Sanju – the baby chimp at Dehiwala zoo celebrated its third birthday on August 14 amidst a gathering of its close family friends including the Director and other administrators. Like a baby, it does not like to get away from the keeper Palitha (Perera).

Sanju who was born in the zoo, but rejected by its mother Pinkie, was fed human breast milk initially by zoo keepers as it was the closest alternative.

The orphan chimp's bond with its keeper Palitha is unique. If someone treats Palitha badly, Sanju starts shouting.

Like a human child, Sanju prefers to play with other children. But feeling very shy, he does not walk without the cloth that he always wears.

He can ride the bicycle and is being trained for other games that he already does with great energy. Sanju is still being kept in the nursery, but the zoo visitors will soon be able to see Sanju's adventures.