411: The Im-monk-culate Conception

I've never heard of Chimp Haven, but it sounds like a swingin' place. It seems that one of the female chimpanzees just gave birth, despite the fact all the males have been given vasectomies.

According to the AP:

[M]anagers at Chimp Haven are planning a paternity test for the seven males who lived in a group with Teresa, a wild-born chimpanzee in her late 40s who had the baby girl last week.

Workers have started collecting hair samples from the chimps for testing. Once they identify the father, it's back to the operating room for him.

Chimp Haven managers said they knew something was up when Teresa was missing during morning rounds on January 8. Later in the day, she appeared with a newborn chimpanzee in her arms.

Teresa had 10 other offspring before retiring to Chimp Haven over a year ago. This is her first baby in 13 years.

It's also the first chimpanzee born at the sanctuary although officials there hope there will be no more accidents.

Seems like Chimp Haven is turning into a Plato's Retreat for primates. Here's hoping they find the mystery monkey daddy soon.

Surprise Chimp Born in La. Sanctuary [Mercury News via Maddow Online]