Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling has announced the arrival of two new chimpanzees, a mother and daughter who travelled over 1,000 miles from Gdansk Zoo in Poland. The pair, 33-year-old Karolina and her three-year-old daughter Karsa, arrived in Scotland on 5 February after journeying through six countries.
The duo have been settling in behind the scenes, getting to know the park's existing chimpanzee troop: Chippie (38), Gill (55), and Peter (33). The introduction process has been carefully managed by keepers, who monitor behaviour closely to ensure smooth integration. Chimpanzees form strong bonds, so adjustments are made to suit each individual.
To welcome the new arrivals, Blair Drummond has installed a new viewing window in the chimp house, allowing guests to see the animals indoors for the first time in the park's history. The window will open to the public on 14 March, offering a behind-the-scenes look at enrichment activities, nest-building, and health care training.
The transfer was coordinated as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which works across accredited zoos to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species. Chimps team leader Ailsa McCormick said: 'It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch Karolina and Karsa find their feet here. Those first interactions with Chippie, Gill and Peter were really special – they mark the start of new relationships that may last a lifetime.'
McCormick added: 'Welcoming Karsa feels particularly significant. She’s the first infant chimp we’ve had here since Chippie was young. Young chimps bring curiosity, energy and playfulness, and that can have a positive ripple effect throughout the group.'
