LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- The Little Rock Zoo has announced an important update for its chimpanzee troop, as two well-known members, Mtoto and Kendi, prepare to move to another accredited zoo later this spring.
Kendi, who was born at the zoo, and Mtoto, a longtime member of the troop, will be transferred as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, according to zoo officials. The program coordinates animal care, breeding and relocation efforts among accredited institutions to help ensure the long-term health and sustainability of species in human care.
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Zoo officials say the decision reflects a broader, science-based approach to chimpanzee management, one that mirrors natural social structures and behaviors found in the wild.
Zoo staff say while the transition is bittersweet, it also marks an important step in ongoing conservation efforts…