Premium Content
Subscriber only
The countdown is on for the arrival of the newest member of the chimpanzee troop at Rockhampton Zoo.
Samantha, a 37-year-old chimpanzee, is expected to give birth within a matter of weeks, with an official due date of April 18.
Councillor for Parks and Public Spaces, Cherie Rutherford, said zoo staff were keeping an extra close eye on the mother-to-be and that she could well give birth any time from now.
“It’s safe to say that as Samantha’s baby bump has grown, so too has the excitement,” Cr Rutherford said.
“It has been so special to see Samantha over the last few months and watch her change and grow, and I know many are gearing up now for news of the baby being born.”
The Rockhampton Division 3 by-election looks to end with a brother-sister councillor result. Grant Mathers, brother of long-standing councillor Cherie Rutherford, appears to be in the lead as counting of the votes for the Rockhampton Regional Council Division 3 by-election continues. The first count was conducted on Saturday night after the election day with 4,629 total votes counted. A total of 7,641 residents were required to vote with around 60 per cent having registered a vote to date. Grant Mathers is in the lead by around 15 per cent, according to the Queensland Electoral Commission website. Speaking on this morning (March 14), Mr Mathers said things were looking very positive and he was feeling good.