Maryland Zoo: The Chimpanzee Forest

 Spent the first part of my volunteer shift on New Year's Day at the Maryland Zoo managing crowd control at the Chimpanzee Forest.  Starting off the new year at the Maryland Zoo was a perfect way to christen 2021.  The Chimpanzee Forest is the largest structure/complex in the Zoo's African Journey that is open to the public.  (I am certain that our African Elephant "Barn" is larger.)  Inside are three large habitats with natural light and a range of faux trees, vines, ropes and even a large hammock in the largest of the three--one of the habitats for our Chimpanzee troop.  Chimps also have behind the scenes habitats and a massive exterior habitat.  

Our troop currently sports 15 members.  4 adult males, 8 adult females, and 3 infant females.  Between the options, they also reinvent themselves into sub-groups.  Today, the inside habitat hosted 10 of 15.  Males: Kesoji and Louie; Females: Bunny, Raven, Asali, Carol, Joyce and Jane; and two of our three infants: Lola and Violet.

Above and Below: Raven with her offspring, Violet.  Violet just turned 1 on December 29th.  Violet is often seen playing with Lola--the other newborn.  

Lola was born to Bunny on July 5, 2019.  At a year and half, she's proven to be an irrepressible force in the troop.  Fearless, she sees it, then goes for it.  Period.  He courage is equaled her social savvy.  She seems destined to attaining an alpha status.