Oldest Male Chimpanzee in North American Zoos Dies in San Francisco at 63

The San Francisco Zoo has announced the death of Cobby, a 63-year-old male chimpanzee, who was the oldest of its kind in North American zoos.

Chimpanzees are one of the fascinating animals in the world. They are a delight for zoo lovers who always enjoy spending time with and watching them.

Visitors to the San Francisco Zoo also find chimpanzees a joy to watch and are thrilled by them. One of the chimpanzees named Cobby was a particular delight.

Cobby was a famous chimp and the star of "Cobby's Hobbies," a short-lived television show of the 1960s. Since the show ended, the chimpanzee had lived in captivity at the San Francisco Zoo.

However, Cobby no longer lives. On Sunday, June 6, 2021, the zoo announced the chimpanzee's passing via its official Twitter handle. The tweet's contents read:

"We are heartbroken to share the sad news of the passing of our beloved Cobby, 63-year-old male chimpanzee."

The zoo further described Cobby as a gentle soul who calmed the zoo's troop of seven chimpanzees. Cobby also protected his companions in the zoo, Minnie and Maggie.

At 63, Cobby was the chimpanzee who had lived the longest at the San Francisco Zoo and across all zoos in North America. Thus, he connected generations of zoo enthusiasts and was easily their favorite.

Since coming to the zoo in the 1960s, Cobby enjoyed relaxing in its various spots and eating his favorite meals. He also loved climbing up high and interacting with his keepers.

The beloved chimpanzee enjoyed the large viewing windows as they enabled him to see the zoo's guests closely. Cobby was the respected elder of the chimpanzees at the zoo.

The respect he had among other chimps helped him to bring the troops together. His death means the chimpanzees will miss his larger-than-life presence. Minnie and Maggie will also miss Cobby greatly.

In the concluding part of its tweet, the San Francisco Zoo said Cobby was a major part of its zoo family. He had a significant impact on the lives of the zoo's visitors and staff.

These visitors and staff shared many fond memories with the chimpanzee and feel privileged to have known him. They will also miss him greatly, and that is beyond doubt.

The San Francisco Zoo did not specify the cause of Cobby's death. However, he died a happy and loved animal and will hold a place in the zoo's heart.