Japanese researchers have found a second chimpanzee with Down syndrome. The researchers, who published their findings in the journal Nature, believe that Kanako is the first chimp with Down syndrome to be born and survive past birth in captivity.
Kanako The Second With Down Syndrome Chimpanzee Found
It’s official: there is more than one chimpanzee with Down syndrome.
In 2006, Kanako, a chimp living in a Japanese zoo, was diagnosed with the condition. Now, another chimp has found to have the same disorder.
The new case comes from China. Where a three-year-old chimp named Xiao Liwu was recently diagnosed with Down syndrome.
This is only the second known case of a chimpanzee with Down syndrome. Both Kanako and Xiao Liwu share many of the same symptoms associated with the disorder, including low muscle tone, developmental delays, and characteristic facial features.
This is the first time that two cases documented. This suggests that there may be other undiagnosed cases out there.
The discovery of Xiao Liwu also highlights our limited understanding of how Down syndrome develops in non-human primates. Studies on Kanako have yielded some clues, but much remains to learned about why this condition occurs and what impact it has on chimpanzees’ health and well-being.
All of these symptoms are known to be associated with Down syndrome in humans.
All of these symptoms are known to be associated with Down syndrome in humans. These include intellectual disability, developmental delays, and characteristic facial features. In Kanako’s case, she also had some physical abnormalities, such as a short stature and decreased muscle tone.
Kanako’s was the second reported case of Down syndrome chimpanzee
As of September 2019, Kanako is the only known living chimpanzee with Down syndrome. In 2003, another chimpanzee named Cameron was reported as having the condition, but died shortly thereafter.
Kanako was born in 1997 at a wildlife sanctuary in Africa and didn’t show any signs of Down syndrome until she was about 4 years old. At that time, she started to develop physical characteristics associated with the condition, including a flattened nose and slanted eyes.
Despite her challenges, Kanako has described as a “happy and social chimp” who loves to play with other members of her troop. She also has a special bond with her caretaker, Irene Pepperberg, who has worked with her since she was a baby.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. The extra chromosome results in intellectual disabilities and physical abnormalities.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is associated with intellectual disability. The developmental delays, and physical abnormalities. The most common type of Down syndrome is Trisomy 21, which occurs when an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies.
People with Down syndrome often have characteristic facial features, such as a flattened nose, small ears, and an upward slant to the eyes. They may also have difficulty in hearing and vision. Many people with Down syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual disability.
There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are treatments available to help people with the condition live healthy and productive lives. With early intervention and support, people with Down syndrome can lead fulfilled lives.
Why is it so rare in down syndrome chimpanzee?
It’s estimated that Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 800 births, but for chimpanzees. The odds are about one in a million. Why is it so rare in chimpanzees?
There are several possible explanations. One is that, unlike humans, chimps don’t live as long. The average lifespan of a chimp is about 40 years, while people with Down syndrome often live into their 60s or beyond. So there’s less time for a chimp with Down syndrome to be born and survive to adulthood.
Another possibility is that chimpanzee mothers are less likely to carry a baby with Down syndrome to term. It’s thought that pregnant women with Down syndrome are more likely to miscarry or have a stillbirth.
Finally, it could be that there are fewer opportunities for mating between closely related chimps than there are for humans. They may be susceptible to the same risks. But because they live in small groups and don’t often encounter other members of their species, the chances of them finding a mate who’s closely related to them are slim.
What Do Researchers Think Happened?
There are a number of theories about what might have caused Kanako’s Down syndrome. This is the same way that most cases of Down syndrome occur in humans.
Another possibility is that Kanako’s mother had an infection during her pregnancy which affected the development of her baby’s brain. This can sometimes lead to babies being born with neurological conditions like Down syndrome.
Whatever the cause, Kanako’s case highlights how little we still know about the causes of this condition and how it manifests in different species. Researchers hope that studying Kanako will help to shed some light on these questions and improve our understanding of this condition.
Conclusion
Kanako, the second chimpanzee with Down syndrome to found, is a remarkable creature. Although her condition is relatively rare, it’s amazing that she has been able to survive and thrive in the wild. We can only hope that Kanako will continue to be an ambassador for chimpanzees with Down syndrome and help raise awareness of this condition.