Chongqing chimp goes viral for sweeping on Little New Year

A 24-year-old chimpanzee named Yu Hui has captured global attention during China’s Little New Year celebrations, demonstrating remarkable household cleaning abilities at Chongqing’s Locajoy Theme Park. The male chimpanzee was filmed meticulously sweeping his enclosure with a broom, showcasing behavior that strikingly mirrors human domestic activities.

Yu Hui’s journey to internet stardom began in late 2019 when he first demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for imitating human actions, including washing, wringing, and hanging clothes. These sophisticated skills earned him the endearing nickname “Housekeeping Chimp” among his growing fanbase.

The primate’s exceptional talents were formally recognized in 2021 when park management awarded him the title “Model Worker of the Animal Kingdom” during May Day celebrations. The ceremony, complete with an official certificate and special treats, generated significant social media engagement and further cemented his celebrity status.

Yu Hui’s popularity reached new heights in May 2022 when his caretakers launched a public campaign to find him a suitable mate, drawing widespread attention from animal enthusiasts worldwide. His recent Little New Year cleaning performance has reignited interest in his unique abilities, demonstrating continued cognitive development and skill refinement.

The chimpanzee’s activities provide valuable insights into primate intelligence and social learning capabilities, while simultaneously offering lighthearted entertainment during traditional holiday celebrations. Park officials report increased visitor numbers following Yu Hui’s latest viral moment, highlighting the growing public fascination with animal behavior studies.