The Houston Zoo announced the euthanasia of Charlie, a 53-year-old chimpanzee, due to complications from arthritis and other age-related health issues. Click2Houston reported that, despite more than a decade of care from the zoo’s primate and veterinary teams, including massage and cold laser therapy, Charlie’s health could no longer be effectively managed.
Charlie, a chimpanzee at the Houston Zoo, joined the zoo on June 14, 2010, the same date marking the 50th anniversary of Jane Goodall's first expedition to Gombe Stream Reserve. He was a member of the zoo’s chimpanzee troop and known for his "old-man play." In his later years, Charlie spent time sipping juice, eating preferred foods, and painting, though sometimes he was "more interested in tasting the paint than creating a masterpiece," according to KHOU.
The Houston Zoo will honor Charlie and other animals that have passed during its inaugural Día de los Muertos event. The zoo will remain open late on Saturday and Sunday to recognize the lives of these animals. An ofrenda will be set up for deceased zoo residents, allowing visitors to add photos of their animals to the altar. The event will also feature decorations, photo areas, and crafting stations for creating animal-inspired artworks.
