Remembering Chimpanzee Annie

Annie chimpanzee died last Monday, August 26, after a sudden-onset illness. She was 37 years old. Annie came to Houston Zoo from private ownership in 2010 with nine other members of her family. Annie very quickly picked up the nuances of living in a complex chimp society and had a stabilizing influence in the group. She grew very adept at getting what she wanted from her groupmates and her keepers.

Annie was whip-smart, enjoying enrichment that challenged her ability to use tools, but only if it resulted in something delicious to eat or drink. Any kind of juice was her favorite. She could usually be spotted in the chimp habitat wearing a blanket over her shoulders, even on the hottest days. Because that’s what superheroes do.