The infants and their moms, Yoshi and Vindi, are doing well and bonding at the Zoo’s Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains habitat
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CREDIT: © Los Angeles Zoo
LOS ANGELES, CA – Sept. 25, 2025 – The Los Angeles Zoo is buzzing with excitement as two new female chimpanzees were born over the last few weeks. These are the first chimpanzees born at the L.A. Zoo in 11 years (2014).
The first unnamed female infant was born to 35-year-old female Yoshi (YO-shee) and 26-year-old male Pu’iwa (P/ʊ/-ee-vuh) on Aug. 20, which also happens to be Pu’iwa’s birthday. This is Yoshi’s third offspring and Pu’iwa’s first. The second yet-to-be-named female infant was born on Sept. 9 to first-time mother eighteen-year-old female Vindi. Animal caregivers report that Yoshi and Vindi and their infants are all doing well and bonding.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the newest members of the troop!” said Candace Sclimenti, curator of mammals at the L.A. Zoo. “These are significant births for the Zoo and both are welcome additions to the dynamic, multi-male, mixed-age troop which closely mirrors the species’ natural social structure in the wild. Not only are these births vital for the well-being and social composition of the chimpanzees in our care, but they also play an important role in supporting the broader population in AZA accredited zoos both genetically and demographically.”
The Los Angeles Zoo has a long history caring for chimpanzees and has a breeding program that is part of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) designed to increase genetic diversity and sustainability of the North American Chimpanzee population. The Zoo’s Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains habitat, which opened in 1998, has long been lauded by experts and renowned primatologists as one of the finest in the country for chimps. It features built-in enrichment including termite mounds and a waterfall; four viewing areas for guests, with opportunities for the chimps to choose to get out of the public view when they want; and an open-air “penthouse” that is adjacent to their indoor areas.
“Having known Yoshi and her family for nearly 30 years, and watching her grow up, it is so lovely to see her as a new mother again,” said Megan Fox, senior animal keeper at the L.A. Zoo. “Yoshi is an experienced mom and this is Vindi’s first baby, but moms and infants are bonding and have been settling into the role of motherhood very well. It’s exciting to have these new additions to the troop, and they are adding a whole new social dynamic to the troop.”
Chimpanzees are native to the forests and grasslands in east, central, and west Africa ranging from Senegal to Tanzania. Along with gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos, chimpanzees are great apes. They are one of the closest genetic relatives to humans. Chimps communicate using a wide variety of facial expressions, gestures, and vocalizations. Chimpanzee height ranges from 3.5 to 5 feet; weight ranges from 70 to 150 pounds. Males can be up to 20 percent larger than females. Their life expectancy is 50 to 60 years.
Chimps in the wild live and travel in troops of 30 to 80 individuals led by a dominant male. Challenges to the dominant male are common and the group leader typically changes every three to five years. Chimps live in a “fission-fusion” society, breaking into smaller temporary subgroups (fission) during the day. Smaller groups have a better opportunity to find sufficient food. In the evening, they reunite (fusion) to build nests and sleep. Larger groups offer better protection against predators. At the L.A. Zoo, chimps practice their own fission-fusion, breaking into subgroups during the day to either lounge in the penthouse or head out into the main habitat to enjoy the waterfall. They reunite at night in their sleeping quarters.
Chimpanzees are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats include human-wildlife conflict and other human activities including poaching, hunting, deforestation, and more. Although chimpanzees are protected in 34 national parks and reserves, those laws can be difficult to enforce in remote regions.
Viewing availability may vary in the first few weeks.
About the Los Angeles Zoo: The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 2 to 12. For more information, visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.
CONTACT:
Carl Myers | 323-644-4273
lazoo.press@lacity.org