Beloved Chimpanzee 'Compassionately Euthanized' At Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Detroit Zoo is mourning the loss of a beloved chimpanzee.

Abby, a 42-year-old chimpanzee, was compassionately euthanized this week after a decline in her health due to kidney failure, zoo officials said.

"Our veterinary and animal care teams worked closely to keep her comfortable throughout her care, and the decision was made with deep love and respect for her quality of life," zoo officials said.

Abby arrived at the Detroit Zoo in 1988 and spent the next 38 years "stealing hearts — and the occasional toy," zoo officials said.

Abby was a devoted mom to daughters Chiana and Jane, helping each navigate life within the troop. She liked her favorite perch high in a root tree, where she watched over the yard "like the matriarch she was," zoo officials said.

They also said Abby was very aware of her surroundings, as she often found items in her habitat that didn't belong there. She would take the items to her health care team in hopes of trading for a treat, zoo officials said.

"Her wit and her unmistakable presence made this place brighter," zoo officials said. "To everyone who knew Abby — guests, volunteers and especially our primates team — thank you for loving her as much as we did."