January 16, 2009
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— This weekend Knoxville Zoo will celebrate George chimpanzee’s six-month birthday!  Throughout the weekend guests will be able to see George enjoy birthday treats and see just how much he has grown since his birth last July.
                                           
George is very curious.  Just like any infant, he is getting all of his front teeth and loves cheerios and applesauce.  He is climbing, hanging, laughing and playing with his mom, Daisy, and his “aunties,” Debbie and Julie.  George is definitely full of energy but after a while he needs downtime and cuddles with Daisy.  Developmentally he is in line with any chimpanzee his age. 

“Working around George is currently the highlight of our days.  He is strong and healthy, surrounded by a nurturing family, and developing in textbook fashion,” said Lisa New, animal collections director at Knoxville Zoo.  “His birth has certainly made the bond between the females (that he is with) much stronger. These bonds will help protect him as we take the next steps toward introducing him to the five other chimpanzees, including his father that he has yet to meet.”

Now is a great time to visit Knoxville Zoo to see George as he grows, explores and plays.  Look for George at Chimp Ridge in the nursery.  Be sure to visit soon, they grow up so fast.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.