Scottish safari park welcomes first chimpanzee in eight years in adorable video

A Scottish safari park has welcomed a new chimpanzee for the first time in eight years, and has shared an adorable video to mark the occasion.

Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling is now home to 31-year-old male chimp Peter, and visitors can see him for themselves. The chimpanzee was transferred to Blair Drummond from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on February 29.

Peter had been living with another male chimp, Tommy, before the move was recommended by the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. It is hoped that his move to Blair Drummond will allow Tommy to re-integrate with Twycross’s breeding troop.

Since February 29, Peter has been settling into his new home. On April 4, he was introduced to Blair Drummond's resident male, Chippie.

According to the safari park, the meeting was meticulously planned. This is because introducing chimps to each other can be a complicated process, and requires both patience and stringent safety procedures.

Blair Drummond chimpanzee team leader Alasdair Gillies commented: "Introducing Peter and Chippie for the first time was naturally quite nerve-wracking. Thankfully, this went very well, and the two boys quickly engaged in playing behaviours.

"Chippie was born here 37 years ago and had never actually met another male chimp. However, he’s always been very playful, and we were hopeful that he would enjoy finally having a male friend to play with.

"Happily, this appears to be the case. Peter has also since been introduced to our female chimp, Gill, and the troop now have unrestricted contact with each other.

"We’re delighted that Peter has integrated so well and are certain he will enhance the dynamics of our troop."

Meanwhile, keeper Georgie Taylor described Peter as "really thoughtful and clever, adding: "He’s always watching everything around him and is quite talkative too. He’s not shy about telling us exactly what he wants.

"He’s a brilliant climber and a star in his daily training sessions. We’ve had to earn his trust but now he knows us better, he’s full of character."

According to Blair Drummond, all species of chimpanzee are now considered to be endangered in the wild. This is because of a number of threats that include habitat loss, disease, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.

More information can be found on the Blair Drummond Safari Park website.

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