ASHEBORO, N.C. (WFMY) – Ruthie, a beloved chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo has died at the age of 47.
Ruthie who’s been at the zoo for nearly 40 years was known for being silly, sassy, and stubborn. She was also an excellent surrogate mother or “auntie” as she lovingly cared for other chimps that were not her own.
The North Carolina Zoo said Ruthie was diagnosed with heart disease seven years ago and it was being managed successfully with medication.
However, in 2017, it advanced to congestive heart failure which was monitored closely and managed with adjustments to her treatment. Last week, Ruthie experienced a rapid worsening of her heart disease. As her health continued to decline and after consultation, a very difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Ruthie.
“Similar to humans, cardiovascular disease is very common in chimpanzees and is the leading cause of death in older great apes in human care,” said Dr. Jb Minter, the Zoo’s Direction of Animal Health.
Jennifer Ireland, the Zoo’s curator of mammals, has worked with Ruthie for more than 20 years, she said, “Ruthie was silly, sassy, and the most stubborn animal – including human – I’ve ever known.”
She also said, “She was always happy to see me, greeting me with a head bob and an open mouth, typical ways chimps greet other chimps. All of us will miss her tremendously.”
The NC Zoo, presented Ruthie’s body to the chimpanzee troop so they could observe her death and mourn her loss.
Ruthie had three offspring including Ruby, 22, who's still in the Zoo's troop. She also had a male named Rudy who died in 1996 at the age of 13. Her daughter, Bakhari, 20, now lives at the St. Louis Zoo.