Only Chimpanzee at Hyderabad zoo dies at 35

Hyderabad: The only, Chimpanzee, Suzi, 35, died at the Nehru Zoological Park on Thursday morning following a heart stroke. 

Suzi was born on 15 July 1986 and Suzi was loved by all the zoo officials and has left the zoo family in shock. 

N Kshitija, IFS, Curator of Nehru Zoological Park said that the Sahara group gifted chimpanzee to the park in 2011. As per the post-mortem report, all the organs appeared normal except for the heart and lungs wherein the symptoms indicated massive heart stroke due to which Suzi died.

The staff of Zoo celebrated Suzi’s 34th Birthday on 15 July 2020; zoo management had organized a small celebration with the animal keeper and veterinary team at Suzi’s enclosure and a fruit cake with lots of fruits and bread, Suzi’s chamber was arranged with different types of fruits and vegetable of Suzi’s choice.

Suzi was the only chimpanzee in Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad and prior to that in 2012 one chimpanzee died due to heart stroke at the age of 42 years. The average life span is around 39 years in captivity.

With the demise of Suzi, only three or four zoos in the country have Chimpanzees in the country. 

“With Suzi’s loving behaviour and antics, Suzi was very dear to the staff and visitors alike. It has left the Nehru Zoo family with a huge void but wonderful memories to cherish,” said Zoo officials.