The Houston Zoo says goodbye to Charlie, a 53-year-old chimpanzee remembered for his gentle nature, playful “old-man” spirit, and lasting bond with caretakers.
HOUSTON — The Houston Zoo is mourning the loss of Charlie, a cherished chimpanzee who spent more than a decade captivating visitors and forming deep bonds with his care team. Charlie was 53 years old.
According to the Zoo, Charlie received attentive and thorough care from both his primate and veterinary teams throughout his life. For more than 10 years, he also saw a complementary therapy veterinarian for cold laser and massage therapy.
“Despite dedicated care and medical management, his arthritis and other age-related ailments eventually caused discomfort that could no longer be eased,” the Zoo shared. “Surrounded by his care team, Charlie was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.”
A gentle soul and longtime friend
Charlie found his forever home at the Houston Zoo on June 14, 2010, a date that coincided with the 50th anniversary of Jane Goodall’s first steps into Gombe Stream Reserve, a milestone that transformed global understanding of chimpanzee behavior.
Zoo officials said Charlie quickly became an integral member of the chimpanzee troop, serving as the trusted “right hand” to the Alpha male. He was known for his playful spirit and for what keepers affectionately called “old-man play” — when the energetic chases of youth became leisurely strolls among lifelong companions.
A life full of small joys
In his later years, Charlie preferred quiet moments away from the younger chimps’ antics. Keepers described him as gentle and thoughtful, with a few favorite indulgences: sipping juice from a Dixie cup, eating iceberg lettuce and hard-boiled eggs, and even painting alongside his keepers — though he was sometimes “more interested in tasting the paint than creating a masterpiece.”
Charlie also received regular massage and cold laser therapy, greeting his therapist warmly and willingly presenting his back, shoulders, hands, and feet for treatment.
A lasting impact
“Charlie’s long life and gentle nature left an enduring impact on all who knew him, keepers, volunteers, and guests alike,” the Zoo said in its statement.
The Zoo shared a photo of Charlie from 2010, when he first arrived at his Houston home — marking the beginning of a memorable and deeply loved chapter in the Zoo’s history.
Houston Zoo Día de los Muertos
The Zoo will also celebrate the lives of beloved animals like Charlie during its first-ever Día de los Muertos event, which honors life, legacy, and remembrance through community connection.
The celebration takes place November 1 and 2, with the Zoo staying open late — from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. — for an evening filled with color, light, and reflection.
At the heart of the event is a traditional ofrenda (altar) created to honor animals who are no longer with us — including beloved residents like the jaguar Tesoro and others who left lasting impressions on guests and staff. Visitors are invited to bring a photo of a cherished animal to add to the altar, creating a touching community tribute filled with love and memories.
Guests can also enjoy glowing decorations, festive photo ops, and a special craft station, where they can create artwork inspired by their favorite animals.
