Baby chimpanzee born at Colchester Zoo for the first time in 17 years
Colchester Zoo is celebrating the birth of a healthy baby chimpanzee to mum Kora and dad Napoleon.
A baby chimpanzee has been born at Colchester Zoo for the first time in over 17 years.
The newborn joined the Zoo’s chimpanzee group after Kora, a female chimpanzee born at the Zoo in November 1999, gave birth during the early hours of 17th January 2026.
This marks the first baby chimpanzee welcomed at the Zoo since Talia was born in March 2009. According to Colchester Zoo’s Animal Care Team, both mum and baby are doing well, alongside dad Napoleon.
Napoleon, the newborn’s father, came to Colchester Zoo from Bioparc Fuengirola, Spain on 2nd April 2025. His arrival was part of an EEP (EAZA Ex Situ Programme) breeding recommendation.
By late April 2025, Napoleon had been successfully integrated into the female group, and his interactions with the trio began. Characteristically larger than the females, Napoleon can often be spotted rolling on the floor, making him easy to recognise.
Chimpanzees are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, largely due to threats like habitat loss from deforestation and bushmeat hunting.
This latest arrival is an important contribution to conservation efforts for chimpanzees, which face significant challenges in their natural habitats.
Colchester Zoo has acknowledged the excitement surrounding the new arrival and has kindly requested that visitors remain quiet when visiting Chimpanzee Lookout.
This will help give the new family time to settle. The Zoo plans to share regular updates about the baby via its website and social media platforms.