Sunset Zoo says goodbye to Susie, oldest female chimpanzee in human care

Manhattan, Kansas — Sunset Zoo is mourning the loss of Susie, a 71-year-old Western chimpanzee who held the distinction of being the oldest female chimpanzee living in human care.

Susie was humanely euthanized this week after caregivers noticed a significant decline in her behavior, mobility and comfort level, zoo officials said. The decision came after close consultation with veterinary staff, animal care teams and chimpanzee experts who determined that additional medical or palliative care would not improve her quality of life.

"Susie was a truly special animal here at Sunset Zoo," Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker said in a statement. "She touched the hearts of every member of our team. Whether she was giving 'kisses' to those she knew or enjoying one of her favorite treats—popcorn—she always brought joy to our days. She will be deeply missed."

Born in 1954, Susie arrived at Sunset Zoo in 1974 and lived there for more than 50 years. She resided in the Chimpanzees of Tanganyika habitat, which opened in 1997 and became her permanent home. During her lifetime at the zoo, she witnessed numerous changes to the facility and its animal habitats.

Susie lived more than three decades beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan in the wild, which typically reaches around 40 years. Her longevity reflected the dedicated care provided by Sunset Zoo's animal care team and partners at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, zoo officials said.

The elderly chimpanzee was known among zoo guests for her love of blankets and her fondness for lounging in her favorite tub. Many Manhattan residents grew up visiting Susie, making her an integral part of the community's history.

"Like so many in Manhattan, I grew up visiting Susie," said Aaron Stewart, director of Manhattan Parks and Recreation. "She was part of my childhood and has been part of this community's story for generations. Her long life is something we should truly celebrate—a reflection of the remarkable care she received and the deep compassion of those who watched over her every day."

Over her lifetime, Susie gave birth to seven offspring and held the remarkable distinction of being the oldest chimpanzee in human care to give birth. She gave birth to her daughter Siri at age 56. Two of her daughters survive: Sesa, born in 1988 and now at Montgomery Zoo, and Siri, who lives at Albuquerque BioPark Zoo.

Susie is also survived by four troop members at Sunset Zoo: Julian (46), Hazina (38), Hususa (33) and Koto (12).

"Susie's legacy will extend far beyond her years here at Sunset Zoo," said Erica Buckwalter, Sunset Zoo's curator of education. "Not only did she play a vital role in helping secure a future for chimpanzees in managed care, but she also inspired generations of guests to care for and protect wildlife and wild places. We can honor her legacy by being good stewards of the natural world she helped us appreciate."

Sunset Zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1989, is inviting guests to share their memories of Susie by signing cards located in the Ballard Gallery primate viewing area.

In the wild, chimpanzees are listed as endangered, with populations continuing to decline due to habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade and poaching. An estimated 150,000 to 250,000 chimpanzees remain across Africa, according to conservation groups. More information on supporting wild chimpanzee conservation efforts is available at janegoodall.org.

Sunset Zoo is located at 2333 Oak Street in Manhattan and is open 360 days a year.