Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Makutu recently went out on habitat alongside his mom JB – a moment we’ve been working toward for months.
If you’ve been following Makutu’s journey, you’ll remember that soon after his birth, our team had to make the difficult yet necessary decision to foster him, as JB didn’t display the maternal instincts we had hoped for. Our goal was always to help Makutu grow strong and healthy, and work toward reuniting him with JB and the rest of the chimpanzee troop. And that goal became a reality.
It’s taken months of careful planning, training, and round-the-clock care from our dedicated zoologists to achieve this. First, we began reintroducing JB and Makutu behind the scenes, and we were encouraged to observe early signs of positive bonding behavior. During this time, he also got to meet our male chimpanzee Kona, as well as Maria and Amelia with their little ones. A few days later, JB and Makutu joined the troop out on habitat together for the very first time! JB is still learning and finding her way, but she’s making steady progress, staying close to Makutu as he explores his new world and experiences so many “firsts.”
You may not see them on habitat every day just yet. We’re closely following JB and Makutu’s cues and giving them the time and space they need to build their bond and grow more comfortable together.
We’re definitely crying happy tears over here! 🥹
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Engaging People & Saving Wildlife
Makutu recently went out on habitat alongside his mom JB – a moment we’ve been working toward for months.
If you’ve been following Makutu’s journey, you’ll remember that soon after his birth, our team had to make the difficult yet necessary decision to foster him, as JB didn’t display the maternal instincts we had hoped for. Our goal was always to help Makutu grow strong and healthy, and work toward reuniting him with JB and the rest of the chimpanzee troop. And that goal became a reality.
It’s taken months of careful planning, training, and round-the-clock care from our dedicated zoologists to achieve this. First, we began reintroducing JB and Makutu behind the scenes, and we were encouraged to observe early signs of positive bonding behavior. During this time, he also got to meet our male chimpanzee Kona, as well as Maria and Amelia with their little ones. A few days later, JB and Makutu joined the troop out on habitat together for the very first time! JB is still learning and finding her way, but she’s making steady progress, staying close to Makutu as he explores his new world and experiences so many “firsts.”
You may not see them on habitat every day just yet. We’re closely following JB and Makutu’s cues and giving them the time and space they need to build their bond and grow more comfortable together.
We’re definitely crying happy tears over here! 🥹
➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/SubscribeDallasZooTube
Follow the Dallas Zoo:
Official Site: bit.ly/DallasZooOfficialSite
Facebook: bit.ly/DallasZooFacebook
Instagram: bit.ly/DallasZooInstagram
Twitter: twitter.com/dallaszoo
TikTok: tiktok.com/@dallaszooofficial
Engaging People & Saving Wildlife
