Little Mama
Photo: Bill Ingram, The Palm Beach Post
Great Apes, or more often referred to as Chimpanzees, can live up to 60 years in captivity. Big Mama is estimated to be 73 years old and lives at Lion Country Safari. Chimpanzees are members of the Hominidae family, along with gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Chimps split from the human branch about 4 to 6 million years ago. We are forever reminded of that relationship as we watch their antics, observe their intelligence and their empathy towards one another, reasons why we are always intrigued by these special animals and wonder why we evolved and they did not.
Chimps are probably one of the most popular animals in the world. And despite such popularity, the chimpanzee's survival is most threatened by us. They are endangered in some areas of the world because of hunting and trapping. Chimpanzees have been used extensively for testing drugs for such diseases as AIDS.
Little Mama underwent two hours of oral surgery to remove some bad teeth. Her lower back was also treated for some wounds. There is a belief that Little Mama performed at one time with the Ice Capades back in the 1940's. She pulled through the surgery like the trooper she has always been.
Chimps are probably one of the most popular animals in the world. And despite such popularity, the chimpanzee's survival is most threatened by us. They are endangered in some areas of the world because of hunting and trapping. Chimpanzees have been used extensively for testing drugs for such diseases as AIDS.
Little Mama underwent two hours of oral surgery to remove some bad teeth. Her lower back was also treated for some wounds. There is a belief that Little Mama performed at one time with the Ice Capades back in the 1940's. She pulled through the surgery like the trooper she has always been.
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