Happy birthday Cassius!

Published on 18 October 2017

Rockhampton Regional Council has celebrated a very special birthday with one of the Zoo’s much loved chimpanzees, Cassius, turning 46 today.

Chair of Council’s Parks, Recreation and Sports Committee Councillor Cherie Rutherford said many zoo-goers would be well acquainted with Cassius, who has called the local zoo home for the past 31 years. 

“Cassius is a familiar face at the Rockhampton Zoo and a very popular member of the zoo family,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Over the years many residents and visitors have fallen in love with him and his beautiful and playful personality. 

“If you are around the area, try and make a special stop to see him and the zoo staff.” 

Among those passing on birthday wishes to Cassius is Rockhampton Zoo Life Sciences Coordinator, Graeme Strachan.

Mr Strachan began working at the Rockhampton Zoo and directly with Cassius in 2008 however first crossed paths with the well-known chimp some four decades prior.

“I remember first meeting Cassius in the ‘70s when I was in the Gold Coast, which is where Cassius was born and hand raised,” Mr Strachan said.

“Cassius was just one year old. It was quite remarkable seeing him when I began working here so many years later and now being able to see him almost every day.

“For all of the staff here, he has become our best mate.”

Cassius was brought to the Rockhampton Zoo at the age of 15. He arrived with his brother Octavius and the pair quickly won many visitors' hearts. Sadly Octavius passed away in September, 2013. 

Cassius has since been integrated with four new chimps: Samantha – who is 34, Holly – who is 29, Leakey – who is 22 and Alon – who is 9.

"He is a very good role model for Alon, who also has a nice personality like Cassius,” Mr Strachan said.

“He is one of the few chimps I have ever known who doesn’t seem capable of deceit, what you see is what you get."

Cassius is the alpha of the group; a position he initially wasn’t very eager to take on.

“Like most of us, Cassius is hesitant of change but he has adapted and grown in confidence in this changing environment and now behaves in a manner befitting an alpha male,” Mr Strachan said.

“He will display and discipline the other chimps, something he would not think of doing a few years back, and has gained the respect of the chimps around him."

Despite having a new alpha role and now in his mid-40s, Mr Strachan said Cassius is still very much young at heart.

“He is still capable of the occasional tantrum if he thinks another chimp is getting something he deserves.

“He also is still very active and playful so overall he’s aging really well.

“He’s also developing a very beautiful silver back.”

For information on the Rockhampton Zoo, click here.