# @science on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIhH-VE7Pz
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/64261166-science-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/818fa98201.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-15T01:00:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Science 🧬 (@science) — https://gondola.cc/science

## Caption

Believed to be the world’s oldest ever recorded chimpanzee, Joao's exact age is uncertain, although he is estimated to be in his 80s. He was born into a circus in Mozambique in the 1940s and was then transferred to Maputo Zoo with another chimp from the circus. Unfortunately, his companion passed away, and before the zoo could find him another, World War Two broke out. ⁠
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As a consequence, Joao lived alone without the company of other chimps for 45 years, though he is said to have learnt to communicate with a troop of yellow baboons that lived next door. Then, in 2006, he arrived at Chimp Eden sanctuary in South Africa, set up by the Jane Goodall Institute. ⁠
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There, Joao lives as part of one of three chimpanzee groups: Group 2. He was originally the alpha male of, but has since let another chimp called Thomas take over, though he continues to live within the group. Despite his original lack of social contact, he plays the role of a surrogate mother and teaches the younger chimps discipline. Now, at approximately 82, he shows signs of grey hair and balding.⁠
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According to Guinness World Records, the oldest chimpanzee in captivity ever was a female known as Little Mama. Previously a member of the travelling variety show The Ice Capades, Little Mama lived at the Lion Country Safari in Florida from 1967 onwards. Like Joao, Little Mama also has a connection to the late Dr Jane Goodall, who visited her in the park in 1972, determining that she was around 30-35 years old at the time. ⁠
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#chimpanzee #worldrecord #guinessworldrecord #science #biology

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## Tags

worldrecord, science, guinessworldrecord, chimpanzee, biology

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