A chimpanzee named Natalia at the Bioparc Zoo in Valencia, Spain, has been observed carrying her deceased infant for three months, despite the baby’s death shortly after birth. According to zoo officials, this behavior began in February when the infant passed away.
Miguel Casares, the head of the zoo, explained that this type of behavior is not uncommon among chimpanzees. “This is a conduct that has been previously observed in chimpanzees, not only in zoos but also in the wild,” Casares said. He emphasized the significance of recognizing the grieving process in chimpanzees, noting the unusual duration of Natalia’s mourning.
Visitors to the zoo have reacted with initial shock upon seeing Natalia with her decomposed infant, but their understanding grows as they learn about the circumstances. “Our visitors, who at first are quite shocked by the sight of a dead baby, understand as soon as we explain to them why we have left it and why we keep it under observation,” Casares told Reuters.
The zookeepers continue to monitor Natalia closely, especially given her history of losing another offspring in 2018.
The emotional complexities of chimpanzees are well-documented, with studies showing they can experience a range of emotions similar to humans, such as joy, anger, and despair. The International Fund for Animal Welfare highlights the importance of social cohesion among chimpanzees, influenced by their capacity for emotional expression.
The conservation status of chimpanzees remains a concern, as they are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with their numbers declining steadily since the 1980s.
