Hamilton Zoo's chimpanzee troop will soon have a new member, with female chimp Sanda expecting a baby.
Thirty-year-old Sanda will give birth in mid-February. The baby chimpanzee's father is 22-year-old Luka.
Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said it's a positive development for the zoo's chimpanzee troop, and the wider conservation programme for the species.
"We've been hoping for a chimpanzee pregnancy for a while, and confirmation Sanda is carrying a baby is really exciting," Mr Standley said.
![Sanda arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Adelaide Zoo in November 2008. Photo / Tara Sutherland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LWBRTNI224WPEIWBMTOWGXHRDM.jpg?auth=7a79a69210db009d8aea3c4b4d995931b5837231f770e890c1208359bcc76732&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)