Lincoln Park Zoo's chimpanzee Vicky dies

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Vicky, the Lincoln Park Zoo's longtime chimpanzee resident, died Wednesday after being humanely euthanized after suffering complications from advanced age and a heart condition.

Lincoln Park Zoo's chimpanzee Vicky diesVicky, the Lincoln Park Zoo's longtime chimpanzee resident, died Wednesday after being humanely euthanized after suffering complications from advanced age and a heart condition.

Courtesy Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Longtime Lincoln Park Zoo resident chimpanzee Vicky has died, officials announced Thursday.

Officials said she was humanely euthanized Wednesday after suffering complications from advanced age and a long-term heart condition. Vicky celebrated her 50th birthday last summer - exceeding the average lifespan of a female chimpanzee, which is 38.7 years.

Vicky has lived at the zoo since 1971, leaving for only two years while the zoo built its Regenstein Center for African Apes. She lived in the building's off-exhibit space with her daughters Magadi and Kibali and fellow female Cookie.