Apes learn to reverse surgery?

A bit late on this story from back in April, but it should not escape mention on this blog:

Conan, the twice-vasectomized former research chimp, has fathered yet another surprise baby at Chimp Haven.

That makes two for Conan, and there may be a third on the way.

That's the word from the Keithville sanctuary, following DNA testing to determine the paternity of Valentina Rose, born on Valentine's Day to 29-year-old Flora.

This surprised Chimp Haven employees because all of the male chimps in the group have had vasectomies. Especially Conan, who was re-vasectomized after another unexpected birth in 2006.

Flora's surprise pregnancy prompted a round of tests for the rest of the females in her group, which revealed yet another pregnancy. 42-year-old Ginger is expected to deliver in late July or early August.

Despite the fact that it doesn't seem to do any good, plans were underway to give Conan a vasectomy again. I don't have any idea what's going on here, but it's definitely bad behavior.


The only good chimp is a chimp statue, by Flickr user Haags Uitboro.