An eastern chimpanzee who began her life under the glare of German circus lights has found sanctuary at Edinburgh Zoo.
Babsie, 33, arrived in the capital in late 2025 via the Dutch animal advocacy group Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP), marking the end of a long journey from the big top to the Lothians.
Babsie’s early years were defined by the constraints of a circus lorry where she was kept alongside her parents and sister, Peggy.
Following the death of the circus director in 2001, the pair were narrowly saved from euthanasia when AAP intervened. Upon rescue, the siblings were found with skin lesions on their armpits and groins due to cramped living conditions.
After a stint in a Spanish rescue centre, Babsie was earmarked for Edinburgh’s 13-strong troop at the Budongo Trail.
Babsie is navigating new Scottish life having reportedly “already bonded” with fellow chimp, Lianne, though her move also serves a wider, educational purpose.
While Babsie adjusts to her new surroundings, her wild counterparts remain under threat from poaching and habitat loss—a reality that the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) continues to combat through its 21-year partnership with the Budongo Conservation Field Station.
As Babsie adjusts, AAP spokesperson Peter de Haan remains a supporter, telling The Student: “We will keep following the lovely, slightly lazy lady, wishing her the very best in her new home.”
Edinburgh Zoo by N Chadwick is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
