Happy Birthday Capri!

Published on 12 February 2019

Rockhampton Zoo has marked an incredibly special milestone today with one of the community’s favourite animals, baby chimpanzee Capri, celebrating her first birthday.

Chimpanzees and visitors alike enjoyed birthday cake, special presents were shared, and funds were raised for the Jane Goodall Institute Australia which works to protect chimpanzees and restore habitats.

Parks Committee Chair, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, said it was hard to believe bub was turning one already.

“It definitely doesn’t seem like a year ago that we all welcomed Leakey and Alon’s precious baby, the first chimpanzee born in Queensland for decades.

“To say she has found a place in our community’s heart would be an understatement. From helping to name her, to watching her first steps, to seeing her learning to climb, our residents have been there every step of the way.

“The warm wishes and regular visits from our community have truly made Capri a part of the Rockhampton Regional family.

“Her excellent development is testament to the outstanding team of staff and volunteers we are lucky enough to have here at Rockhampton Zoo. They should be incredibly proud of all they do, not only our chimpanzees but for all of the animals.

“Their passion is clear in person but also online, as keepers post regular updates and achievements on the Rockhampton Zoo Facebook page.  If anyone reading this is not yet following the page I would highly recommend you do so; it’s a wonderful way to keep up with what’s going on.”

Mayor Margaret Strelow said people had travelled from the rest of Queensland and beyond to get a glimpse of baby Capri.

“Capri has become a bit of a celebrity at Rockhampton Zoo and her story over the past year has been followed by people all around the country, and even internationally,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Since Capri was born we have seen the numbers to the Zoo increase dramatically: we have had over 70,000 extra visits, an increase of 60%.

“Some of that is from our local community, but we know lots of it is from tourists too.

“People all across Australia (and even other parts of the world) have travelled to Rockhampton to meet Capri, and that means they have also been able to enjoy plenty of the other fantastic attractions we have on offer as well.

“I am sure they, like our community, will continue to visit to see Capri as she grows up.”