Skopje Zoo Cherishes Elderly Chimpanzee, Mimi, as She Enjoys Her Retirement Years
Skopje: Mimi, a 62-year-old chimpanzee, is living out her retirement years at Skopje Zoo, where she is considered a treasured “grandmother” figure among the zoo community. The elderly Bonobo chimp, recognized as one of the oldest of her kind globally, receives specialized care and affection from the zoo staff.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mimi’s journey to Skopje was filled with unique experiences and challenges. Born in 1962, Mimi initially spent her life performing in a circus. As she grew older and her health declined, she could no longer perform and was sold to a woman in Germany, who owned a flower shop and helped Mimi develop a love for plants. Eventually, Mimi was relocated to a rehabilitation center in the Netherlands, intended for chimpanzees rescued from abusive environments. It was there that she was diagnosed with significant heart and lung problems, necessitating ongoing medical treatment.
Five and a half years ago, Mimi found her new home in Skopje, where she now lives with two male chimpanzee
s, Izi, aged 39, and Koko, aged 29. Aleksandra Stevkovska, a zookeeper at Skopje Zoo, shared insights into Mimi’s role within the chimpanzee group. “Mimi plays the mediator of the group. When Izi and Koko fight, she calms them down,” Stevkovska explained. This calming influence underscores her importance in maintaining harmony among the chimpanzees.
The zoo’s dedication to the well-being of its animals is evident in their specialized nutrition programs, particularly vital for Mimi due to her advanced age and health issues. Enriched food is provided to stimulate the chimpanzees’ motor skills, helping them stay active and mentally engaged. Moreover, the zookeepers have undergone specialized training, including sessions in the Netherlands, to better care for and communicate with the chimpanzees. “When we arrive in the morning, the chimps recognize us, know who feeds them, and communicate with us,” Stevkovska noted, highlighting the deep bond formed between the animals and their caregivers.
Mimi’s affectionate
nature and her love for plants continue to endear her to the zoo staff. Stevkovska affectionately calls her “Mimushka” and describes how the team brings her flowers and roses, which bring her immense joy. Additionally, Mimi’s ability to create a cozy environment for herself, building nests from blankets to cover up and hide, showcases her intelligence and adaptability.
The Skopje Zoo also engages in international efforts to protect chimpanzees, collaborating with other European zoos on projects aimed at socializing and safeguarding chimpanzees that have suffered abuse or live in inadequate conditions. This cooperative initiative highlights the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare on a broader scale.