Rockhampton Zoo has announced the devastating loss of two stillborn chimpanzee infants delivered by Mary, one of the zoo’s much-loved chimpanzees. Mary became pregnant shortly after arriving from Sydney Zoo in July 2025 and conceived with the troop’s alpha male, Alon. According to acting curator Blair Chapman, twin pregnancies in chimpanzees are extremely rare, occurring in only about two per cent of cases, and carry a significantly higher risk of complications. A veterinary necropsy confirmed both infants were full-term and normal in size but were stillborn. Mary is recovering physically and has begun eating and moving more, though she remains subdued as staff provide close monitoring, favourite foods and nutrient-rich smoothies. Parts of the chimpanzee enclosure have been temporarily closed to give Mary and the troop privacy during this difficult period.