimp Killed By Male Chimp At Zoo
By Damian Kelly
Jun 27, 2012 - 8:18:39 PM

LOS FELIZ—A baby chimpanzee died at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens after an adult male chimpanzee attacked the 3-month-old in her habitat on Tuesday, June 26.

A press release from the L.A. Zoo indicates zoo visitors witnessed the death of the unnamed infant chimpanzee which was born March 6 and was the daughter of Gracie. 

The L.A. Zoo at Griffith Park.

According to Zoo spokesperson Jason Jacobs, there was no indication of aggressive behavior towards the infant, who was gradually introduced to the coed chimpanzee troop. Zoo staff was unable to remove the infant from the habitat during the attack. Jacobs added that chimpanzees are strong and potentially dangerous so the policy of the Zoo is to not allow staff to enter the same space as the chimpanzees. Gracie was allowed to keep the dead infant overnight to allow her the opportunity to grieve.

Jacobs added it was “a heartbreaking and tragic loss for the Zoo and especially for the Great Ape Team who have worked diligently to care for the infant and its mother since its birth.”

The chimp was reportedly the first to be born in 13 years at the zoo habitat which houses one of the largest chimpanzee troops in a North American zoo.

The chimpanzee exhibit was open when the L.A. Zoo opened the following day on Wednesday, June 27.