July 14 – World Chimpanzee Day
On July 14, 1960, Dr. Jane Goodall arrived in what is now Gombe National Park, Tanzania, to begin her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees. This day marked the beginning of years of extensive research that has helped us learn more about our closest relatives. To mark this anniversary, we celebrate World Chimpanzee Day every year. This day is dedicated to these fascinating animals – chimpanzees. It is also a day to remember the people who have done so much to save them.
World Chimpanzee Day was first established by a group of non-governmental organizations, including the Jane Goodall Institute, the North American Primate Conservation Alliance, the Liberian Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection Service, and Lincoln Park Zoo.
Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives in the animal kingdom. We have over 98% of common DNA! They are so similar to us! Dr. Goodall was the first to observe and widely publicize that chimpanzees make and use tools, have complex communication and social structures, and can be altruistic. At the Gombe Stream Research Center, home to the longest-running and most continuous study of wild chimpanzees, and at the Tchimpunga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, we continue to learn from these amazingly unique and intelligent individuals. They live full lives and have complex social structures, including close friendships.
Unfortunately, chimpanzee populations are declining due to a variety of factors, and all chimpanzee species are now listed as endangered.
World Chimpanzee Day was created to raise awareness of these creatures, encourage people to learn more about these primates. In addition, this day encourages people to protect chimpanzees, working to ensure a promising future for them.
Breeding chimpanzees in zoos is one of the ways to preserve these primates. Mykolaiv Zoo joins the celebration of World Chimpanzee Day. Our zoo keeps a group of common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) consisting of 4 individuals: female Aliti and her three children born in our zoo: Chilina (born in 2008), Ramina (born in 2012), Sherman (born in 2016).
The culprits of the holiday, of course, should receive gifts! Young biologists of the zoo decided to treat the chimpanzees with sweet watermelons and melons – in such a heat, these are the best treats!
And you can see the group of chimpanzees in our photos or by visiting the zoo!
