New arrivals at Chemnitz Zoo
Bear macaque group has new additions
The group of bear macaques at Chemnitz Zoo has gained new members. In addition to the four males and two females already living here, three males from the Tier- und Kulturpark Bischofswerda joined the group at the beginning of March.
Bear macaques are very sociable primates that live in relatively large groups with complex social relationships. The old residents and the new arrivals first got to know each other in the indoor enclosure with a viewing gate in between. The newcomers also initially had the opportunity to explore the unfamiliar enclosure on their own.
After several days of controlled approach, during which there were no aggressive situations between the two groups, the animals were brought together in the spacious outdoor enclosure. The zoo staff got to see and hear the full range of macaque communication. The bear macaques screeched, grunted and sometimes threatened each other. Immediately afterwards, however, they often chattered in a friendly manner and presented their rumps to the other members of their species - this serves to appease them.
Other interesting behaviours were also observed. The males in particular often have to impress their conspecifics. This is done either by shaking against and on trees, a way of demonstrating strength. Males also impress each other by shouting at each other and showing off their large canines. Such minor conflicts look more dangerous than they actually are. They are also completely normal when living together in a group. The bear macaques then make up by grooming each other.
Incidentally, Chemnitz Zoo is the only zoological institution in Germany that keeps bear macaques. In this respect, the group is a zoological rarity and a particularly exciting one at that.
Please note that the zoo and wildlife park are currently closed.