Rockhampton Regional Council has shared the deeply saddening news that Mary, one of Rockhampton Zoo's beloved chimpanzees, delivered stillborn twins on Saturday morning.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the loss is heartbreaking and will be felt by staff, volunteers and the wider community.
"It is incredibly sad to share this update," Cr Rutherford said.
"Mary conceived approximately one month after her arrival from Sydney Zoo in July last year, with the troop's alpha male, Alon.
"Her pregnancy had been monitored closely by the zoo team, with regular checks by staff and our vet, and there was a great deal of interest from the community.
"We were hoping to have some really happy and exciting news to share this week, but sadly that is not the case."
Rockhampton Zoo Acting Curator and Chimpanzee Specialist, Blair Chapman, said the rarity of the pregnancy adds to the loss further.
"Twin pregnancies in chimpanzees are extremely rare, occurring in only around two percent of cases," Mr Chapman said.
"Because of the way Mary was carrying, and because she is not yet trained for ultrasounds, it was not possible to know in advance that Mary was carrying twins, so this information only became clear after her delivery."
Mr Chapman said a veterinary necropsy has been carried out.
"The results show that although both infants were full term and normal size, they were stillborn," he said.
"Sadly, there is a much higher mortality rate with chimpanzee twins, and given that it was Mary's first pregnancy, this may have increased the risk."
"Further results from the necropsy are to come and may give more information."
The zoo team are currently focusing on Mary's health and recovery.
"Mary is doing okay physically and is beginning to eat, drink and move around more," Mr Chapman said.
"She is understandably subdued, and we have seen similar behaviour in the past when a chimpanzee has experienced a loss.
"The team are monitoring her closely and supporting her with her favourite foods and nutrient‑rich smoothies."
The chimpanzee enclosure is currently partially closed to give the troop some privacy.
Rockhampton Zoo sincerely thanks the community for their support.
