50 shades of Conan: DNA test proves Conan babydaddy for 3rd time
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: September 17, 2012
For the third time in five years, DNA testing has tagged the thrice-vasectomized Conan as father of latest Chimp at Chimp Haven surprise.
The baby, a female born August 13, was named Natalie by the Southern California woman who 'adopted' her. Natalie's mom is Ginger, 42, who is in the same social group as Flora, 29, who gave birth to Valentina Rose in February.
It was rapidly becoming apparent that Conan was somewhat of a player when DNA tests on Valentina Rose also pointed to - guess who? - Conan.
But Valentina Rose wasn't Conan's first rodeo, either. In 2007, the late Teresa, then 42, gave birth to Tracy, now 5.
"It looks like all three girls are half sisters," said Dr. Linda Brent, president and director at Chimp Haven.
In addition to Conan receiving three vasectomies, all the males at Chimp Haven were re-vasectomized following the birth of Valentina Rose, and the females were put on birth control pills.
Like Conan's three vascetomies, however, the birth control bills were too little too late for Ginger.
"As a sanctuary for chimpanzees in need, it is not the mission of Chimp Haven to create more chimpanzees," Brent said. "We take our responsibility to prevent pregnancies very seriously, but sometimes life finds a way."
Or anyway Conan does.
