ASHEBORO, N.C. (AP) — A chimpanzee that lived at the North Carolina Zoo for nearly 40 years has died after suffering congestive heart failure for about a year.
Zoo officials say 47-year-old Ruthie was euthanized Thursday. Zoo officials said she was known for being silly, sassy and stubborn.
She had arrived in 1980 and was one of the animals that lived longest at the zoo in Asheboro. A chimp named Maggie also arrived in 1980, and C’sar the elephant came in 1978.
Ruthie was diagnosed seven years ago with heart disease, which was treated with medicine. Her condition advanced to congestive heart failure in October 2017.
Female chimpanzees typically live for about 40 years.
Her body was presented to the other chimpanzees, so they could observe the death and mourn the loss.
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Feature photo via North Carolina Zoo.
