WITHYuzi, the oldest female chimpanzee in human care, died this week at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. Susie was born in 1954 and lived to be 71, living more than three decades longer than the average lifespan of a chimpanzee in the wild. Veterinarians and zookeepers spent several years treating her familiar age-related health problems, including cataracts, arthritis and muscle loss, and finally decided to humanely euthanize the monkey as her quality of life had deteriorated beyond the capabilities of medical and palliative care.
“Susie was truly a special animal here,” Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker said in an interview. statement. “She touched the hearts of every member of our team. Whether she was kissing those she knew or enjoying one of her favorite treats, popcorn, she always brought joy to our days. She will be greatly missed.”
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During her life, Susie gave birth to seven babies. The last of these, Siri, born in 2010 when Susie was 56 years old, made Susie the oldest chimpanzee in captivity to ever give birth.
Jane Goodallfamous primatologist who apparently died this month visited At the Sunset Zoo in 1999, he met Susie, then a feisty 45-year-old.
Susie is survived by her two daughters, Siri and Sesa, as well as her Sunset Zoo troop members Julian (46), Khazina (38), Hususa (33) and Koto (12).
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Main image: Tammy Karin with Little Jumping Photograph.
