Chimpanzees have this remarkable ability to learn new skills.
They can copy the actions of a 5-year-old kid which means that they have the capacity to adapt.
In addition to that, chimpanzees also have a rich emotional repertoire. They can show humor, anger, and even exhilaration.
A video of a chimpanzee has been warming the hearts of people on the internet lately.
In the video was Mahale, a chimpanzee mother who has just given birth.
As a mother, she has that natural instinct to take care of her newborn.
Unfortunately, when her offspring came out, it wasn’t breathing well on its own.
To save his life, the hospital staff had to take him away from his mom and look after him.
The mother and baby chimpanzee had to be separated for two long days.
At first, everything was going well for Mahale.
However, when the team noticed that her labor had stopped progressing, they knew they had no other option but to do a C-section.
At birth, it was clear that the baby wasn’t getting enough oxygen.
The team couldn’t risk it; the baby had to receive treatment.
Fortunately, the baby made it.
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After two days of separation, the baby chimpanzee was well enough to be reunited with her mom.
They named him Kucheza, the Swahili word for ‘play’.
The reunion was caught on camera.
And it was a good thing the team thought of recording the event.
It was touching and heartwarming to see the mama chimpanzee with her newborn baby.
In the video, you’ll see Mahalee looking at a blue blanket.
After realizing that it was her child, she quickly went to hold Kucheza.
She cradled the newborn lovingly as if making up for the time they’d been away from each other.
There was a sense of relief and happiness in her and no one could blame her for feeling that way.
The video earned tons of positive comments.
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One YouTube viewer commented:
“As a mother, this hits so hard. How she instantly snatched him up when she saw his hand, you can FEEL her relief and joy. My god how beautiful 😭”
Another one said:
“I didn’t expect to cry today…my heart jumped when she snatched him up and held him close! She knew exactly what to do and who he was! Beautiful! She is shaking with excitement!! I bet she NEVER lets him go!”
Mother chimpanzees are naturally protective.
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They tend to suffer from anxiety and depression when their newborns are taken away.
In some cases, mother chimpanzees even lose their ability and instinct to care for their offspring.
Apart from that, similar to humans, chimpanzees that go through multiple relational disruptions experience persistent and lasting psychological issues.
Fortunately, Mahalee and Kucheza were able to go through the challenge successfully.
They are recovering and bonding well. The team and everyone on the internet couldn’t be any happier for the two.
Watch the video of the touching reunion below!
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