Rockhampton Zoo’s resident chimpanzees Ockie and Cassie celebrated their first Valentines Day in female company yesterday after they were finally brought together with new arrivals Holly and Samantha.

As can be expected with a match making endeavour, there were some nerves to begin with when the foursome were brought together last Wednesday, but by Valentines Day the girls and their suitors were enjoying their new relationships.

Chair of Councils’ Sport and Recreation Committee Councillor Cherie Rutherford said it seemed on all accounts to be a match made in heaven.

“It’s great to see these four chimps, who are all very socially inexperienced, interacting together so well,” Cr Rutherford said.

“They seem to have overcome their initial nerves and are relaxing around each other and are taking part in natural chimp behaviours.

“The boys are really happy to have their new friends and the girls seem equally happy to be here.

“We look forward to moving forward with a breeding program, which will focus on Samantha first to give Holly a chance to learn more about how mothers and babies interact.”

Cr Rutherford encouraged the public to visit the zoo to see the chimps first hand.

“It’s great to see how they are getting along and it’s especially interesting during the daily feeding and show time at 3pm daily.”

Holly and Samantha are the first other chimpanzees that Cassie and Ockie have seen in more than 25 years and Rockhampton Zoo staff are overwhelmed by how well the four have interacted with each other.

Zoo staff will continue to monitor their progress to ensure their relationships build naturally and look forward to eventually welcoming some baby chimps to the Rockhampton Zoo.