A baby chimpanzee whose plight has pulled at the heartstrings of Australian animal lovers is embarking on a cross-country journey to meet a new troop after being rejected by her mother.

Queensland’s Rockhampton Zoo announced little Cassie’s birth in June, but revealed that she had suffered a fractured leg after being dropped by new mum Sila on her first day.

In a social media post that attracted likes and comments from thousands of well-wishers, keepers explained that the baby required a cast and was receiving “round-the-clock care” until her leg healed and she could be reunited with her family.

But in a later development that recalled the viral news story of  baby macaque Punch, who sought comfort from a toy orang-utan after being abandoned by his mother at a Tokyo zoo, Cassie’s reintroduction to her troop didn’t go well.

“In the weeks leading up to these introductions, we observed many positive signs during Cassie’s interactions with the chimpanzee troop through the mesh,” her keepers said on Facebook.

“All were gentle, positive and inquisitive, and this gave our team a lot of hope in the success of the introductions and bringing Cassie back into the troop.

“Our first introduction was with her mother, Sile. Unfortunately, the interaction did not go as hoped, with aggression exhibited from Sile when she came into contact with Cassie.”

The keepers quickly intervened and removed the baby chimp. They later tried introducing her to the troop’s other adult female, Mary, who also attacked her.

Since then, the zoo has provided regular updates for Cassie’s adoring followers, sharing videos of her development as she began teething, “vocalising”, crawling, climbing over keepers and exploring her enclosure away from the public eye.

But while she has quickly become one of Rockhampton Zoo’s most-loved residents, it was ultimately decided that for Cassie’s own welfare she needed to become part of a different troop elsewhere.

About two weeks ago, it announced a new home had been found for the chimp – more than 2000 kilometres away, at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.

“While it’s bittersweet to announce that Cassie will be leaving Rockhampton, it’s exactly the outcome we’ve been working towards and hoping for,” keepers at her current home said.

Keepers hope Cassie will thrive with a new troop. Photo: Rockhampton Zoo / Facebook

Rockhampton Zoo curator Blair Chapman said Cassie would join an established troop of 12 chimpanzees at Monarto in early October, with keepers from both teams travelling with her and overseeing the transition into her new environment.

“From the very beginning, our goal has been to ensure Cassie could become part of a chimpanzee family group, because that’s where she’ll develop the social bonds, confidence and behaviours that are so important for young chimpanzees,” said Chapman, who is a primate specialist.

“Being surrounded by chimpanzees of different ages and personalities will give Cassie the opportunity to build relationships, learn from her own species and continue to grow into a healthy and well-adjusted chimpanzee.”

In its latest update on Cassie, Rockhampton Zoo explained she was now spending most of her days in its old chimpanzee enclosure where she was “exploring, playing, and charming everyone who meets her”.

“This is your final chance to watch this beautiful youngster grow, play, and steal hearts right here at Rockhampton Zoo.”

Monarto Safari Park is said to have extensive experience integrating chimpanzees from across the world into its established troop.

It shared a video this week introducing members of the group Cassie will meet after her transfer – from Happy, who is almost four, to Boyd, who is nearly 48. It said the group included “experienced mums, playful youngsters and adult males”.

“There’s Zombi and Hannah, both experienced mums, Boyd who still loves a game of chasey, Gombe who often starts the fun, and Enzi, one of the largest males, who is regularly seen playing gently with younger chimpanzees,” the park explained in a Facebook post.

“There is no predetermined surrogate for Cassie. Introductions will happen gradually, at the pace of Cassie and the troop.”