Makutu the Chimpanzee in Pictures

Makutu is a baby chimpanzee born at the Dallas Zoo on January 26, 2025—the first chimp birth there in over a decade. Due to his mother’s initial difficulty providing consistent care, zoo staff provided 24/7 hand-rearing for several months, including frequent bottle-feedings and specialized care like fabric shirts to help him develop a strong grip. Named for his large ears (meaning “ears” in Chichewa), Makutu successfully rejoined his mother and troop by September 2025, highlighting the zoo’s commitment to both conservation and successful social integration.