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News Release
No more Nippy

Nippy the gibbon who has lived at Wellington Zoo since 1949, was euthanized this afternoon, Zoo General Manager Operations, Mauritz Basson announced today.

‘Nippy, the longest living resident at Wellington Zoo was euthanized today after his health rapidly deteriorated. Vet staff who feed and monitor Nippy on a daily basis have noticed he has gone down hill over the last three days - he has been disinterested in food and has spent most of his time in his bed.’

‘The decision to euthanize him was not made lightly, but we firmly believe it was in his best interest. His mind remained agile but it seemed that his body had just given up.’

‘Zoo staff are particularly sad to see Nippy go, he was a real character and was much loved by everyone who worked here, and he in turn loved being visited by staff and having his back scratched.’

‘Though Nippy has been off display at the Zoo for many years he is fondly remembered by many Wellingtonians and Zoo visitors often enquire after him.’

‘We believe that Nippy was the oldest gibbon that ever lived in captivity, it was estimated that he was about one year old when he arrived at the Zoo in December 1949, which would make him at least 60 years old. Most gibbons do not live past 40.’

‘He was a feisty ape, named for his tendency to bite. He arrived at Wellington Zoo in December 1949 along with a lemur, a sun bear, eight monkeys and another gibbon.’

ENDS