Chimp giving birth to be streamed on internet

The sanctuary’s executive director David Devo Oosthuizen said even though Nina’s pregnancy was an “accident” – after the failure of a contraceptive implant – the institute decided to share the unexpected event with its thousands of social media followers around the world. “We want to tell a story,” he said. The centre’s veterinarians first thought Nina had a massive tumour, but then realised she was pregnant.

The sanctuary does not breed chimpanzees as it tries to save space “which comes at a premium” for rescued chimpanzees.

Nina comes from South Sudan where she was rescued from poachers who had captured her as part of the wild bush meat trade.

She was first kept in a zoo in Sudan before the Institute removed her along with other chimpanzees – including one named Thomas thought to be the baby’s father.

Oostuizen said Nina was “literally plucked from her mom” by hunters.

This could lead to complications with the infant as Nina has was “deprived of a normal chimpanzee childhood”. She has also not observed mothers with babies because the sanctuary does not breed chimpanzees.

“We are hoping instinct kicks in and she doesn’t reject the baby,” said Oosthuizen.

A first time chimpanzee mother is usually 15 years old meaning Nina, 9, is a very young mother.

Despite concerns, the sanctuary is excited about another chimpanzee being born as there are only about 200 000 chimps left.