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Antwerp Zoo has banned a woman from visiting a male chimp because their 'close relationship' is causing him to be ostracised from the group.
Adie Timmermans has been visiting Chita, a 38-year-old male chimpanzee, on a weekly basis for four years and is now having what she described as 'a relationship' with the animal.
But zoo workers have told Adie she can no longer be in contact with the animal as other chimps have excluded him from their group, causing him to be alone for up to fifteen hours a day.
Adie strongly opposed the ban, saying: 'I love that animal and he loves me. I haven't got anything else. Why do they want to take that away?'
She said the ban was unfair as it applies only to her, while other visitors are allowed to visit the chimp freely.
Adie Timmermans has been visiting Chita, a 38-year-old male chimpanzee, on a weekly basis for four years
Adie strongly opposed the ban, saying: 'I love that animal and he loves me. I haven't got anything else. Why do they want to take that away?' as she began crying
Zoo workers have told Adie she can no longer be in contact with Chita (pictured) as other chimps have excluded him from their group, causing him to be alone for up to fifteen hours a day.
