The Veteran & handsome Chimpanzee “Wali” died at early hours today.
ENARADA, Mysore, Aug 6,2013:
According to zoo executive director B P Rai, the animal was not feeling well for the last fortnight due to old age related health conditions. “He was not interested in taking food and remained dull. Despite necessary treatment, the animal succumbed to quiet and peaceful death” Rai said .
“Wali” was born in Mysore Zoo to the parents “Max” and “Meena ” on 1.12.1962, and he was 52 years old.
At his birth, his mother refused feed him and hence it was hand reared from its childhood. He was more close to the keepers and Zoo staff rather than other Chimpanzees. He was remained alone without mixing with other mates and he was fondly called Zoo “Bheeshma” for living a solitary life. However in his last days he was friendly and comfortable with female Chimpanzee Ganga who is 58 years old.
There were two younger brothers of wali namely “Kapil” and “Sugreev”. Kapil was born on the day of victory of the world cup by Indian Cricket team led by captain “Kapil Dev” on 25th June 1983, hence the Chimp was named as “Kapil”. Later “kapil” was spared to Baroda Zoo on animal exchange and it is learnt he died some 15 years back. “Sugreeva” died in the Zoo due to gastro enteritis in the year 1985-86.
Mysore Zoo has left with Guru, Ganga, Mirella and Mason chimpanzees. Two males and one female Chimps are expected to join them from Singapore Zoological Gardens.
