Shanghai Zoo Imports More Chimps

Before showing up in Shanghai Zoo next spring, twenty chimpanzees from Japan received a comprehensive physical examination Monday at their new home in Shanghai.

At an average age of 10 years, the chimpanzees are from three families, according to Xiong Chengpei, director of the Zoo of Shanghai.

It is the largest number of chimpanzees ever imported to China from overseas, he said.

Currently, there are six chimpanzees living in the zoo, most of which are artificially bred.

The introduction of more chimpanzees will increase the reproduction rate of the animal, Xiong said, adding that the zoo will invest more than two million yuan in rebuilding the a zone for the chimpanzees.

"To create a comparably independent space, three separate sections will be provided for the three chimp families," he added.



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