Beloved 53-year-old chimpanzee at Houston Zoo euthanized due to arthritis, age-related ailments
The Houston Zoo says its beloved 53-year-old chimpanzee, Charlie, has died.
The Houston Zoo says its beloved 53-year-old chimpanzee, Charlie, has died.
The zoo said Charlie had been receiving cold laser and massage therapy for over 10 years by primate and veterinary teams. However, despite dedicated care and medical management, his arthritis and other age-related ailments eventually caused Charlie discomfort that could not be eased.
Surrounded by his care team, Charlie was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Charlie came to the Houston Zoo on June 14, 2010. The date was a meaningful one as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of when Jane Goodall took the first steps into Gombe Stream Reserve, a milestone that forever changed the world’s understanding of chimpanzee behavior.
The zoo says Charlie quickly became an integral part of the zoo’s chimpanzee troop, becoming the trusted “right hand” to the alpha male. He was known for his playful spirit especially during what his keepers called “old-man play” where the chases of youth turned into leisurely strolls shared among lifelong companions.
