Chimpanzee
Scientific namePan troglodytes
Conservation status (IUCN)
Endangered
Chimpanzees are a species of ape found in Africa. They're our closest living relative!
Sydney
Visitor tips for Sydney
You can meet our Chimpanzee family on the African Savannah trail.
12pm
Keeper Talk
Fun facts about Chimpanzees
We bet you didn't know these facts about these adventurous apes!
Scroll across and tap the icons to reveal info on Chimps.
Not monkeys!
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives...but, contrary to popular belief - they are not monkeys! They are a type of ape.
Life savers
You could even receive a blood transfusion from a chimp if you shared the same blood type!
Eat, sleep, play, repeat!
In the wild, Chimpanzees mostly eat and sleep in trees.
Social butterflies
Chimpanzees are very social – they can live in groups from 12 – 100+
Chimpanzee 'L Plates'
Young chimpanzees have a tuft of white hair on their backside, signaling to adults that they are still learning the ropes. It's like they're on their L Plates!
Motherly love
Young chimpanzees have a lifelong bond with their mother.
Did you know?
60 yrs
Chimpanzees can live up to 60+ years in Zoo care, and around 45 years in the wild.
Where they live
Forests and Savannahs
60kg
Chimpanzees can weigh between 30kg-60kg.
What they eat
Fruit, vegetable, plants and animals.
Where they're found
Africa
1.7m
Chimpanzees can be anywhere from 1.2m - 1.7m tall.
Before they're born
The gestation period is 235 days
60 yrs
Chimpanzees can live up to 60+ years in Zoo care, and around 45 years in the wild.
Where they live
Forests and Savannahs
60kg
Chimpanzees can weigh between 30kg-60kg.
What they eat
Fruit, vegetable, plants and animals.
Where they're found
Africa
1.7m
Chimpanzees can be anywhere from 1.2m - 1.7m tall.
Before they're born
The gestation period is 235 days
WATCH: Celebrating 65 years of Chimpanzee Research
In June 2025, we celebrated 65 years since Dr Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in Gombe, Tanzania — a study that forever changed how we understand animals, conservation, and our connection to the natural world.
Species management programs
Taronga contributes to an Australasian Species Management Program and/or international breeding program for this species. This helps maintain healthy and resilient zoo-based animal populations by preserving genetic diversity, supporting animal husbandry knowledge, and ensuring exceptional animal welfare, safeguarding the species for the future.
Chimpanzee deep dive
Discover more about what makes these chimps so charming.
Recyle your phone, save primates
You can recycle your phone at both of Taronga’s Zoos! But wait, what do mobile phones have to do with Gorillas, Siamang and other great apes? Find out with They’re Calling On You.
