Keepers at a Kent animal park are working around the clock to hand-rear a newborn chimpanzee after it was rejected by its mother. The tiny chimp, born just a few days ago, has captured the hearts of the park staff and has become the center of attention for visitors.

The little chimp, named Charlie, was born to first-time mother Lily at the Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent. However, soon after birth, Lily showed no interest in her baby and refused to care for it. This came as a shock to the park keepers who had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new addition to their chimpanzee family.

In a statement released by the park, Head of Primates, Ben Warren, said, “We are all saddened by Lily’s rejection of her newborn, but we are fully committed to ensuring that the little one receives the best care possible.”

The keepers at the park have taken on the role of surrogate parents for Charlie, providing him with round-the-clock care and attention. They have set up a special nursery for him, complete with a warm and cozy bed, plenty of toys and a nutritious diet.

Charlie’s care routine mimics that of a human baby, with regular feeding and nappy changes. The keepers also make sure to provide him with plenty of physical contact and stimulation, just like his mother would have done. This is crucial for the baby chimp’s development and well-being.

Despite the challenges of caring for a newborn chimp, the keepers are thrilled to have the opportunity to be so involved in Charlie’s early days. They have formed a strong bond with the tiny chimp and are determined to do everything in their power to give him the best start in life.

Charlie’s progress has been closely monitored by the park’s veterinary team, who are pleased to report that he is a healthy and thriving baby. He has already started to explore his surroundings and interact with his caretakers, showing signs of a curious and playful nature.

The park staff are also taking every opportunity to introduce Charlie to the other members of the chimpanzee family. This is an important step in his socialization and will help him to integrate into the group in the future.

Visitors to the park have been delighted to catch a glimpse of the adorable baby chimp, and many have expressed their support for the keepers’ efforts. The park has also been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and well wishes for Charlie on social media.

The hand-rearing of a newborn chimp is a rare occurrence, but the staff at Howletts Wild Animal Park are well-equipped to handle the situation. The park is renowned for its successful breeding programs and has a team of experienced keepers who are dedicated to the care and welfare of the animals.

As Charlie continues to grow and thrive, the keepers hope that he will one day be reunited with his mother and the rest of the chimpanzee family. Until then, they will continue to provide him with all the love and care he needs to become a healthy and happy chimp.

The story of Charlie’s journey has touched the hearts of many and serves as a reminder of the important work that animal parks like Howletts do in conservation and animal welfare. The park is committed to protecting and preserving endangered species and is proud to be making a difference in the world of wildlife.

In the coming weeks and months, visitors can look forward to watching Charlie grow and develop into a mischievous and adventurous young chimp. The park also hopes that his story will inspire others to learn more about these incredible animals and the importance of conservation efforts.

As the keepers at Howletts Wild Animal Park continue to pour all their love and care into Charlie, we can be sure that he is in the best hands possible. With their dedication and determination, this little chimp is sure to have a bright and promising future ahead.